Below are helpful tips to insure you know how to safely use your backpack in order to promote spinal health.

Step 1: Choose Right
Choosing the right size backpack is the most important step to safe backpack use.
Tip: Bring a friend to help you measure your backpack properly.

Step 2: Pack Right
The maximum weight of the loaded backpack should not exceed 15 % of your body weight, so pack only what is needed.
Tip: If the backpack forces the wearer to move forward to carry, it's overloaded.

Step 3: Lift Right
Face the Pack -Bend at the Knees - Use both hands and check the weight of the pack. - Lift with the legs - Apply one shoulder strap and then the other.
Tip: Don't sling the backpack onto one shoulder.

Step 4: Wear Right
Use both shoulder straps - snug, but not too tight.
Tip: When the backpack has a waist strap - use it.