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Full-Text Articles in Health Psychology
Effects Of Pack Weight On Endurance Of Long-Distance Hikers, Anthony T. Thomas
Effects Of Pack Weight On Endurance Of Long-Distance Hikers, Anthony T. Thomas
Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses
Hikers attempting long-distance trails, like the Appalachian Trail, load their backpacks down with gear that may exceed ideal limits on pack weight. Hikers pack clothing to deal with changing weather conditions, sleeping bags, tents, tarps, cooking gear, food, water and other accessories to compensate for the lack of comfort in the remote wilderness. These heavy weights may affect hikers' ability to walk in comfort and result in physical injuries such as ankle sprains, knee pain, muscular fatigue, and soft tissue damage. Heavy pack weights can cause injuries and possibly prevent hikers from completing long distance hikes.
This study evaluated pack …