Belly Bands

* There’s a simple solution to “backpack backaches” (Sept. 8). It’s called a belly band. This places the weight of the backpack on the hips and legs. The shoulders then only provide balance for the weight. I was a Girl Scout leader and also did a lot of backpacking with my family. With my old Kelty pack and a belly band I was able to carry 20% of my weight quite comfortably. As for carrying the weight low--bad move! I always carried the weight high for comfort and undid the belly band to lower the center of gravity when I needed better balance to cross a stream.

My advice to parents: Go to a good camping outfitter store and get a well-designed day pack with a belly band.

MARY ST. MARTIN

Pomona