Help me design . . . a sack-carrying rucksack/frame.

[mrcharly]

Spring last year I stuffed up one shoulder and still have a major rotator cuff injury. Can't lift left arm above shoulder height.

In May, it is peat cutting season. I reckon I can cut the peat ok, the problem is in transporting the dried peat up to the road.

Normally I fill sacks (about 20-30kg depending on sack size), throw them on my shoulders and carry them the 500m to the road. The first part of the route is over peat bog, so I can't use a barrow.

Shoulder injury means I can't do this. Can't get a sack up onto shoulders and hold it there with both hands.

So I was thinking of making a frame backpack onto which I could strap a sack. No need to lift it up onto shoulders as I can put it on the edge of the peat bank and slide my arms in.

Anyone have or know of plans for such a frame backpack?

 

[Woody girl]

Have you thought of a kids plastic sled? You could turn it into a pulk type carrier for the peat .I've made one by drilling holes round the rim of the sled, threading through some nylon rope, and then through a couple of 5 foot lengths of white plastic pipe , and making a loop to which I've attached a couple of 'binas, which in turn clip on to my belt. Just drag it along over the bog behind you, and no strain on your shoulder at all.
A cargo net will stop anything falling off if you go uphill.
The pipes stop it running into you as you go downhill, so if you have no downhill, you could do away with those .

 

[Broch]

OK, I'll get told off for this as it's not directly on topic, so I'm happy to move it to a PM.

I've had two rotator cuff injuries (separate shoulders) - one that lasted for years because I didn't sort it and one that lasted a couple of months. Both were debilitating and prevented me from doing work in the wood, or lift my arm, and I would often end up kneeling on the floor in agony for several minutes if I tried throwing some brash or some other stupid motion. In both cases, once I'd got professional physio help, and carried out the exercises religiously, they were cured (and I mean no pain at all) within three or four weeks.

I do appreciate though that some RC injuries end up requiring surgery.

 

[mrcharly]

Appreciated, Broch. I'm waiting for physio appointment and doing some self-directed physio. Initially made the mistake of resting it, not knowing that with RC injuries, that would make it worse.
Dragging anything is a no-go. I have rough ground to cross, old peat diggings. So have to get up and down 2ft banks. Then there is a stony track (I can use a wheelbarrow for that bit, but once a sack on my shoulders just continuing seems to be the way). Carrying is the only workable option.

I've had a frame rucksack before. It was hideously uncomfortable, because the bottom part of the frame dug into the bony sides of my pelvis. I'd want the sack-carrying frame to be higher, so that didn't happen. Probably wouldn't bother with a hip belt.

 

[C_Claycomb]

Have you looked at stuff like the Kifaru pack frames (I am thinking of the Duplex, but there may be newer ones). Not suggesting buying one is the answer, although it would be, but they are US based, expensive, and hard to source. However, they make external frame packs for hunters who will carry a lot of weight, like full camp kit, plus meat.

I don't know how you would use the frame design to do your own, but it is one thought.

The other end of the spectrum is the Roycroft Pack Frame.

 

[Wildgoose]

There used to be a flat shelf available for the Alice pack.

Perhaps an Alice pack frame/para Bergen/gs Bergen frame could be adapted?

Something like:

GENUINE SAS BRITISH METAL BERGEN / CLANSMAN RADIO MAN PACK FRAME BRITISH ARMY | eBay

The bars/rungs are approx 16cm apart. Height: 46cm.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Broch]

I believe @Tengu had a 70's Karrimor (or similar) frame she was willing to part with a month or so back; I don't know if it will be suitable but I always found mine very comfortable.

 

[SaraR]

If you’d consider buying a pack frame, Tatonka’s Lastenkraxe is very sturdy and stands up for loading.

 

[Jared]

Maybe a pack basket design?

There are barrel harnesses for portaging https://www.aiguillealpine.co.uk/product/watersport/storage-systems/e0341/

Though maybe a rectangular plastic bin might be more usuable. Line the bin with a sack, load with peat, carry out.

 

[mrcharly]

I usually carry 5-6 sacks up to the tarmac road, load in car, then take home. Hence wanting to make something to carry a sack, not loose peat. A pack frame like Sara suggested would do the job, but I'd rather avoid spending that amount of money.
Hence wanting to design something to do the job.

 

[Broch]

Would an LK35 be big enough?

Swedish Army Lk35 Rucksack Canvas

Swedish Army Surplus LK35 Rucksack Shop online for a great range of Army Surplus LK35 by haglofs and much more at MilitaryMart the home of Army Surplus Buy online.

www.militarymart.co.uk

 

[Broch]

Or, there's a few of this type of thing for under £50

Hi Country External Frame Backpack Green Medium USA Vintage Hiking - Etsy UK

This Backpacks item by BillsReFinds has 26 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from United States. Listed on 23 Nov, 2023

www.etsy.com

 

[Kepis]

Could you make one from PVC pipe, much the same way as Neil did in this video?

 

[Tengu]

Still got that pack.

Taymor, has a folding shelf.

 

[mrcharly]

The lk35 is probably a bit small. The sacks I carry are about 40l I guess. I usually use old feed sacks.
There are loads of ideas on this site https://74fdc.wordpress.com/2012/08...ks-applying-the-old-ways-to-the-new-journeys/
I guess I'm thinking of something like the Kraxen .

 

[Broch]

I wonder if you could make something from an old chair

Pick one up from a recycling yard or a junk shop. Take the cushion off, cut the seat length and refasten the front brace, discarding the front legs, cut the back legs shorter, screw on a couple of angle braces under the (now) shelf. Then just screw on some loops of old seatbelt webbing or similar as shoulder straps. Maybe a bit of padding between your back and the frame.

 

[mrcharly]

That's a really good idea. An old dining chair might work perfectly.

Rope or wood up from seat to the 'back' to take the strain.

 

[Pattree]

30kg? About a quarter of a cubic meter.
Hmmmm
I wonder if a couple of lengths of 25mm pvc conduit, a couple of metres of 8mm all thread and a handful of butterfly screws could make you a folding “L” frame. Shoulder straps and diagonals of two inch webbing and a bungee octopus to hold your sack in place.

It would buckle a bit to start with but it just might survive a season or two and it’s so easy to make. I’m talking through my bum here but I use 25mm pvc for all sorts of things.

You could probably do everything above for £30. It might be worth a punt.

Come to that - any old charity shop framed rucksack (set as high as you like) with the front cut open vertically and a bungee octopus might work.

Neither idea is elegant but who cares?

 

[Tengu]

Old Skool External Frame Taymor Rucksack

The pictures speak pretty much for themselves There is a tear to the side, and two of the pegs that hold the bag in are missing, one is the bottom so the belt has just one side. Also the straps are hard and cracked. But I suspect you want it for the frame? The frame has a fold down shelf but...

bushcraftuk.com

 

[Jared]

Aliexpress Alice setup (frame, shelf & straps) for ~£50

7.91￡ 24% OFF|Tactical Alice Carrying System Backpack 100% Full Aluminum Frame Weight Training Bag Rack American No. 2 Backpack LC 1| | - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com