BACK SPEARS!

Maurice's Strategikon - Handbook of Byzantine military strategy c.a. 600 Book 1 Chapter 1 (Training and drilling the individual soldier) "...On horseback at a run he should shoot one or two arrows rapidly, the put the strung bow in its case... and then he should grab the spear which he has been carrying on his back... he should grab the spear in his hand, then quickly replace it on his back and grab the bow. It is a good idea for the soldiers to practice all this while mounted, on the march..." (translation G.T. Dennis) The Byzantine military was mounted cavalry armed with bow and lance. This was their standard military doctrine for several hundred years. So, yes, soldiers in the middle ages absolutely did wear spears strapped to their backs.

Bruce G. Hearns

even with ski/tent poles and getting snagged on underbrush hiking, yeah, "pointy end down" bad, lol. I especially agree with the simple loop around the shaft, that's at least adjustable for stabbing your self in the back of the ankle or higher up on the calf of your leg and eventually get it to the side enough to snag every short shrub on the side of the trail, lol. as good as a spear can be at doubling as a walking stick, to put that on your back is a significant "I don't need this" move, you clearly have other things to use for defense if ye needs it (dagger/short blade thing/sword in the belt, if you're not already holding your 'elven' bow, the loose rock you grabbed when climbing the cliff face oops, etc).

ZarconDeeGrissom

Very nice Shad. I don't doubt that spears were sometimes carried on the back. However carrying it point down I'd worry that I'd stab my foot or lower leg when running. Also the point has more chance of getting damaged hitting something I walk past. If I had to design a way to carry a spear on my back, I'd make a short scabbard (not much more than a solid sock) that would fit the butt of the spear, with a long strap that I can sling over my shoulder and a simple loop around the shaft.