I have a friend who restores old backpacks. I bought a 1971 Kelty BB5 on a backpackers frame from him for under $100. The pack is in great shape, and weighs under four pounds. While that seems like a lot, my modern ultralight base weight, even with this “heavy” pack, is under 14 pounds. Internal framed packs were really made for rock climbers and mountaineers, as they need to keep the load close to the body. Marketing folks ran with the “new” design and soon everyone ditched their external framed packs. Now we have more than a generation who doesn’t even question the modern pack design. My antique pack has way better ventilation than any of them - no sweaty back from the pack. And it’s super comfortable. Sometimes I save four ounces by leaving the belt at home.
That an incredible base weight for having a heavy pack. I did the CDT & GDT with a 7 lb.+ Jansport Alaskan. Don't miss that. Just sold my ULA Circuit. Hung on to it for awhile to see of I really like Durston’s Kakwa 40. But I'm happy with it under 2 lbs. Does everything I need it to do. Keep Smilin'
@@packtoter I got the Wapta 30 to fart around with sub ten pound base loads using Durston tech for big-mile days. Amazing what you can fit on Durston packs thanks to being able to strap things under and over the pack.
When hip belts were introduced on tubular frame packs and internal frame/frameless setups, I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. Every so often on a level trail, or as required for balance on uneven terrain, the load could be shifted to relieve shoulders under attack (even the best padded straps then can't compare to middle of the pack (!) offerings today). Your lesson about center of gravity and balance front to back was equally valid then too. But the old "belly band" as it was called then, may have to move over for yet another innovation -- a 2-bag modular system. A 5-7L lumbar bag below, and a roomier, say 30L, vest harness bag above. Clearly not suitable for a 2 week unreplenished hike, but pretty comfy for up to a week in 3 seasons many places. I'm a fan of the Savotta Askare 7L hip bag for smaller heavier items -- up to 2.5L of water, some food and tools, maybe a standalone emergency kit. It has webbing up 3 sides and the bottom, so it can be as svelte or encumbered as you want. Pair it with any bag above, as long as it hangs no lower than about 2 inches higher than the waist belt. Of course all the weight on your waist will never have any of the leveraged influence on your posture that the contents of the top bag might wield -- so it's even easier to maintain proper packing "compliance"!
In engineering terms: keep the backpack's centre of mass as close as possible to your own (small of the back) and keep its moments low (heavy things at the centre of mass, light things at the extremities (top of the pack, strapped on the back). Reduces danger from being unbalanced or being swung around by the pack. Of course if the terrain is easy, this can be relaxed - carry the load on your head, forces going down through your spine. Those African women carrying water on their heads that National Geographic used to love back in the day had the right idea.
Funny things about Homo Sapiens , they have to learn through experience and then sometimes still get it wrong but eventually correct. Life is a learning experience as long as it lets you.
I decided to follow the crowd and started wearing zero drop, feel the the ground you're walking on, trail runners. Oops! I don't have zero drop, feel the ground feet. It took me a while, but I finally went back to a more substantial base and all my foot issues disappeared. Little things can make big changes.
Agreed. I have had great luck with zero drop Altra Lone Peak 3.5 mids, but can't find them used anymore. Thinking of trying Hoka. Need something, my last pair of Altra's are about worn out. What are you wearing now? Keep Smilin'
@@packtoter I'm in Topo Ultraventure 2 trail runners. 5mm drop, wide toe box, more cushion, and vibram soles. The soles are grippy and have lasted a lot longer than my Altras. I'm thinking about trying their Trailventure 2 mid boot. They look like they could take more of a beating, although these trail runners have held up remarkably well this winter and spring. So far, so good.😁
You live and learn, though some don't! The human body is a funny old thing such minor changes can throw a spanner in the works, I have a friend who was having a lot of knee problems...it appears her replacement hip socket was loose. I like the speedgoat 5s, but I don't do anywhere near the mileage you do, and there's no such thing as the perfect shoe...
I have a bum shoulder from an old motorcycle accident. Where I pack weight in my Kakwa55 makes a big difference in how long it takes or if it starts having me reach for the Vitamin-I
Very good information. Gotta listen to our bodies and make adjustments. Keep hikin!
Glad you figured it out and let us know. Wonderful capture of doe and fawn.
