[pct-l] Jardine and the Backpack Hip Belt

[Sym Blanchard]

I just read Ray Jardine's opinion of backpack hip belts on page 44 of his
book *Trail LIfe*.

He reckons that the hip belt constrains spine motion, and therefore
increases one's chance of injury from falling. "Crunch!" he says.

Last September, I had fallen while hiking the PCT, breaking my ankle and
shoulder.  I figured I need to get trekking poles (which I hate), ditch my
umbrella (which I love), and buy high top hiking shoes (which I hate).

Now I am rethinking my strategy.  My base pack weight is about 8-1/2 pounds
so I can cut off my hip belt, but the weight still seems tiresome on my
shoulders (especially when fully loaded with food and water).

I am thinking about working out more at the gym to build up my shoulders and
then carrying the pack on alternate shoulders (a la Jardine).

Anyone else have this experience or have thoughts on this strategy?

Thanks in Advance,
Symbiosis