Reddit mentions: The best external frame hiking backpacks

In your first post you said:
>although they mentioned it was radio controlled in the final versions.

I assumed you wanted to know how to emulate that with modern electronics.

It looks like for the passive movements they went for passive spring action.

You might think about starting with an alice pack frame. Cheap milsurp frame for a pack, but they're excellent for attaching any kind of load bearing apparatus to yourself comfortably because they're intended to distribute the weight.

Find a way to attach the support members for the head and the tail to the frame.

Since the tail is thick I'll bet you could use a flexible metal rod going through the middle of the foam, and with a cable at the end tied to somewhere higher up on your back. That would make it cantilever so that it would swing back and forth at a level height.

The neck is going to be tricky if you're going to make it like theirs. Kind of looked like they used a urethrae or some other kind of stiff rubber honeycomb. You might be able to 3d print something like that.

You also may be able to use the same trick for the head as the tail, only with a rigid beam and a ball-and-socket joint, or something like that.

Those are just thoughts.

As already mentioned, digitigrade stilts will give you the foot angle you're looking for. They're tricky to build, but it can be done with just a drill press, a vice, a flat bastard-file, and a hacksaw.

They'll also make you taller. The longer they are, the harder they tend to be to balance on. I've played around with using passive pneumatic springs on a set I've got about half-built. The foot piece is still a crude prototype, but the upper components are pretty much where I want them. Here's a quick video of one of them

These have a pretty long metatarsal member, I stand roughly 7'6" in them resting, and if I lean forward I can get up to 7'8" when I lean forwards. So it would definitely make for a more impressive costume.

Enlisted USMC recruits still use the outdated ALICE pack loaded with at least 60-70lbs. Boots may slightly vary, but the most common brand is made by Bates. A standard length M16A2 service rifle is 6-7lbs. A flack jacket is 15-20lbs. Hope this info from an enlisted POV helps, but OCS isn't equal to enlisted training in the physical sense. The best thing I could recommend is perhaps buying the boots ahead of time so you can break them in (if they let you). USMC boots whichever the brand will have the EGA branded/embossed on the heel. The best method for breaking in the boots is to soak them in water, and wear them until reasonably dry (and repeat). You also better become more acquainted with Mole Skin in case the boots rub your feet raw. Good luck!

http://www.amazon.com/Belleville-Weather-Olive-Green-Safety/dp/B001HPSIQ0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1370452325&sr=8-2&keywords=USMC+bootsAIw

http://www.amazon.com/Large-ALICE-Field-Frame-Outfit/dp/B004LRDU4G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1370452364&sr=8-3&keywords=ALICE+pack

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Flak-Jacket-Size-Medium-USGI-GI-Army-Marine-Body-Protective-Armour-Vest-Flack-/290925009572?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43bc7b5aa4

> higher quality than the walmart sleeping bag and fabric repellant

No way to stay warm with OP's kit if it gets below 50 F or so. You can't build a fire under the hammock, and you can't sit by the fire if it's raining. The only provision for warmth in OP's kit is a thin mylar space blanket. Yes, I've heard before "it's meant to keep you alive, not comfortable." I don't think I've ever met anyone who has actually tested a space blanket all night on a cold night though. I have. As I've talked about on this sub before, I stupidly took a fleece blanket + a space blanket as my only bedding on a weekender backpacking trip a couple years ago. It was about 40 F. I was inside a tent. Shivered in a fetal position all night. Imagine if it had been 20 F or even colder? Many times in summer in the mountains I've woken up with my drinking water partially frozen. Might not have made it if it got that cold. Space blankets aren't magic. You seriously can die wrapped up in one if it gets very cold.

The purpose of the waterproofing on the bottom of the sleeping bag is to keep it dry without having to carry a separate ground cloth, so the whole of the (thicker and heavier) Heatsheet space blanket in the SOL kit can be used for shelter.

Regarding the backpack. It's a central piece of OP's kit, but why? Where are you going such a long distance with such a skimpy kit? Even when I go day hiking and take a small day pack instead of a full size backpack, I take the Ten Essentials, which is not exactly the same as a survival kit. Many of those items are meant to be used all day on the trail.

So what is the rather complicated backpack in OP's kit for exactly? What's the scenario? If you're going to build a kit around a backpack, why not take a more elaborate gear set like this? That's an expensive kit, but here is a much cheaper pack with plenty of room for a good sleeping bag, small dome tent, extra clothing, plenty of water and Power Bars, etc. I'm not just blowing smoke when I say that. My primary survival kit is built around this pack, and it has a -20 F sleeping bag and a bivy. I have a coat pocket size kit in my other non-4WD vehicle that doesn't see as much backcountry travel, but the backpack kit is the one I rely on to get me safely out of remote locations if I need it.

So I didn't spec a pack for the alternative-to-OP's kit that I specced, trying to keep the cost about the same. I think the kit I specced weighs much less than ten pounds. Any old gym bag would do, or just cram everything in the sleeping bag stuff sack and carry it over your shoulder like laundry. It's isn't that much stuff. The sleeping bag (hypothermia protection) is a much higher priority than a comfortable pack, IMHO.

