On my last blog entry I discussed an issue I had with back packs and packrafting.
The packs I have are for bush walking. The requirements for packrafting are quite different. With all the gear there is a lot of bulk and very few packs on the market can take the volume and deal with the wet gear this issue also exists when I go kiteboarding). I am not happy with any of the larger packs , nor strapping on extra items. Ideally everything should go in a single pack.
Staring at my bushwalking packs I thought “why isn’t there an ability to simply buy the harness and I use a dry bag or something ?”. I was tempted to cut up my old Berghaus pack but couldn’t as it has sentimental value: not until I have done some research.
It turns out that other people have had this issue and there other options. After investigating a few the solution I settled on was the NRS Paragon Pack . It was quite expensive for what it is at near $180 AUD having to buy it from the U.S.A – what with the decline of the Aussie dollar and the cartel of US delivery options – ridiculous for what it is but cheaper for me rather than mucking around making my own or spending forever finding alternatives.
Taking delivery today I am glad it fitted my duffle bag and seems to fit well ergonomically. I may need to add some padding for the waist back, that will be determined after a couple of practice hikes.
The duffle bag by the way is the largest one can get that fits most international bag dimensions, it weighs 2.3 kg and has wheels – I may look at removing wheels to make lighter, we’ll see – they might be useful ! See Eagle Creek Migrate Wheeled Duffel 110L (I bought this as it fits my split kiteboard)
For reference some of the other options I looked at include:
- frame packs as per the military or hunters use (molle packs)
I did not want to have an issue with storing a frame on the raft and they weighed more than I liked. Carrying on planes also is problematic with the frame acting as a catch. - specialised belt-frame options
These looked enticing as the frame and belt could be disassembled and placed inside the bag.
Home-made: 11 OUNCE EXTERNAL FRAME PACK
StackPack: NeoTrekk - dry-bags with harness
Some did not have a waist harness or inadequate consideration for anatomy.
Earth Pak: Waterproof Backpack: 35L / 55L Heavy Duty Roll-Top Closure
Ortleib: X-TREMER 113L
Hiko: Packrafting Trek Backpack 60L - barrel harnesses.
Most did not have a waist harness.
North49: Canoe Barrel Harness Pack 60L, Backpack
Harmony Gear: Dry Storage Barrel Harness 60 Liter
Level Six: HASS Adjustable Barrel Portage Pack, Charcoal