Wearing the Pack

• How the shoulder pack is worn on the body is the primary indicator of whether you’ll have a problem or not. For optimum comfort and safety, both shoulder straps should be used when you’re carrying the pack. The straps should be centered on the shoulders so that the pack is balanced and in the middle of your back. Tighten the straps so the shoulder pack rests above the waistline and doesn’t sag down low. Avoid wearing a shoulder pack on just one shoulder because this can pull the muscles of the upper back and shoulders out of balance and cause injury.
  
  

Choosing the Right Pack

• Not all shoulder packs are created equal, and choosing the right one for your needs or your child’s needs will help reduce the likelihood of discomfort or injury. Look for a pack that is made of lightweight material and that has thick, padded carrying straps. The shoulder pack must also fit the user's body properly. Try it on in the store and tighten the shoulder straps to ensure it doesn’t hang down too low. If it seems too big, try a smaller size until you find one that fits correctly.
  
  

Loading the Pack

• The weight of many shoulder packs is what causes muscle strain. While it isn’t realistic to walk around with an empty pack, you can load it in a way that is less harmful. Lay out everything you want to put into the pack so you can see what you have to work with. Position the heaviest items, such as textbooks, at the bottom of the main compartment. Try to space them evenly along the bottom. Add lighter items on top and try to fill as many of the smaller compartments and pockets as possible so that the overall weight is distributed equally.
  
  

Considerations

• For kids, it’s advisable to stuff a shoulder pack with no more than 10 to 15 percent of the child's body weight. That would mean a maximum of 15 pounds for a 100-pound child. Carrying a pack that is too heavy can result in shoulder, neck and back pain and may lead to posture problems if it is a regular occurrence. Sling-style packs or packs that are pulled around on wheels like luggage are suitable alternatives to a regular shoulder pack.