There's a few good options on that price range. You'll probably hear about the Everest hiking packs. I've had one, and it's decent for the money. If I were you, though, I'd go for something a bit more robust and diverse. These days, I use an Outdoorz Freighter Frame and Pack. You can see it here. The frame is stout and gives you a lot of options for lashing items or quartered game to it. It holds a significant amount of weight with no issue and makes that weight comfortable to carry. The pack is spacious while not being so overly huge as to result in you overpacking.

I've not had the best experience before with Teton Sports packs, but these days people are saying they are pretty good. If you can look at one in person, I'd say take a look at it.

If you're looking more for the large canoe pack sort of thing, the Snugpak Bergen runs around 130. Alternatively, you could get all the materials to build your own pack. A canvas pack basket cover with leather straps could last you for many years, and it's a good learning project. You don't need a nice wooden basket, either. You can make one around a plastic trash bin from Walmart that will work just as well.

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Amazon Smile Link: Kelty Trekker 65


|Country|Link|Charity Links|
|:-----------|:------------|:------------|
|USA|smile.amazon.com|EFF|
|UK|www.amazon.co.uk|Macmillan|
|Spain|www.amazon.es||
|France|www.amazon.fr||
|Germany|www.amazon.de||
|Japan|www.amazon.co.jp||
|Canada|www.amazon.ca||
|Italy|www.amazon.it||




To help add charity links, please have a look at this thread.

This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting). The thread for feature requests can be found here.

http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B004R7L7YU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1427578125&sr=8-3&keywords=alps&dpPl=1&dpID=41E67xUOBgL&ref=plSrch&pi=SY200_QL40

Great reviews, can be used with the pack (nice and big) or just as a cargo pack, quite inexpensive and free shipping in Canada :-)

I used the Alps Commander for two years and would definitely recommend it given your needs and budget. Get the pack and frame combo, but pick up some cotter pins to replace the included split rings. The pack has great external organization pockets and the frame carries weight extremely well because of the shelf feature. The downside of all of this is the total weight but that tends to be the trade off with inexpensive gear.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004R7L7YU/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_..SnzbGAV53EW

I'm GUESSING you're trying to do this as cheaply as possible since you're just grabbing your school bag and going for it. You start with deciding if you want an internal or external frame backpack. Internal frame backpacks suck to clean but tend to be more comfortable. External frame backpacks are easier to clean and the frame can be used across different sized backpacks, which means you can throw better quality straps on whatever you get. The other nice thing about external frame backpacks is you can just use the frame and strap shit to the frame. So long as it doesn't shift when you tilt it, you'll be fine.

I personally do a lot of hiking (and hunting) and I keep coming back to the LC1 frame with a Large ALICE pack on it. It's not new school tacticool, but they're dirt cheap. You can get them from various military surplus sellers for around $35. Don't expect it to be nice. Do expect it to be cheap. If you're wondering if you should get the large or medium, consider that I usually take up the space on the large by throwing my sleeping back in there loosely and then strapping it down so it doesn't shift. Make sure it comes with the frame, make sure the frame comes with the straps. A lot of them don't. A lot of them look like they've been through a war. Don't expect pretty.

Resist the urge to throw things in the outside pockets unless it's bulky and lightweight. Think: socks. Your water or fuel might be bulky, but it's not light, and the further it is from your body the more fatigued you'll get swinging it back and forth. I seriously just use the middle, strap it down like it's cool and ignore the pockets.

And, think of it this way, if the pack gets screwed up or frayed, it was only $35. You can just buy another pack for the frame for $10.

I was going to recommend the ULA Catalyst but thats not your cup of tea for this purpose.

This one is on a good sale: http://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Trekker-External-Frame-Medium/dp/B004CXCQ0I/ref=sr_1_2?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1450650810&sr=1-2&refinements=p_n_feature_four_browse-bin%3A2325767011

Heres another big external frame for a fair price: http://www.amazon.com/ALPS-OutdoorZ-Commander-Freighter-Inches/dp/B004R7L7YU/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1450650959&sr=1-1&refinements=p_n_feature_four_browse-bin%3A2325770011

I got some straps like these at the hardware store and fastened my case to a pack frame like this one. It's decently comfortable.

https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-OutdoorZ-Commander-Pack-Bag/dp/B004R7L7YU/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1538439470&sr=1-1&keywords=commander+backpack&dpID=412MarCiuAL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

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This is my hunting/backpacking backpack. It is pretty modular and can detach from the frame. This sounds like what you described. I got mine for $100.

Theoretically, yes.

Get a few of the batteries, each of those is only slightly larger than the built in battery, you will be lucky if you get about a half hour each.

Also, for the pack, go with a frame.

https://www.amazon.ca/Stansport-Deluxe-Freighter-Aluminum-Frame/dp/B001RL5PHY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458344933&sr=8-1&keywords=hiking+frame+pack

Carrying that much on your back is always going to look stupid, so at least make it comfortable.

