Jeff Liebermann wrote:
On Sat, 27 Sep 2014 14:15:06 -0700, Joerg
wrote:

Tried in a European NG but no luck so far. I get a nasty-looking red
skin rash on my shoulders and upper chest where the main carrying straps
of by hydration pack run along. I generally cycle in a thin T-shirt
because I can't take anything other than cotton. Gets totally sweaty, of
course. The backpack is a Zefal hydration pack and weighs about 12lbs at
the start of a ride, about 6lbs at the end after most water is consumed.
The rides are usually 3-4h long, sometimes strenuous and on rough
offroad terrain so the backpack jumps a lot.

Thick cotton layers over the straps didn't help much. Does anyone else
have that problem? Any ideas what to do?

http://usa.zefal.com/hydrationpacks/


I have the blue 2L version.


What are the straps and pads made from? Rubber? Latex? Polyester?
Leather? There should be a tag with washing instructions somewhere.


There is no tag but it feels like the material that modern duffel bags
are made from and between the outer material and the mesh there is some
sort of foam to buffer the load.

I kept the glossy cardboard tag that came with it but it doesn't say
either. But ... good point, I could write to them and ask.


If the thick cotton wrap gets soaked with perspiration, then there
might be something soluble in the straps that is producing an allergic
reaction. To give the pads some liquid isolation, try trapping the
pads in cellophane wrap and then bury them under a layer of thick
cotton.


That is a good idea. It should show whether the problem is allergic or
abrasion.


Replace the padding on the straps with something made from
anti-allergy cotton. The web photos look like they can be removed
without much surgery.


The big straps would require serious surgery at the top. They hold the
bag and are impressively sturdy. Like a safety belt. This backpack was
once snagged by a thick Manzanita branch and it pulled me clear off the
bike at around 20mph. Ok, I shouldn't have gone 20mph on that trail section.


I had some allergy like rashes from my hiking backpack pads because I
used too much laundry detergent for cleaning, and didn't rinse it
sufficiently. The problem went away after a thorough rise in very hot
water.


I tried that, didn't help.


Perhaps dust mites in the strap padding?


That I would seriously doubt.


Get an all cotton baby carrier:
http://www.amazon.com/Carrier-Comfort-Backpack-Fashion-Adjustable/dp/B00EY8PV1W
Turn it around backwards, hang it on your back, insert water bag, add
plumbing, and you're done.


This sort of all cotton would shred within very few rides. I often go on
trails that are overgrown. So my backpack, my clothing and unfortunately
my arms and legs get scraped like the sides of well-worn offroad
vehicles. But the straps might work.


If you can run a sewing machine, make your own cotton straps and
padded covers.


I have cotton padding on the straps right now it but doesn't help much.


Some cheap remedies:
http://www.active.com/cycling/articles/home-remedies-for-saddle-sores-and-chamois-rash


Thanks, got it bookmarked. Currently I am using Aloe Vera Cool & Fresh
creme from CVS.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/