View Full Version : Arrow Shafts as pack stays
Frolicking Dinosaurs
11-25-2005, 06:41
I saw a post in the ultralite forum (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=140576#post140576) that mentioned Gossamer Gear's Mariposa Ultralight uses arrow shafts as stays. I went to the Gossamer Gear site (http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/Mariposa-Standard.html) which says the pack is based on the G4, but adds the stays to keep the load from shifting and to allow for real load transfer without adding a lot of weight.
Has anyone here made such a pack? I made a G4 and am underwhelmed by it's performance.
Blue Jay
11-26-2005, 09:42
I saw a post in the ultralite forum (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=140576#post140576) that mentioned Gossamer Gear's Mariposa Ultralight uses arrow shafts as stays. I went to the Gossamer Gear site (http://www.gossamergear.com/cgi-bin/gossamergear/Mariposa-Standard.html) which says the pack is based on the G4, but adds the stays to keep the load from shifting and to allow for real load transfer without adding a lot of weight.
Has anyone here made such a pack? I made a G4 and am underwhelmed by it's performance.
I have not, but it's a great idea. I'm going to try something with a kayak dry bag. Suspension, light weight and waterproof, a dream come true.
Has anyone found any simple instructions on creating the stay sleeves inside the packs? I plan to make a simple framed backpack modeled VERY LOOSELY (see "simple") after a McHale subpop "Summit" pack, but I'm a little daunted by all the design elements that go into even this "simple" pack. I was definitely planning on using arrow shafts, at least at first. Has anyone found any other material for the stays that is suitably strong, but more easily shaped? It would be nice to be able to form them into curves to fit the contours of the back.
Has anyone found any simple instructions on creating the stay sleeves inside the packs? I plan to make a simple framed backpack modeled VERY LOOSELY (see "simple") after a McHale subpop "Summit" pack, but I'm a little daunted by all the design elements that go into even this "simple" pack. I was definitely planning on using arrow shafts, at least at first. Has anyone found any other material for the stays that is suitably strong, but more easily shaped? It would be nice to be able to form them into curves to fit the contours of the back.
they do make aluminum arrrows, and tools to straighten them when they get bent. i'd assume you can bend them instead of straightening them. weight is different than the polycarbonate, but i don't remember if it's lighter or heavier... i do know you need to use a different broadhead when you change shaft types because of it...
Interesting comments. I've played around a little bit, and it looks like the aluminum ones would be very difficult to "shape" - more like they would simply buckle if subjected to lateral pressure. I bet the tool would cost more than it would be worth to me :D.
hmm... ok... next suggestion then would be flat aluminum stock from a metal shop.