BackTpack Testimonials: Special Needs

The unique design of the BackTpack distributes the weight of the contents perfectly between the shoulders and pelvis. Unlike other backpacks which can place their weight on the upper back or unevenly on the torso, the BackTpack facilitates upright posture of the user and supports ease of movement. It is highly recommended for people who have back or posture issues due to low muscle tone.

I like the BackTpack because it feels good to wear it. I love it! I love all the compartments, the color, the way it feels, the water bottle holder. With my low vision, the yellow is really bright against the purple and I get compliments on it all the time. I like the comfort, especially the padded straps. No matter how much weight you have, it still feels okay. Oh! And I can hold my cup of coffee and have an extra hand free too!

I got your product from someone who had bought a number to resell. I’ve had it since mid June and have to say that it’s an incredible product!
I have arthritis and deteriorative disk disease in my neck and upper spine, C6 through T4. This came about as a result of carrying heavy computer bags and other equipment improperly. This pack allows me to carry all of my stuff easily and end the day with little to no pain at all. Any pain is a result of other activities. I’ve taken the pack to trade shows where I am carrying equipment, at times heavy equipment, in it and have had no issues with my neck and upper spine as a result.
I love the many compartments too! I’ve received zillions of comments when I fly about this pack from flight crews. Now I know where to tell them to get it!  I also work with a guide dog, this means that not every pack is going to work because in my left hand, I hold the harness handle. I’m sure you have heard from many guide dog handlers about the problems we have with our necks, shoulders and so forth, and finding a proper bag that looks good and works well is hard. Well, I know I’ve found my carrying system in your product!
Thanks for doing such a great job with it.

This product is amazing! I have been looking for something like this since I became a white cane user over four years ago. As a blind/visually impaired person, our hands are already occupied with our guide dog and/or white cane. We have to bend a lot to care for our dogs who are our eyes as well as use our hands to “see” things. A purse or traditional backpack is such a hazard for your back and at greater risk of theft. They are also a nuisance, sliding off your shoulder when you bend over. To be able to carry all you need at your sides and bend and stretch in active ways while being safe and convenient is priceless. Carrying toys, treats, and water for my dog…while also carrying my wallet, iPad, iPhone, keys, spare hat/shades and water for me…no longer a hassle with BackTpack. I am truly amazed and thrilled with this product.

This product is amazing! I have been looking for something like this since I became a white cane user over four years ago. As a blind/visually impaired person, our hands are already occupied with our guide dog and/or white cane. We have to bend a lot to care for our dogs who are our eyes as well as use our hands to “see” things. A purse or traditional backpacks are such a hazard for your back and at greater risk of theft. They are also a nuisance, sliding off your shoulder when you bend over. To be able to carry all you need at your sides and bend and stretch in active ways while being safe and convenient is priceless. Carrying toys, treats, and water for my dog…while also carrying my wallet, iPad, iPhone, keys, spare hat/shades and water for me…no longer a hassle with BackTpack. I am truly amazed and thrilled with this product.

Both Alepo and I attended the 2018 California Council of the Blind conference and convention held on March 21st-26th, 2018 in Sacramento, California where I met Marilyn M von Foerster, PT who was promoting her BackTpack, which is actually “side-packs” that make carrying anything much easier for individuals, such as me.

This was especially helpful for me, as I hold my canine partners harness with my left-hand and his gentle leader in my right-hand, which makes carrying things very difficult for me. But, the BackTpack takes away any hurdles and carrying becomes, so easy to accomplish. They can be especially helpful to assistance dog teams.

You asked about my motivation behind the purchase of the BackTpack and it was really to try and reduce (and hopefully eliminate) pain and discomfort from my traditional backpack. I sing for a living, and so any undue stress or tension immediately manifests in my voice and affects my work. This is a big part of the reason that I choose to walk and use public transportation and rideshares like Uber or Lyft instead of driving. I think that spending so much time carrying my life around in a backpack was putting too much pressure on my scalenes and causing unnecessary upper back, neck and shoulder tightness. I was experiencing stiffness in my voice because of it, and once I realized the cause, I knew that I needed to find an alternative to my old JanSport. I’ve had my BackTpack for about a week now, and I’m already noticing more vocal freedom, less discomfort, and some bonus benefits as well! I find that I am much less fatigued after longer walks, and my lower back, hips and knees seem to be happier as well! In addition to the physical benefits, I’ve found the BackTpack to be a great conversation starter! Several people have shown interest at the church where I work, restaurants, and even just walking down the street. The BackTpack is a hit!

I completed my Animal Biology Degree at the University of Guelph. Normal backpacks put a lot of strain on my shoulders, neck and back which in turn inflamed my TMJ or temporal-mandibular joint disorder. I found the BTP4 helped fix my posture and reduce the strain on my neck and shoulders, which reduced the inflammation and pain in my jaw and also reduced the number of tension headaches from the TMJ. It was also much less painful on my shoulders when carrying a heavy backpack full of stuff.