I hope that you are getting appropriate medical care and, most importantly, physical therapy. Before buying either a backpack or a briefcase on wheels, discuss this with your physical therapist. I can’t use a briefcase with wheels (due to another injury), but I can carry a backpack. My physical therapist had me bring in my packs, and he fitted them.

Would a briefcase on wheels work for you? I know several students with back problems who swear by them. I understand that they’re a lot easier on ones back than a backpack. Many department stores (such as Target, Kohls, Sears, etc) , college book stores, hardware stores that cater to students, office supply stores (such as Staples) and outdoor outfitters sell them. It’s a lot easier to find this sort of briefcase than it is to find a really good backpack. It’s very easy to overload them, and people do. They are about 50 percent heavier than backpacks and can be quite a problem to shoulder.

If you are going to get a backpack, get one designed to handle at least a 15 pound load. Your pack must have a frame, a hip belt, shoulder straps, a chest strap and a means to compress the load. The hip belt helps transfer the weight into your hips, protecting your lower back. The chest strap keeps the shoulder straps in place and helps keep the load snug against your back. When you get your pack, make sure you have an expert pack fitter fit you and show you how to put it on, properly load it and take it off. I like packs that have a compartment for a water bladder. When it’s hot and I’m out and about, I like the fact that I always have a drink with me.

I swear by Osprey backpacks. I’ve owned four of them and they all are still in service. (Thanks to my physical therapist, my frame size changed and I had to buy new packs.) I beat the living daylights out of my packs, and my Osprey packs have held up nicely, showing little wear. I currently own an Atmos 35 (which I also use as a day pack) and a Crescent 110 expedition pack. I have owned a small Eclipse day pack (it’s discontinued) and a Luna 90 expedition pack. I really like my Atmos; it’s just the right size to haul books, papers, groceries, gear, etc. It has great ventilation–it uses a frame with a mesh trampoline like suspension that keeps you cool. Osprey has other small technical backpacks with great ventilation–you should be able to find a pack that’s the right size and comfortable. Used Osprey packs can be good deals, particularly those made when manufacturing was done in Colorado (it’s now done in Viet Nam–and they do a good job).

Arc’teryx makes packs that are every bit as good as Osprey packs. Their packs have a similar ventilation system to the Osprey packs (Osprey copied Arc’teryx). There are subtle differences in sizing and fit between Osprey and Arc’teryx packs, and you might find that one company’s packs fit better than the other. Again, don’t bother with their urban/day packs; they don’t have the safety features you need.

Alot of people like Gregory packs. Gregory packs are generally cheaper than Osprey or Arc’teryx packs. My experience is that Gregory packs are not nearly as rugged as Arc’teryx of Osprey packs. Gregory packs are carried by the large chain outfitters (such as REI and Eastern Mountain Sports), so finding a dealer is not as much of a challenge. You should be able to find an appropriate pack in their “Fast and Light” series.

I’m not familiar with Mountain Hardwear packs. I carry a Mountain Hardwear Thru-Hiker tent and I wear their clothes. I’ve been happy with the quality of their gear. Last year, when I purchased a Mountain Hardwear shell, the outfitter warned me that they starting to cutting corners with their clothes.

I have not had good experience with The North Face. I’ve seen manufacturing problems with their gear. The outfitter I trust does not carry them.

Don’t bother with GoLite packs. These packs are designed for ultralight backpackers, and I’m afraid that the company has cut way too many corners.

If you are going to buy a pack, *please* use an honest-to-goodness outfitter. When I bought the Luna 90, I made the *big* mistake buying the pack through mail order. Yes, I saved a bundle, but I had a devil of a time adjusting the pack so it fit well under load. It would have taken an expert pack fitter under fifteen minutes to get that pack to really fit.

As for places to buy a pack, I prefer to use a small business. Just because it’s a small business does not necessarily mean that the prices are unreasonable. Also, a small business is more likely to remember you and is more likely to repair gear (or know who does). If they know you, they might tell you about unadvertised deals or locate discontinued or gently used gear. The small outfitter I really like tests the gear before they stock it and they ask for customer feedback (and pass-on warnings).

Don’t go to a general sporting goods store, and particularly a national chain. It’s rare to find an employee in such a store that really knows backpacks and how to fit them.

National chaian outfitters, such as REI and Eastern Mountain Sports generally have at least one person who is a knowledgeable pack fitter. The chains rarely carry the complete lines of the higher-end manufacturers. This means that you might not be able to try on the pack that you think would work and the staff might not be familiar with how to fit you.

Unless you *really* know what you are doing, don’t use mail-order. The mail order company really won’t be able to help you properly choose a pack and see that is properly sized and fitted.

Expect to pay at least 80 dollars for properly made backpack.

As for the sweating – take a towel and a spare shirt with you and change in the bathroom when you get in, or take your shower at work. There’s really no good way to deal with that problem when it’s hot and humid.

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So if you are someone who thinks you will always have back pain and that’s just they way it is…eventually, you are going to have to change your mind about that. And the sooner…the better.

Once you have back problems, you will have them for life.

Good luck in school and with your back.