Posted By Ian Harper useless information, but I remeber a BBC documentary or news story on the issue of the issue of women and handbags! All I can remember is the the phenominal weight of 6 kg being the point on the scale where there was a drastic increase in problems. But the main point was the phenomanal amount of time that women hold onto these weights and the individuals they were interviewing were all shapes, sizes and age. I would concentrate on the individuals capability and the amount of time that these things are in use. What are you doing to these poor souls? I have a rucksack myself and use was improved by reading the suppliers instructions on how to pack it, putting it on properly and then adjustment in use.

Posted By Lance Morgan There was written guidance issued on this but I can't recall whether it was The National Back Exchange or the HSE. Try the National Back Exchange Website on www.backpain.org/index.htm