[pct-l] packs: comfort vs weight: Why packs work

[reynolds@iLAN.com (Reynolds, WT)]

You do recall that I presented an easton aluminum based pack in the 2001
ADZPCTKO gear contest. You disqualified it I recall. Although the frame was
inside the pack pag [making it an internal frame pack], in actuality the
pack acted like an external frame pack, much like a Kelty Tioga. No padding
was needed to keep the load isolated from the back.  In our analysis,
however, the easton tubing is not strong enough to create a horizonal swing
arm. I am still working on that.

-----Original Message-----
From: Bighummel@aol.com [mailto:Bighummel@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, June 24, 2002 9:11 AM
To: reynolds@ilan.com; dude@fastmail.ca; pct-l@backcountry.net
Subject: Re: [pct-l] packs: comfort vs weight: Why packs work


Brain storming on pack design:

Has anyone attempted to make an external frame pack using the slender (1/4
inch) diameter Easton aluminum tent pole material?  A method of bending the
poles and attaching the pack bag would have to be worked out (I don't
suppose too difficult).  It just seems that a heavy gauge or larger diameter
aluminum frame is not required when the Easton poles have sufficient
strength to handle the range of typical low weight loads.  I keep looking at
the heavy, large diameter frame of my old Tioga and questioning the need for
it when proper design using lighter weight, slender diameter materials could
work better.

I continue to like the idea of an external frame pack for ventilation and
complete load support.  However, the oxymoron of an external frame having to
be padded to protect it from the body seems to be wasteful in weight when
that is designed into the internal frame packs already.  

I'm working on the concept of a bamboo, hourglass shape, external frame
pack.  The hourglass shape is made by crossing the vertical stays at the
lumbar area.  The shape comes from the idea of the lumbar flexible plastic
frames like the North Face "Back Magic" of the late 1970s -- early 1980s.
Bamboo because it is the lightest weight, strongest, most flexible natural
material that happens to be growing in my backyard!  I keep meaning to dig
it up and get rid of it, but the material is so intriguing in that it keeps
bugging me to find new uses for it.  I know that steaming and bracing the
bamboo can form it into the shape of my spine and hips.   

Greg

"Salvitur Ambulando"
(walking solves all things)
St. Augustine




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