Load distribution systems and load carrying equipment

A method of fitting a load carrying and force distributing device to a limb of the person, the load carrying and force distributing device comprising a first support member, a second support member, and first, second, and third elongated members that each couple to the first support member and to the second support member, the method comprising the steps of:

• selecting the first support member and the second support member to fit around a first portion and a second portion of the limb, respectively, wherein the first portion has a first dimension and the second portion has a second dimension;
• selecting a length of the first, second, and third elongated compression members that extends between the first portion and the second portion of the limb;
• placing the first support member around the first portion of the limb;
• placing the second support member around the second portion of the limb;
• coupling each of the first, second, and third elongated compression members with the first and second support members at locations that are circumferentially spaced around the user's limb, wherein each space between the first, second, and third elongated compression members comprises a relief area;
• and
• adjusting a distance of the first, second, and third elongated compression members from a bone in the limb so as to compress soft tissue against the bone and reduce motion of the bone towards a wall of the load carrying and force distributing device.

A load carrying and force distributing device to be worn on a user's limb having soft tissue and a bone structure, comprising:

• a first support member;
• a plurality of elongated compression members including a first elongated compression member, a second elongated compression member, and a third elongated compression member;
• wherein each of the first, second, and third elongated compression members couples with the first support member at locations that are circumferentially spaced around the user's limb;
• wherein each space between the first, second, and third elongated compression members comprises a relief area;
• wherein the first support member and the first, second, and third elongated compression members are sized and dimensioned to compress the soft tissue against the bone structure to thereby reduce motion of the bone structure towards a wall of the load carrying and force distributing device.