BackTpack BackTpack 4 Quick guide

Fit and Use Instructions for BackTpack 4
BackTpack is a therapeutic system, designed by a physical therapist to improve habits of posture and
body mechanics. This requires changing ingrained habits. BackTpack must be fit correctly and its unique
features understood for proper function and benefit. The goal is to have your best posture, especially
when carrying a load. BackTpack will not do it for you but will allow and facilitate this optimal posture.
Adjust Shoulder Straps (f) so that tops of bags are near your
elbows. Bags should hang straight and loosely at sides.
Adjust desired hip width using
the Adjuster (e-1) at back of
the Hip-Loading Belt (e). Do
this by tipping the Adjuster to
90 degrees from webbing and
slide Hip-Loading Belt to the
desired position.
f
e#1
e
e
e#1

Load bags evenly with flat items, similar to the weight you are accustomed to carrying.
Put on like a vest, with embroidered label on the outside of the
back panel. If heavily loaded, place the bag on a chair or bench
and sit down within it to put it on, one shoulder at a time. Make
sure that the straps are not twisted.
Stand as tall as possible, heart high,
head high making the body like a tall
“T”, shoulders relaxed. Adjust and
fasten Sternal Strap at upper- to
mid-chest.

Stand and adjust shoulder straps so that
they are even, with tops of the bags near
elbows so you can get into them easily. If
the contents are bulky you can use bag as
an armrest, hands comfortably gripping
shoulder straps.
Fasten Lap Strap (d) loosely. This IS NOT a hip-loading
belt.
d

The Lap Strap is for load transfer onto
thighs when sitting in an armless chair or
when squatting to pick something up, etc.
If you wish to use the Hip-Loading Belt
(e), adjust for your size at its front buckle.
This photo shows the two different straps.
The Hip-Loading Belt is the higher belt
(e) that fastens around your waist. The
lower, wider, Lap-Strap (d) is only at the
front of the two bags and is used to
transfer the load to your thighs when you
sit down. !
e
e
d

Sit in an armless chair with the bags on either side of the
chair, Lap Strap loosely fastened so that bags hang to sides
for access (Hip-loading Belt not fastened). While sitting tall
and shoulder straps on, make sure all the weight has
transferred onto Lap Strap across lap. If you still feel
weight on your shoulders while sitting tall, lengthen the
Shoulder Straps until you feel all the weight onto your lap
without a lot of slack in the shoulder straps. This is the
correct length.
Next unbuckle the Lap Strap and see why it is such an
important feature for sitting in an armless chair!

Fasten the Lap Strap again and remove the shoulder straps
to experience the freedom and convenience of being able to
access contents while sitting, and without spinal loading.
This unloading system while sitting is an extremely important
health feature of BackTpack
Be sure to put the shoulder straps back on again before
getting up!!

If you have pain with any loading, spinal deformity,
recent injury or surgery, or are planning to carry a
heavy load for long distance, we recommend using
the Hip-Loading Belt. Adjust the Front Buckle
(e-2) to fit the belt to your waist or where you are
most comfortable. Then fasten the Hip-Loading
Belt to take some or all of the weight off of your
shoulders and spine. The Hip-Loading Belt should
not be used with prolonged sitting due to abdominal
compression. Use the Lap Strap when sitting. The
Hip-Loading Belt may be stowed away when not in
use.
We hope you enjoy your BackTpack!
If you would like to contact us, please email [email protected], or call 503-365-7554
e#2
Special Needs Computers
T: 1-877-724-4922
E: [email protected]
Now available in Canada