I'd like to try an external pack frame, putting my gear in my 10x10 tarp and strapping it to the frame, similar to the Moonbow backpack.

I've never made anything remotely like a pack frame, and haven't done much homemade gear at all. Should I just admit this fact and steal a frame from something that already exists? Or is it fairly easy to make a convincing backpack frame?

Does anybody have experience with the frame on DJ's external frame backpack?

Jonathan

I've thought of trying something similar, or just tying an assortment of stuff sacks to a frame. I think it would be easier to start with an existing frame - an old Kelty or a Jansport frame would be a logical place. (very logical for me since they're both sitting in the basement, ready to go)

Use an existing frame and suspension and use compression straps to attach your load. Not to be mean, but external frame manufacturers put quite a bit of thought and money into design as far as materials engineering, load transfer, suspension components, etc. You aren't going to engineer a better suspension in your garage. Not to say you can't come up with something lighter, but static frame weight isn't the most important element, load transfer is. I don't think you'll get near the performance of a mainstream suspension system.

I picked an old army x backpack at the Salvation Army for 5 bucks last year .You may have the same luck.

Luxurylite.com sells just the frame.. You can figure the rest out .. would reccommend the front pack though...

campmor has Outdoor Products Saturn external frame pack for like $60 on clearance now. just for the frame and straps it might be worth it. i love that frame. carries great and you can cut the frame down if you want with just a knife. here's a link


http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=14753288&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

I have an external frame with shoulder pads and hip belt which weighs in at 18oz. It is aluminum. I, too, strap stuff sacks to it like the infamous "packless system". Been doing this for years since the "pack" that I attached to it was too small for ALL my gear. Sure it looks freaking ugly, but I am not on the trail for a fashion statement. Heck looking at the homemade gear I use it is rather obvious, that and the clothing I wear. LOL.
Oh, to lash on my gear? I use a 12' length of 1/4 nylon weave rope which doubles as my hammock ridge-line. Other straps/rope also serves double duty. I even can use my gear hammock as a pack cover if necessary (in reality it is my pack cover which serves as a gear hammock too).

It is a myth that external frame packs are heavier than internal in general. I picked up a god-awful-ugly old external pack at a garage sale for a scout in the troop I volunteer at. This pack is under 2lbs and looks like it can carry 100lbs! More importantly is the volume it can hold. It is an "L"-shaped hinged frame.


russb

gardenville has done this. Check out his photo gallery.

http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/browseimages.php?do=member&imageuser=1259

making it is easy.
making it comfortable is not...buy a frame with suspension.

geek

I have a Camptrails freightor frame...dark green aluminum frame with a bottom that has a nylon piece attached to a frame that flips out to form a shelf....to move firewood or game. I have never used it! I was intending to attach my old Camptrails adjustable II to it for the extra tie down space. (My first backpack) May consider selling it if youre interested.

I have a Camptrails freightor frame...dark green aluminum frame with a bottom that has a nylon piece attached to a frame that flips out to form a shelf....to move firewood or game. I have never used it! I was intending to attach my old Camptrails adjustable II to it for the extra tie down space. (My first backpack) May consider selling it if youre interested.

From what I see on the Web, this looks like a great system for heavy loads.

I'm trying to trim weight with this, though, and the frame weighs 4 pounds, doesn't it? That's more than the backpack I'm currently using.

If I were a hunter, I'd buy it in a flash to carry out meat.

Jonathan

Not to be mean, but external frame manufacturers put quite a bit of thought and money into design as far as materials engineering, load transfer, suspension components, etc. You aren't going to engineer a better suspension in your garage.

Boing!

You're obviously right.

Not to say you can't come up with something lighter, but static frame weight isn't the most important element, load transfer is. I don't think you'll get near the performance of a mainstream suspension system.

And it's quite possible that this idea won't pan out, that my Atmos 65, even if it's a few pounds heavier than what I'm thinking of, is a better way of distributing and carrying the weight.

But I think it would be fun to get a frame and give it a try!

Jonathan

Just talked to someone from an supplier to see if they ever get bad backpacks returned with frames I could use.

He pointed out that most of the weight of a backpack is in the frame, the belt, and the straps, and suggested that perhaps I wouldn't save that much weight by getting rid of just the "bag".

Makes me wish I had a scale so that I could dissassemble my backpack and weigh the individual components. How much of the weight does the "bag" account for?

Jonathan

Makes me wish I had a scale so that I could dissassemble my backpack and weigh the individual components. How much of the weight does the "bag" account for?

Jonathan

You'd be surprised. Some of those nylon packcloth bags can be quite heavy, plus with all the zippers, and attachment rings, etc... As I said in my other post, my frame with shoulder pads and belt is only 18oz. I saved a full pound (at least) ridding it of the bag and all the corresponding hardware.

I was thinking abount making a pack out of one old pack campmor has sacks that will hook on to you frame in 6 sizes it in their cat. they start off at 8.95 for the small and 12..99 for the bigger ones. you can change the sacks for your needs

I was thinking abount making a pack out of one old pack campmor has sacks that will hook on to you frame in 6 sizes it in their cat. they start off at 8.95 for the small and 12..99 for the bigger ones. you can change the sacks for your needs

Can you point me at the sacks you are talking about? I'm not sure what to search for on the Campmor site ...

Jonathan

The weight's not the only issue to consider. I have no problem with any pack from 2 to 4 pounds; less than that is a bag with straps, more than that is unnecessary for what I carry.

My old Kelty is 4 pounds with bag, and I'm still not sure I like my 2 pound Granite Gear pack any better.

Packs are like kids - you love them all even though they're different, and 6 is probably enough.

Got an old Boy Scout Yucca frame waiting for a little project like this. If I ever get bored with fooling around with that 2,000 CI day pack . . . :-?