[pct-l] Preliminary Report - Dixon Roller Pack

[Tortoise]

I'm waiting for field test results on an actual trip over rough trail. 
partially snow covered trail. And over a snow bound pass.

Tortoise

<> He who finishes last, wins! <>



Hiker97 wrote:
> Yes, it is Switchback cheating death once again.  I am back from the copious amount of fun down in the San Diego area.  Pine Valley and Warner Springs Ranch were great.  We went out to the PCT monument and took pictures, etc.  I think every year at the April Kickoff they should have a group to fix up this monument.  Some folks with wood working skills.  There is no reason it should not be in good shape.  It needs paint and wood repair.  A real shame.
>
> Anyway, the big news is that I got the Dixon Roller Pack.  Go to dixonrollerpack.com to see it.  I got it without the nylon pack, since I had a Luxurylite.com pack and frame I could attached to it.  No problem.  Also, I could not buy the ski attachment, since he had only one available and that was for a show coming up.  Here are some particulars:
> 1.  Cost without pack = $265.  With the pack = $295.  Ski attachment = $45.
> 2.  Follows you around like a little puppy.  To make sharp turns you need to walk a little wider.  Like around trail switchbacks.
> 3.  I went to the park to test it out.  Easy to go up hills and down hills.  It is different to walk, but not much.  Really takes the load off your body.  I think all you have to do is use it to get use to it.
> 4.  I put some tape around the screws in the frame to make sure they did not come out.  I also added some gray pipe installation foam to the bottom tube to better protect it from rocks.  It is the same stuff I use on my World Famous Hands Free Umbrella Holder.
> 5.  Your legs do not hit it and your hands are free to use walking poles.  The shoulder strap and hip belt do a nice job of holding the cart to your body.
> 6.  Bob Dixon said he had done across the Grand Canyon, Mt. Whitney, some PCT, etc., with it.  Rangers have never given him a problem.  Mostly they just say, "Nice rig," and ask a few questions.
> 7.  You can use it for carrying a bear canister too.  The secret to packing it, is to keep the weight low near the wheel.
> 8.  I added some pads for the shoulder straps to make them more comfortable.
> 9.  To put it on is really simple.  You just lay it on the ground and face it.  Lift up the left shoulder strap with your right hand and put your left hand through and grab the hip belt.  Now raise it up and slip the left shoulder strap over the left shoulder.  Then the right shoulder strap over the right shoulder.  Then fasten the hip belt.  No problem.  Reverse to take off.
> 10.  I might add some pouches to the hip belt.  Also, I am going to experiment with some water containers.  I am thinking may be a bladder with a tube coming up over my shoulder from the cart.
> 11.  If you have back, knee or leg problems, this will definitely help.
> 12.  Plus, as you walk along the trail, it smoothes it out with the wheel.  It repairs hoof prints and hiker boot prints.  You can claim PCTA trail maintenance hours while hiking.  Neat.
>
> Anyway, this is something you have to get use to, but seems rather simple.  When you see it you know a lot of thought went into making it.  I think if you practice with it a little, it should be no problem on the trail.  I will bring it to the April Kickoff to let people walk around with it.  I plan to be the first person to thru hike the PCT with it in 2012.
>
> I nominate Dr. Can'tQuit and Dr. Pieces to do a scientific experiment with it.  Pieces is a retired PhD in physics and Can'tQuit just got her PhD in English Literature.  They are perfect to see how much effort is saved with this device on the trail with all sorts of scientific instruments.  Then Dr. Can'tQuit can write up the results for Backpacker Magazine.  Neat.
>
> Cheers, Switchback the Trail Pirate
> The Roller Ball
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