Love that little fawn following mom in the creek. Keep Smilin'
I have a friend who restores old backpacks. I bought a 1971 Kelty BB5 on a backpackers frame from him for under $100. The pack is in great shape, and weighs under four pounds. While that seems like a lot, my modern ultralight base weight, even with this “heavy” pack, is under 14 pounds. Internal framed packs were really made for rock climbers and mountaineers, as they need to keep the load close to the body. Marketing folks ran with the “new” design and soon everyone ditched their external framed packs. Now we have more than a generation who doesn’t even question the modern pack design. My antique pack has way better ventilation than any of them - no sweaty back from the pack. And it’s super comfortable. Sometimes I save four ounces by leaving the belt at home.
That an incredible base weight for having a heavy pack. I did the CDT & GDT with a 7 lb.+ Jansport Alaskan. Don't miss that. Just sold my ULA Circuit. Hung on to it for awhile to see of I really like Durston’s Kakwa 40. But I'm happy with it under 2 lbs. Does everything I need it to do. Keep Smilin'
@@packtoter I got the Wapta 30 to fart around with sub ten pound base loads using Durston tech for big-mile days. Amazing what you can fit on Durston packs thanks to being able to strap things under and over the pack.
Durston is having an impact on the gear market with his innovations. Keep Smilin'
When hip belts were introduced on tubular frame packs and internal frame/frameless setups, I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. Every so often on a level trail, or as required for balance on uneven terrain, the load could be shifted to relieve shoulders under attack (even the best padded straps then can't compare to middle of the pack (!) offerings today). Your lesson about center of gravity and balance front to back was equally valid then too.
But the old "belly band" as it was called then, may have to move over for yet another innovation -- a 2-bag modular system. A 5-7L lumbar bag below, and a roomier, say 30L, vest harness bag above. Clearly not suitable for a 2 week unreplenished hike, but pretty comfy for up to a week in 3 seasons many places.
I'm a fan of the Savotta Askare 7L hip bag for smaller heavier items -- up to 2.5L of water, some food and tools, maybe a standalone emergency kit. It has webbing up 3 sides and the bottom, so it can be as svelte or encumbered as you want.
Pair it with any bag above, as long as it hangs no lower than about 2 inches higher than the waist belt. Of course all the weight on your waist will never have any of the leveraged influence on your posture that the contents of the top bag might wield -- so it's even easier to maintain proper packing "compliance"!
There is a lot more to backpacking properly than meets the eye. Thanks for your comment. Keep Smilin'
In engineering terms: keep the backpack's centre of mass as close as possible to your own (small of the back) and keep its moments low (heavy things at the centre of mass, light things at the extremities (top of the pack, strapped on the back). Reduces danger from being unbalanced or being swung around by the pack.
Of course if the terrain is easy, this can be relaxed - carry the load on your head, forces going down through your spine. Those African women carrying water on their heads that National Geographic used to love back in the day had the right idea.
Good advice. Keep Smilin'
Not doing the head thing though. Lol
Funny things about Homo Sapiens , they have to learn through experience and then sometimes still get it wrong but eventually correct. Life is a learning experience as long as it lets you.
Proves you can teach an old dog new tricks. Keep Smilin'
I decided to follow the crowd and started wearing zero drop, feel the the ground you're walking on, trail runners. Oops! I don't have zero drop, feel the ground feet. It took me a while, but I finally went back to a more substantial base and all my foot issues disappeared. Little things can make big changes.
Agreed. I have had great luck with zero drop Altra Lone Peak 3.5 mids, but can't find them used anymore. Thinking of trying Hoka. Need something, my last pair of Altra's are about worn out. What are you wearing now? Keep Smilin'
@@packtoter I'm in Topo Ultraventure 2 trail runners. 5mm drop, wide toe box, more cushion, and vibram soles. The soles are grippy and have lasted a lot longer than my Altras. I'm thinking about trying their Trailventure 2 mid boot. They look like they could take more of a beating, although these trail runners have held up remarkably well this winter and spring. So far, so good.😁
You live and learn, though some don't! The human body is a funny old thing such minor changes can throw a spanner in the works, I have a friend who was having a lot of knee problems...it appears her replacement hip socket was loose. I like the speedgoat 5s, but I don't do anywhere near the mileage you do, and there's no such thing as the perfect shoe...
I know. Once I find a replacement for my 3.5s I like, I'm going to buy a boatload of them. Keep Smilin'
@@packtoter 5s at discount in the UK are like hens teeth, esp now the 6 is out...(I never buy at full price)
I have a bum shoulder from an old motorcycle accident. Where I pack weight in my Kakwa55 makes a big difference in how long it takes or if it starts having me reach for the Vitamin-I
Yes. Everyone had different issues to deal with. There is no one size fits all. Keep Smilin'