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EXP 121 Backpacks and carrying systems. (carrying system features and …
EXP 121 Backpacks and carrying systems.
Packing a Pack
Keep the heaviest items against your back to minimize forward lean
The goal of a well packed backpack is to alter your center of gravity as little as possible
Use built in straps to pull the weight directly against your body
Cinching the hip straps to keep most of the weight on your hips rather than your shoulders
Keep most of the weight aligned with your spine to prevent the pack from swaying and pulling the wearer too far to the left or right
Keep items small items that you will frequently need like headlamps, First aid, 4 essentials, etc. near the top of the pack and quickly accessible to avoid having to dig through your pack constantly - MO
When packing bulky soft items like sleeping bags or tents, it can be helpful to do away with the stuff sacks and just stuff them into your pack, this allows you to pack in and around these items rather than having a large mass in the pack that takes up a bunch of space - MO
always pack fuel on outside (BG)
make sure to fill all of the space and allow no soft spots In the pack
Consider putting things at the bottom of your pack that you'll need once reaching a campsite (could be in order of need too) (AC)
when packing, pack with the intent of looking professional. MW
if you have to hang stuff on the outside of the pack, you packed too much and need to re-evaluate. MW
be sure bag is packed evenly, with no holes or spots with no gear. MW
Pack slightly extra gear in case of emergency or a client is in need of gear MW
Certain pockets are meant for certain shapes and sizes of things, different shapes or sizes can be packed around for a tighter fit. MW
Purpose - JL
Activity- JL
Tougher packs for more rugged activities such as backpacking - EF
Ski packs should fit tight around body. - EF
Packs for Canoe trips should easily be able to fit in boat - EF
Day hiking packs should have space for a dromedary, makes water carrying easier - EF
Trail running packs should be very lightweight. - EF
Seasons/weather - JL
Size - JL
Weeks long 85L+ EF
Day pack 25L-35L EF
Weekend(4 days) 45L-55L EF
Trail Running pack 3L-5L - EF
Should have a tight fit so its not bouncing around while youre running (AC)
Construction -JL
Framed - JL
give more support to users back (CL)
helps give backpack shape for packing (CL)
helpful when carrying long distances (CL)
helps make heavier backpacks more manageable to carry (CL)
Frame can bend over time, depending on the material of the frame it can typically be bent back by hand - MO
consider a pack with an adjustable/ removable frame
Unframed - JL
easier to mold into different places when packing into a canoe, kayak, etc. (CL)
sometimes unframed backpacks and pack into themselves, ie. a backpack that folds up and into a zippable pouch (CL)
not a huge amount of strain put on ones back with lighter packs (CL)
can be given a little structure depending on how it is packed (CL)
Good choice for a day pack as it is much lighter than a framed pack - MO
Not ideal for longer trips where heavier equipment is required as it lacks the structure required to support the wearer with heavy loads.
straps on the outside for securing extra gear
can be helpful but try to avoid having things hanging off your pack (CL)
Christmas tree-ing looks unprofessional and messy (CL)
customers may get the impression you are scattered or don't have your stuff together/under control (CL)
gear hanging off the side of your pack raises the chances of it getting caught on things/ higher possibility for gear getting lost (CL)
Things hanging off can look unprofessional. MW
In addition to looking unprofessional, gear hanging off your pack if not affixed tightly can shift and swing, making the weight on your back unstable and cause discomfort - MO
pockets/spaces for water bladder
is useful for easy access to water while hiking/means you don't have to stop and take water breaks (CL)
water bladders do take up additional space in backpacks (CL)
bladders and drinking stems are made of plastic that is fairly easy to puncture so there has to be a higher level of awareness and care to ensure they do not get damaged (CL)
if damaged in the field, it can be hard to fix, once out of the woods these parts can be easily replaced but do cost $$ (CL)
requires separate cleaning and care (CL)
having bladders that hold a ton of water aren't the smartest, water is heavy (CL)
at a point it becomes less efficient to carry a ton of water because you are waisting more energy than you need to trying to carry that much (CL)
