View Full Version : SYNCPACK - counterbalance frontpack
2009ThruHiker
09-25-2007, 14:34
Anyone tried one of these out yet?
http://www.thesyncpack.com/?gclid=CL_Ol-Ce344CFRqsOAodQjWCRQ
http://http://www.thesyncpack.com/?gclid=CL_Ol-Ce344CFRqsOAodQjWCRQ (http://http//www.thesyncpack.com/?gclid=CL_Ol-Ce344CFRqsOAodQjWCRQ)
I've never noticed an issue with balance with my granite gear pack loaded at 30lbs., but will this thing revolutionize backpacking as it claims?
Looks too bulky and I'm not sure of it's claims. This year, for the 1st time, I used a belly pack (fanny pack turned backwards) and liked it's versatility.
wrongway_08
09-25-2007, 16:25
I carried my camera in the front when I hiked Mt. Washington Sunday and I really didnt like it there, only reason I did it was the fact it was only going to be a one day hike and I wanted to take a lot of photos. It would have bothered the heck outta me if I had it in front for a long hike.
I think it would be the same for these front packs, a bit in the way. Maybe if you use water bottles instead of a camel back, it would be easier to drink but other then that I dont think it would be a real advantage.
They do look well made.
hopefulhiker
09-25-2007, 16:28
I used a front pack with my luxury lite pack the whole way in 05. The counter weight idea works. It takes a little getting used to but it is very convenient.. for easy access to stuff... I saw a couple of other hikers using a front pack as well...
Appalachian Tater
09-25-2007, 16:29
My belly has gotton so big that if I stuck that thing on front, it would put me OFF balance and I would fall forward flat on my face.
Maybe some of the female hikers can comment on hiking while pregnant and if it balances off the pack. There was a section hiker within a couple of weeks of delivery in 2006, met here at Whistle Stop Cafe.
I think the idea of having some sort of frontpack could be nice is some regards (haven't tried any yet), but this weighs 2.2 lbs. Thats more than a lot of backpacks.
pure_mahem
09-25-2007, 16:39
might be useful if you can get use to it and if you are carrying more than 45 lbs or so. other than that just another piece of junk they want to get your money for. I see no real use for it My pack is usually right around 30 lbs.
hopefulhiker
09-25-2007, 16:44
The luxury lite front pack weighed about eleven oz I believe...
My experience is that the concept works very well for medium loads, like 20-25 pounds, but not so well for heavier loads that need to put more weight on hips, and doesn't really matter for light loads, like 10-15 pounds.
I think for the packs shown it is not a great idea, but for simpler ultralight backpacks not shown it is an excellent idea. In addition to allowing you to wear your straps looser and walk more upright, it can help you organize your gear into stuff you need while hiking in front, and stuff like sleep and shelter in back. This can mean a simpler light backpack, which can offset the additional weight of the front pack. Another way to look at it is that it is a way to add some volume to a daypack to extend it for overnight trips.
You can make your own from a large fanny pack, and reduce some of the weight by removing and integrating some of the straps and belts, or build something from scratch.
johnny quest
09-25-2007, 17:00
i carry my own version of that. much simpler though. my design is based on a chicom ammo chest pouch.
i do think it has a lot of use. i carry my water, camera, maps, snacks and several things i want to get to during the day.
your back aint the only place to carry weight.
I used the Luxurylite on the PCT with the front pack. It works well to keep the weight off the shoulders and on the hips the way the LL pack is built. I'm thinking it would work a little differently with an internal frame pack though. Also, that one seems to sit very close to the chest, which brings one word immediatly to my mind... HOT.
The Old Fhart
09-25-2007, 17:17
I front-carried my SLR 35mm camera in a case connected to my backpack's sternum strap. It was convenient to have it there but the down side is that it would restrict my view of my feet sometimes. The idea isn't new or original with me but here is a photo of me with the 'front pack' (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/5/3/1/dbailey.JPG) in 1995.
Good point. In colder weather I think a snugly padded pack can be an advantage and the front pack can add to that effect, but can be more of a problem in hot climates even with looser straps. Also for trail running I don't think a front pack would work well. Front pack is not always good, but is sometimes amazingly good, and everyone should mock something up and try it. I think in general the backpack only idea is overdone. Not sure why. Same with kayaks. Great concept, but generally overdone today, just as a certain type of canoe was overdone for years. People should be more open to different ideas, but more willing to mock things up and test them for themselves before buying a commercial product.
I definitely don't like the product shown. Way too heavy. They took a great concept, which was not their own (not that there is anything wrong with that), but they executed it rather poorly in the process of commercializing it for a broad market. There is no reason a combined front and back pack can't be well under 2 pounds combined for up to 30 pounds. The straps don't need to be worn as tight, so they can be lighter, but should be integrated into one system.
Passionphish
09-29-2007, 13:40
Hey JohnnyQuest,
You got pics of what you made?
johnny quest
09-29-2007, 16:49
not current ones but i will email you the last version. pm me with your email. ignore the nudity.
Anyone tried one of these out yet?
http://www.thesyncpack.com/?gclid=CL_Ol-Ce344CFRqsOAodQjWCRQ
http://http://www.thesyncpack.com/?gclid=CL_Ol-Ce344CFRqsOAodQjWCRQ (http://http//www.thesyncpack.com/?gclid=CL_Ol-Ce344CFRqsOAodQjWCRQ)
I've never noticed an issue with balance with my granite gear pack loaded at 30lbs., but will this thing revolutionize backpacking as it claims?
That's what I thought when I started this thread: http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=24867
Not very much response though.:-?
Looks big, bulky heavy and hot. I like to have an unobstructed view of exactly where I am steppin and... at times, where both my feet are and what is under me. A fannypack reversed to the front is about all I can tolerate and it will carry all the day stuff OK. That looks like it would obstruct my view too much.
...and it does look hot. No way I'd wear it unless it was real cold. (freezing)
You'd burn up wearing that 350 days of of the year where I am. :D
I'd prolly pee on my shoes. :o
Here's another homemade-looking version:
http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=199034
Personally, I'm with Austexs in wanting to have an unobstructed view of my feet and the ground around them. I like to have a few things within easy reach (lip balm, tissues, map, glasses, camera) but don't need to have so much stuff in front of me. I prefer just to keep the total packweight down.