Oh my aching back!

[Andy]

My fishing vest weighs 9 pounds combat loaded, and with landing net and rain parka. Everything I carry I consider essential to my convenience and success on the several rivers I fish. Everything is the lightest weight version of that product. This takes a toll on my back. Looked into the sling packs but didn't like them.

I've used the Simms back support until recently. Stopped using it because it pinched the nerve in my back and I felt numbness in my left leg. The fabric full back support from RiteAide irritated my skin and was uncomfortable. I am now wearing a heavy-duty athletic supporter with some success but there's no support to the upper portion of my back just below the shoulder blades.

Trout fishing isn't supposed to be an strenuous sport requiring even an athletic supporter. Besides, it's somewhat inconvenient each time I have to take a leak. Has anyone experiencing back problems found a better form of back support without eliminating the vest completely?

 

[WBDluver]

Sometimes its not the vest, standing on uneven river rock does not help your spine. Also ones stomach muscles (or lack of) play a large part in supporting the back. Your post now has me going upstairs to weigh my vest

 

[lightenup]

Minimize....my fish pond sling pack weighs next to nothing,( two small grey's fly boxes, some tippet, anda pair of forceps, I have a ghost net hanging off it, and the only time my back hurts is when I stand on un-even rocks like WBD said....I thought athletic supporters were for some thing other than your back...no?

 

[GARYB]

Vicodin............one before and one after, lol

 

[JeffK]

From my experience with bad backs and problem arches physical therapy is the answer. Have a pro look at your condition and set out an excercise program. Friends' advise, internet rants, and self help never helped me. Spending face time with a licensed physical therapist and/or doctor - and a couple of months of excercise - did.

 

[Trout Guy]

From my experience with bad backs and problem arches physical therapy is the answer. Have a pro look at your condition and set out an excercise program. Friends' advise, internet rants, and self help never helped me. Spending face time with a licensed physical therapist and/or doctor - and a couple of months of excercise - did.

Very true jeff. Ever since i got a bit of a beer belly and lost my core, ive had back problems. Sucks because i can barely ride my quad the way i used to anymore...

Chiropractors are a fucking joke and should never be trusted.. Go to the Doc and see what he/she has to say.

More often than not its a soft core.