do your research and see how much water you can carry before it becomes inefficient (CL)
External frame - MO
Older design of pack, typically a rectangular aluminum frame with a pack affixed to it - MO
Less ergonomic than an internal frame pack - MO
Typically less volume in the pack, Christmas tree-ing often is required to fit all your gear - MO
Older designs often are not compatible with water bladders - MO
Usually easier to take the pack off the frame as compared to an internal frame pack - MO
dry bags
efficient on kayak/ canoe trips to keep spare clothes/ sleeping bag dry
can come in up to a 100litre or bigger size with straps which is efficient for canoe trips
can often times fit a lot of gear for kayak trips and can form to the hull of the boat to optimize storage
straps are clipped to canoes when paddling in case of flipping, gear will be secured/ less to worry about (CL)
some dry bags come with backpack straps to make portaging easier, not as comfortable as well designed and fitted backpacks (CL)
More efficient when packed against other things to remove "bowling ball" effect(EF)
Some dry bags taper to a point to fit snugly into kayak hulls
Avoid multiple small dry bags while canoe tripping, more bags to carry makes portages more difficult - MO
Smaller dry bags can also be used when backpacking to store valuable electronics like phones, cameras, GPS, etc. from rain - MO
Can be submerged without gear being soaked in water - MO
May not be completely reliable-might be worth lining important things like sleeping bags with a garbage bag to add another layer of security (AC)
How packs should fit(KH)
Packs should be comfortable and transfer weight to the hips. Start with everything loose when fitting a pack. (KH)
Shoulders(KH)
Shoulder strap should touch the whole shoulder (KH)
Torso (KH)
Should not restrict breathing(KH)
Should be able to relax without pack shifting(KH)
Sternum strap can add to torso comfortability (KH)
Adjustability (KH)
Winter and summer layering should be taken into account when looking to buy a pack(KH)
Fixed and adjustable back length should also be taking into account (KH)
In some frame backpacks, the frame can be removed and re-addded, giving you the option of both a framed and non- frame pack for different expeditions
Some brains are also removeable, adding an extra level of adjustability as you can add or subtract that extra 5 liters of space
that being said brains are really convenient in storing things you need to have quick access to throughout the day such as four essentials, gloves, headlamp etc.(AC)
Backpacking Bags Brands (WR)
Rei co op mens trailbreack 60 pack(WR)
Kelly outskirt 50L internal frame pack(WR)
Mystery Ranch 2 day assault Backpack(WR)
Alps Mountaineering Nomad RT 75L Pack(WR)
Kelty Trekker hiking backpack(WR)
Recon 125L sunkroflex pack (WR)
Mens LL bean Ridge runner pack 30 L(WR)
100L Extra large military Molly tactical army backpack rucksack(WR)
Prima System Modular Travel Backpack(WR)
Kelly coyote 60-105 liter backpack (WR)
5.11 Tactical Rush 100 backpack 60L(WR)
100L Camping hiking backpack Molly military tactical rucksack backpack waterproof lightweight hiking backpack (WOODland Camp (WR)
5 day mule 55L Bag Military military one (WR)
The North face Terra 65l internal frame pack (WR)
Waist (KH)
Should be tight enough to hold weight on the hips(KH)
Have extra rooms to adjust as you add/drop layers(KH)
Pack animals(DG)
Pros(DG)
easier to carry water food, don't have to worry about weight
You can carry a lot of gear, can be bulky
cons (DG)
A living thing you have to care for
Need extra food water.
If injured you have gear you cannot transport efficiently
examples(DG)
Sheep
Oxen
Goats
Llamas
Dogs
yaks
reindeer
elephants
Sleds
Snow cover allows for sleds to glide along behind you
lets you pack far more gear since it isnt all borne on your back
rigid poles can attach to hip belts of a pack
perfect for cross country skiing
cons: difficult for steep terrain
con: only functional in the snow
Can double as a guerney to carry out an injured person
cross hip poles on tough terrain, keep them parallel on easier terrain (BG)
Some may be able to float gear (BG)
Stow heaviest items low and in the center, top heavy will make it tip, and back heavy will drag. MW
Expensive pieces of equipment. MW
Use strong rope to pull the weight of the sled. MW
Important features
The ideal hiking backpack has plenty of outer pockets that you can use to put away items for quick access. This includes snacks, water, rain jacket, etc. The last thing you want when it suddenly starts to rain is to open up your entire pack.
