Heavy bags = unhealthy spines

An orthopedic and sports medicine specialist says choose carefully if you’ve got a big load to lug:

 

Design is more important than you think. If you’re hauling a heavy load, look for a bag that carries most of the weight near your spine, or the center of your body, which means less stress, (Dr. Robert) Pedowitz says. His top recommendation is a dual-strap bag.
Messenger bags are OK if you carry most of the weight on your butt as opposed to one side. Large purses and bags that you carry on one shoulder or by hand are the worst offenders, Pedowitz says. “They can strain your hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder,” he says.

 

 I believe the magic number for normal- and small-framed people is around 15 pounds. Exceed that weight for long (on your shoulder) and you’re in for some real discomfort unless you have wheels or a real backpack with with a good suspension system. The story referenced above mentions college students who struggle with 20-pound laptop and messenger bags. Portable computers are indeed the chief offender these days; they always add 4-12 pounds. If you must travel with one you’ll be hard pressed to to keep your total carried weight much below 20 pounds. 

Comments

[MattM]

I'm always confused when I see reviews for one-bag products that are worn on the shoulder that praise the comfort of the bag. I think you may be right about the 15 pound mark being the right area for a non-backpack style bag but any bag that is a one-bag type solution is going to be large enough to carry more than 15 pounds, even without a laptop.

I understand that a backpack bag isn't suitable for business travel and the like, but I don't think you can rate any non-backpack as truly comfortable if it can carry anything the 20+ pound range, at least without putting into perspective.

[Sean]

Well, I decided to pick up the Osprey Porter 46. I have done some trial packing with it and I am excited to take it around the world.
My wife picked up the Jansport Weekaway pack in an exciting polka-dot pattern. It only has shoulder straps and no hip-belt and no compression straps outside of one inside the compartment. (http://jansport.com/js_product_detail.php?cid=51&pid=THC9) When she packs the bag, it looks quite large (even though it is carry-on sized), as well as when she puts it on her back, it sticks out a bit. I also asked her if she could walk 2 miles continuously with the bag on and it was a negative from her. So it is back to square one with her. As I stated in some earlier posts she would need something with a more technical back/straps/hip belt because she has some rods in her back that don't allow her to bend as easily (though she does have perfect posture) This being the case, a RS bag or something would not cut it. We are looking for some more help. TKS:-)
PS...Anyone have experience with the High Sierra Passport?