Types of Lumbar Packs

Choices

• Lumbar packs range from very small, simple packs, designed to hold a few essential items, to larger elaborate packs that can be used to carry many of the supplies and gear you may need quick and easy access to during a camping or hiking trip. There are also many different types of material from which a lumbar pack can be made. Lumbar packs designed for more rugged outdoor activities might be made from a waterproof nylon material. A lumbar pack intended to be more stylish, for everyday use, might be made from leather, suede or cloth. Green-conscious consumers can find many lumbar packs manufactured out of recycled materials.

Not Just a Fanny Pack

• Lumbar packs are not new; they have been around for many years and are used quite often in the hiking and camping communities. Many people are more familiar with the once-trendy fanny pack; however, lumbar packs have evolved a great deal. Some lumbar packs have many different storage pouches and pockets along the sides and within the interior main compartment. Many have mesh side pockets, which are ideal for holding water bottles. Other lumbar packs are designed with special compartments to hold drinking water for long hikes. The drinking water is enclosed in a separate hydration chamber within the lumbar pack and is accessed through a tube that functions as a straw.

Easily Accessible Storage

• Camping, biking and hiking trips are a great way to experience nature firsthand. If you are planning an outdoor excursion, you will find that there are quite a few items you will need to carry along on the trip. Essentials can include emergency supplies, sightseeing items, tools and safety items. There are lumbar packs designed to efficiently carry all of these items.

  One of the real benefits of using a lumbar pack is that you can keep your valuables close by. A small lumbar pack for everyday use when moving through the city is a safe alternative to a purse or backpack. Many smaller lumbar packs are designed for urban use. They have internal compartments for your cell phone, sunglasses, keys and other items you need to carry. Wearing the lumbar pack around your waist and positioned in front of you ensures a clear line of vision between you and your belongings at all times.

How to Wear a Lumbar Pack

• One of the biggest mistakes people make with carrying a lumbar pack is that they do not fasten it correctly. When attaching the waist belt, make sure it is secure and snug to your body but not uncomfortably tight. The weight of a lumbar pack, when worn properly, is designed to rest on your hips, not your back. A loose or sagging lumbar pack will put an unnecessary strain on your lower back muscles.

  It is also important to distribute the weight in your lumbar pack evenly. Some larger lumbar packs have, in addition to the waist strap, an optional shoulder strap. The shoulder strap can be used to help distribute the weight of the pack. A lumbar pack can give your back a break by being ergonomically friendly.