However it may be important to consider how often youre actually going to use the outer pockets as it can add unnecessary bulk and weight to your pack when in reality all you really need is something simple to keep all your stuff inside. (AC)
Having too many attachments and straps on the outside of you pack can cause it to get caught on different things such as branches while you are walking. However it is good to have some attachments to use to dry out socks or wet shirts.
A fully adjustable suspension system. You want to be able to move the shoulder straps up or down and you want a hip belt that sits on your hips and can be adjusted to move with you. The perfect backpack fits your upper body perfectly and even if it is extremely heavy it almost feels like no weight on your shoulders.
blue barrels (portage barrels)
great for water proofing equipment
wildly uncomfortable
great for canoe trips
Size of boats allows for several to be put in - EF
bad for hiking
not bear proof
can however easily be made into a bearhang - EF
Easy to dump a bunch of random shit in them but groups have to be careful to put only what they need in the barrels and keep most of if not all gear in their packs until reaching a campsite (AC)
Boats (BG)
Boats can carry sometimes double that of a pack(BG)
Dry bags that fit the form of the boat can help packing (BG)
less worry about gear weight/ you cant feel the weight when on water(BG)
unless canoeing and doing portages (AC)
Do NOT overpack, portages will be hell (BG)
gear should stay dry In a flip (BG)
cockpit can be used to fit extra gear (BG)
take caution packing the cockpit, you should still be able to escape In a wet exit with ease(BG)
practicing packing kayaks could be important to increase speed of getting ready to get on the water in the mornings (AC)
Flavors of boats (BG)
Sea kayak
best with sea kayak dry bags, can fit a lot and keep a lot dry (BG)
Canoe
ideally packed with waterproof barrels or dry bags, can get tippy (BG)
white water boat
bigger boats can fit a lot In the cockpit and some have holes to stuff things (BG)
race boats
why are you putting stuff In these you goose?(BG)
Kayaks have seals on the hatches of the boat to keep the gear stored dry. MW
Straight Sided Backpacks (AC)
Harder to pack and fit as many things due to the corners that the straight sides create (AC)
Shaped Bags with Compartments (AC)
Can usually fit more things in a bag that has one big oval pocket and other compartments for miscellaneous things (AC)
Duffel bags
can be used for paddling ventures when you don't have to carry a bag for portages but rather bring stuff from your boat to your campsite. Doesn't need to be expensive or water proof really since most of the time itll just be stuffed in your boat so getting a simple one with no frame is preferable for some people. (AC)
carrying system features and accessories
carribeaner
xtra straps
bag rain cover
hipbelt pocket
extra clips
sternum strap
extra buckles
hip straps
removable brain turns to day pack
side pocket zipper for deep bag access
emergency whistle on buckel
ventelated straps
frame
ice axe loops
walking pole attatchment
Water proofing packs and boats MW
Use of a poncho over yourself and the bag will minimize how wet everything will get. MW
A wax coat or waterproofing coat on a bag is not bad, but must be reapplied eventually. MW
Line the hatch or bag with a dry bag to keep dry in wet conditions. MW
Carrying a contractor trash bag and using it to cover a bag can keep gear dry. MW
Use of a tarp wrapped around yourself can work. MW
brands
osprey
the north face
Patagonia
mountain hardwear
Black Dimond
gregory
Camelbak
marmot
Arcteryx
polar
MSR
Deuter
Eagle creek
Burton
Dakin
People
Steve
Zachary Smith
Amelia Carter-Kelly (ACK)
Link Title
Ben Rosenberg BR
Haley Steffey (HS)
Andrew Jarvis AJ
Logan Zeeuw (LZ)
Ben Koblensky
Brian Graf BG
Ryan Szuch RS
Audri Walworth (AW)
Amy Macaluso
MIchaela Kruger (MK)
Tim Kelleher
Liam Porter [LP]
People
Al
Jeremy
nate
Kate Hale(KH)
Caper Loomis (CL)
Erik(EF)
Mark
Daniel(DG)
Sylvie
Billy G (BG)
Andie (AC)
Will Reddy (WR)
Matt W
gabe