Bands Back bands serve several purposes. They distribute the weight evenly, keep the pack frame and hard objects within the pack bag away from your back and may allow some circulation of air for cooler hiking. Back bands should be adjustable. Some use a cord or lace while others use a turnbuckle arrangement. The prime disadvantage to the turnbuckle is difficulty in making temporary repairs on the trail.
Back bands come in three varieties-padded, mesh and nylon fabric.
The mesh back band allows for better air circulation but no one type seems more comfortable. An important development for carrying a load on your back is the addition of the hip belt. In a study conducted at Western Kentucky University, it was found that the use of a hip belt reduced fatigue. In fact, the longer the exertion, the more valuable the hip belt proved to be. The test involved ten men and five women.