Calling all walkers / hikers! After mastectomy and complete lymph node clearance and dreaded arrival lymphedema, is there a rucksack designed to hep

Hi Sepharda , I can’t recommend a rucksack but wondered if you’ve contacted the Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN)? They might have some suggestions. Also, re the lympheodema…. I’m assuming yours is in your arm, as a result of lymph node removal? Mine is in my treated breast and is probably a side effect from my radiotherapy. It was recommended to me by the lympheodema nurse, that I take up Nordic walking - it improved things a lot and I’m still doing it 5 years later! I don’t know if it might help with arm lympheodema and obviously I’m not medical, but could be worth asking? 
Even with just lymph node sampling, I wasn’t comfortable wearing a rucksack for many months. I use a bum bag when I’m Nordic walking and it holds a small water bottle. But wouldn’t be enough for a 25 mile walk! I love walking, it’s my sanity saver, but I’m not quite at your level. 
Hope you get some helpful replies here and maybe from the LSN. Love and hugs, HFxx 

Hi I have had the same problem and found rucksack strap and seatbelt cushions on amazon.... quite a few options.  Still finding it difficult and couldn't find any rucksack I could wear without this. Hope this helps?

I am also trying nordic walking and it's fun!

Hi Sepharda, I'm really interested in your query as I too live for my long escape walks (I disappear for days) and am horrified at the idea I may not be able to carry my home on my back again.  Even my job requires the carrying of a day-pack occasionally.  I am 15 weeks post-surgery after a wide local excision and lymph node removal.  Over the summer I used a small pack that strapped to my thigh (from Amazon), plus a bum-bag, but even if I doubled the thigh packs I would only be able to carry the minimum for a day hike in good weather.  I tried a very light day backpack a couple of days ago for a 10 miler, but am aware of some discomfort now around my scars.  Hopefully for me I just need to give it time.  Have you had any joy with sourcing any more suitable equipment?

YES, THAM IS NO GOOD FOR REAL JHIKES IN ROUGH TERRAIN AND BAD WEATHER.

I have found a proper rucksack- specially adapted for those with mastectomy/lymphedema- no shoulder strap one side- It is manufactured in Barcelona: called Woman's Back. It is not, available via Montane despite th e misleading adverts on the net. You have to get it from the manufacturers. Not easy thanks to brexit.

You can get one strap rucksacks. Just do an online search.