Those are good choices. Personally though, although not as quick to use, I'd prefer something like this external metal frame for heavy loads/backpacks. This way, if you check out my prototype, you can assert your data hoarding dominance to all those wimpy Synology/QNAP peasants while running through town.

Prototype in action: https://imgur.com/dPXLZMn

I have never tried this, but if I did I would give it a go with an A.L.I.C.E frame.


I have one of those frames and you can use it for all sorts of weird unwieldy things that need transporting.

Nice example, a friend of mine took the radiator out of his truck to take to a radiator repair shop. Having no second car he put the radiator on the A.L.I.C.E. with straps and cycled off to the shop.
He was not on a brompton but could have been.....

Also I have used it for a full jerry can of fuel.

Yes! What you do is get a frame back pack with just the frame, put the gravel in a burlap sack, and strap the sack to the pack using either bungee cords or paracord. Something like this is ideal https://www.amazon.com/Stansport-Deluxe-Freighter-Aluminum-Frame/dp/B001RL5PHY

Probably way too big for what your wanting but the Alps Commander gets good reviews, the pack is removable and it looks to be made for hunters.

Personally, I'd recommend a Kelty Trekker 65. I use one, it's incredibly adjustable. I'm bigger and wider than you are and it fit me fine once I moved the shoulder straps out. Everything fits inside or straps on the frame easily.

The only problem is it has more space than stuff I need to bring and I want to fill it up. Also no pockets on the hip belt, so you have to wear shorts/pants with pockets.

every time i get one i stuff it in a box in my office. i do on site work and run around between different locations a lot.

need to carry a bunch of cables and discs? throw it in an old shopping bag! leftover lunch? shopping bag!

i use them all the time for a multitude of things, and then i can re use them again later to carry more things at home, shove them in the box back here, or pick up my dogs crap.

i understand the point of getting rid of them, and have been forcing myself to use the paper ones(or one of my giant rolltop packs/moderate sized army packs) when shopping.. but they suck ass. handles rip off, etc.

i really wish they could get some promotional deal going to get everyone reusable sacks, just like they did with the recycling sacks a few years ago.

BONUS EDIT: get a bag like this(which i'm really mad they don't make the large of anymore) or this(with the frame. YOUR BACK CAN'T SWEAT WITH THE FRAME. it's magic). i use it to transport everything from tons of audio gear, computer shit for lanning, or tons of groceries all the time. both on foot and by cycle. it's comfortable and fits more than enough for the typical shopping trip even for a house of more than one person.

and it's downright awesome compared to herping and derping with bags on the handlebars.

https://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Redwing-Tactical-Forest-Green/dp/B077CYBBQH/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=kelty%2Bredwing%2B44%2Btactical&qid=1570563935&sr=8-6&th=1

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This is a great bag, i have the 50 L variety, it has MOLLE straps on the bottom of the pack. 20-25 L seems a bit small for your needs but this comes in as little as 30L

Anybody try using plates strapped to a frame backpack?

Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Fox-Outdoor-Products-L-I-C-E-Field/dp/B0045IUD5U/ref=lp_3400481_1_7?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1481682557&sr=1-7

This is my most expensive item.

I want to get it because I've been hoping to get into backpacking.

I would probably be okay with it if I never got it, but I'd probably end up buying one at some point anyway. It may not be this particular one, but I think I'll be getting one at some point.

"Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds

Strap to a frame like

https://www.amazon.com/Stansport-Deluxe-Freighter-Aluminum-Frame/dp/B001RL5PHY/

I own one similar to this and while I haven’t used it for hunting I have packed it to the brim and it can hold a fuck load. Quality seems to be there haven’t had any seam fraying or failure and zippers are still intact. The rifle holster down the side of mine works perfect. I’ll leave a link to another bag that would also be perfect


ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag, Briar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004R7L7YU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WvXVDbHWKJ6HZ

On amazon you could use
amazon
Or you could make it your self
diy YouTube

Purchase https://www.amazon.com/Stansport-Mountain-Hauler-Pack-Frame/dp/B000PTOOJY

Now I am not you and our ideas differ but you could modify an old Alice pack frame to do something similar.

Such as:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004R7L7YU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_SojNBb4J38AB7

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I4ST1FK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_XpjNBb8VRMBM9

https://www.cabelas.com/category/Hunting-Bags-Packs/104392080.uts

http://www.amazon.com/A-L-I-C-E-BackPack-shoulder-straps-waistbelt/dp/B000KD3GTE

Alice frame?

ALPS OutdoorZ Commander + Pack Bag, Briar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004R7L7YU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yj2kDbJ2BK70N this is the one I’ve got I didn’t pay nearly that much for it though

Edit: fat fingers on mobile

I think I actually must have misunderstood. Didn't mean to come across as cross, but sorry if I did. This is my current backpack, and with a few broken pieces, I think I can justify a new pack. Plus, it just seems a little bulky. Anyways, thanks a lot for the input! The Ospreys are starting to become the prime candidate.

Dude just look on craigslist for an external frame, or get this. Cheap, you'll be able to carry tons of shit on an external.