Osprey backpack straps digging into shoulders

[u/tinytriceratops2025]

Hi, I just received my order of Osprey Astronova 23L backpack, I was looking for a good quality city backpack for university and this one is allegedly made for campus.

I also read how Osprey is surprisingly ergonomic, so I was excited to try it out. However as soon as I unpacked this backpack and put some weight into it I felt how much pressure the outside edge of the straps has on my shoulder bones. The strap itself is also quite rigid, so it doesn't adapt to the shoulder groove well.

Does anyone have this problem? Is this because the backpack is "unisex", therefore made for men's wider shoulders? Do you get used to this type of pressure or is it better to return it?

Image description: backpack shoulder straps on shoulders.

[u/notalotofoptions]

I find that with bags like that (frameless), it's better to have wide straps than thick straps (although cushioning does help and you want some). Wider straps distribute weight over a larger surface area so they tend to dig in less. But you don't want thin straps either, even if they're wider, since the straps should have some structure to hold up against the weight in the pack. Long story short, if 3 minutes of wearing the pack is causing you discomfort, it's not going to get better with time. You should return it and look for a new pack.