View Full Version : Basket Packs
Black Mesa
04-25-2014, 04:04
Has anyone here ever hiked with a basket pack? What were your thoughts?
Slo-go'en
04-25-2014, 10:35
Like a wicker basket? Nope, but I've seen them. Don't seem too practical to me. Maybe for a short hike. On flat ground. To a picnic in the park.
They are heavy (about 4-5 lbs) but they are very nice and sturdy. They don't have any water protection either.
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Old Hiker
04-25-2014, 10:52
Better have a tumpline.
Hikes in Rain
04-25-2014, 10:56
I've read (but not experienced) that they're great for bulky loads with sharp edges, like all the canned food folks had to use back when there things were popular. I've seen some older ones; they're a thing of beauty and a work of art, but not so practical nowadays.
Feral Bill
04-25-2014, 15:19
Early in my hiking career (1969) I met a family in the Adirondacks with Dad carrying most of the gear in a pack basket, so it can be done. Making a good suspension system would seem to be the trick. It would be classy.
daddytwosticks
04-25-2014, 15:53
I saw one being used on TV once (Mountain Man reality show). Looks super old school, like wool plaid shirts. :)
I will check my library, when I find my Round Tu-It. I recall such devices being used on canoe portages. Hopefully, short and flat portages. The baskets probably evolved into the Duluth packs popular with canoe voyagers in the early part of the previous century.
Wayne
Black Mesa
04-25-2014, 18:19
Yeah I have been thinking of building an "ultralight" version out of a plastic laundry hamper. It is just a concept at the moment.
Boblbee has some hardshell backpacks (http://www.amazon.com/Boblbee-Megalopolis-Aero-2006-Darth/dp/B000LYZ7FI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1398471940&sr=8-3&keywords=Boblbee). I've always wanted to try one, not for backpacking, but they're awfully expensive for a non-backpacking pack.
http://i.imgur.com/mFkm3QS.png
http://i.imgur.com/WkZOGfe.jpg
Has anyone here ever hiked with a basket pack? What were your thoughts? Trappers used pack baskets to carry out there dead animals, you can still buy them from trapper supply catalogs. Not as heavy as you would think, made of white oak all the weight is on the belt and the shoulder straps merely keep the pack from falling back. They do take on water and can get heavy.
My father used one when he was a boy scout way back in the 1940s...my mom still has it, original leather shoulder straps and all. It has a wooden bottom and wooden fitted lid...pretty heavy but man is that thing built to last!!!
Black Mesa
04-25-2014, 21:08
Boblbee has some hardshell backpacks (http://www.amazon.com/Boblbee-Megalopolis-Aero-2006-Darth/dp/B000LYZ7FI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1398471940&sr=8-3&keywords=Boblbee). I've always wanted to try one, not for backpacking, but they're awfully expensive for a non-backpacking pack.
Wow those are cool. I think I have seen them in a movie.
Hunter87
04-25-2014, 21:17
My pack basket weighs 3 lbs. 11.6 oz. empty. it is really durable. I have used it for ice fishing gear and similar things.
It is Indian-made from Maine. It was given to me as a present back in the 80s. I did a weekend trip with it once and it worked fine.
It is actually porous so the water does not pool.
I carried one years ago a few times when I was in "Sherpa-mode" taking out a bunch of hikers for day trips that were really well-appointed picnics with a hike involved. It was comfortable enough, but nowhere close to as comfortable as a traditional pack. That said, it was much more comfortable than the Indian Fire Pump (http://www.nationalfirefighter.com/popup_image.php?pID=1253&image=0). :)
Black Mesa
04-26-2014, 17:25
I carried one years ago a few times when I was in "Sherpa-mode" taking out a bunch of hikers for day trips that were really well-appointed picnics with a hike involved. It was comfortable enough, but nowhere close to as comfortable as a traditional pack. That said, it was much more comfortable than the Indian Fire Pump (http://www.nationalfirefighter.com/popup_image.php?pID=1253&image=0). :)
Indeed, the metal fire pumps suck!
Black Mesa
05-02-2014, 15:37
I think a basket pack would be perfect for trail work/ building.
bamboo bob
05-02-2014, 16:08
Make a nice planter.
They are great for what I call date hiking. Like a 4 mile in and out. Or when using two cars. Bulky stuff I'd never think of bring in my regular pack goes right in. Plus they are kinda cute and add to the spiritual connection. My new hiking partner smili got an even bigger one when I borrowed my neighbors for one such fun walk in Southern Ma. Overnighting maybe in perfect weather. Like anything else I think experience matters. Sure some people are totally cool with one. Also, they are perfect for LNT., Like having a big waste basket.
Black Mesa
05-06-2014, 10:00
They are great for what I call date hiking. Like a 4 mile in and out. Or when using two cars. Bulky stuff I'd never think of bring in my regular pack goes right in. Plus they are kinda cute and add to the spiritual connection. My new hiking partner smili got an even bigger one when I borrowed my neighbors for one such fun walk in Southern Ma. Overnighting maybe in perfect weather. Like anything else I think experience matters. Sure some people are totally cool with one. Also, they are perfect for LNT., Like having a big waste basket.
That is also a great use for one. Thank you for sharing lemon b!
frogpockets
05-06-2014, 10:30
i tried one.it does not give much and it will rub you raw in places
Snowleopard
05-06-2014, 10:33
I got one for my exwife years ago. It was great for walking to the grocery store and carrying back canned goods. I'd never use it on a real hike. Even for a day hike, a regular pack is more comfortable unless you're carrying sharp things that poke your back.
LLBean still sells them: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/40202?feat=61445-ppxs&dds=y