Backpacking in rugged terrain with a heavy backpack can cause excess stress on your shoulders. The backpack is the foundation of your gear and must be able to comfortably carry heavy loads. Most backpacks have shoulder pads that can adjust to fit your body size, but the best shoulder pads are also constructed of comfortable, lightweight and breathable material.
Kelty Red Cloud 5000
According to Galt Tech, the Kelty Red Cloud 5000 has an adjustable suspension system and padded shoulder straps for a comfortable hike with a full pack. The Red Cloud 5000 comes in a female-specific model and can be adjusted to fit torsos measuring between 12 and 17 inches. Even though the Red Cloud weighs only six pounds, it can comfortably carry all your gear for a weekend backpacking trip. Additional features on the Red Cloud include a top lid that doubles as a fanny pack and top and front panel loading.
Wild Things AT
With contoured shoulder pads and load lifter straps, the Wild Things AT backpack can be adjusted to comfortably shift the load. Will Rietveld from BackpackingLight.com says the shoulder pads on the Wild Things AT comfortably carry your load through extreme weather conditions. The weight-carrying capacity is a result of the shoulder pads, stiff back pad and attached hip belt. Along with comfortable shoulder pads, the Wild Things AT is durable with triple-stitched webbing and reinforced attachment points to haul extra gear and equipment.
Osprey Atmos 50
One of the major reasons the Osprey Atmos 50 won the 2005 Gear of the Year Award from "Outside" magazine was the ventilated perforated waffle padding in the shoulder pads. The Atmos 50 also features the same comfortable material in the hip belt and can be ventilated thermoformed to fit your individual body type. This design allows the pack to provide better support and improved comfort while backpacking on extended trips. Other features on the Atmos 50 include an internal hydration sleeve, zippered mesh pockets and removable sleeping pad straps.
Gregory Baltoro 70
According to "Backpacker" magazine, the Gregory Baltoro 70 backpack is an ultra-comfortable pack that can carry big loads. The ultra-comfortable fit is a result of a shoulder harness designed to accept interchangeable suspension parts for a customized fit. This interchangeable system automatically adjusts to the angles of your body while on the trail for a smooth load transfer over rugged terrain. Additional features include a hydration sleeve, extra pockets and adjustable torso length.
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