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Human Interface: Backpack harness innovation

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Re: Human Interface: Backpack harness innovation

#21

Post by Dowwie »

thomaslangston wrote: post #19
Dowwie wrote: post #17

I'm backpacking 8 days into the backcountry this Summer. I was fitted for my pack in 2009 and used it on a few trips, carrying up to 75 pounds for several days. Even with a fitted pack, my shoulders took a beating. I don't know whether upgrading packs will make much of a difference but need to act soon.

Yikes that's a heavy pack. https://www.rei.com/blog/camp/how-much-should-your-pack-weig... Almost all of the pack weight should be on your hips, not your shoulders. Good luck preparing for your next trip.

I alternate the load from hip to shoulder when climbing elevation. I'll try not to this time..

Re: Human Interface: Backpack harness innovation

#22

Post by chrisseaton »

If you ask people who live and die by their 'backpacks' - the military (they'd call them rucksacks in the US or bergens in the UK) - you'll find that they eschew all this fancy complexity and just use something with a very basic structure. You may get an internal metal or polymer frame, but that'll be about it. Keep it simple.

Re: Human Interface: Backpack harness innovation

#23

Post by lukebuehler »

Having walked over 4000 miles in a Deuter backpack that weighted on average about 33lbs/15kg, I would just add that while optimizing backpack fit is absolutely important, it is more important to constantly optimize how much weight you are carrying. The latter is way more an art than the former.

Re: Human Interface: Backpack harness innovation

#24

Post by koobz »

Most of the modern backpacks portrayed are heavy and designed for 45+lb loads (of which some of these packs will comprise 3+lbs).

Would have liked to see more ultralight representation because it serves as a good counterpoint to all the tech that though effective, adds weight.

Reducing weight has been the biggest advancement in ergonomics for me. A pack is an important part of that total and many of his examples - ladder back adjustment systems, contouring supported by robust plastic and foam, articulating ball joints - add to it.

You Ain’t Gonna Need It - unless you don’t apply that attitude and end up with a 75lb(!) bag.

Re: Human Interface: Backpack harness innovation

#25

Post by TopHand »

chrisseaton wrote: post #22

If you ask people who live and die by their 'backpacks' - the military (they'd call them rucksacks in the US or bergens in the UK) - you'll find that they eschew all this fancy complexity and just use something with a very basic structure. You may get an internal metal or polymer frame, but that'll be about it. Keep it simple.

When I was "in" 45+ years ago, the most important feature of our packs was the ability to shed them quickly so that we could take cover and maneuver our bodies to attack, fight, and survive.

Re: Human Interface: Backpack harness innovation

#26

Post by Dansvidania »

ahaferburg wrote: post #18
vanderZwan wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Funny, to me the physics of that floating backpack immediately check out on an intuitive level: the less energy I put into making the backpack move, the less energy I'll expend.

My only worry would be that it swings, and builds up more movement than necessary. In the video at 0:46 the movements look pretty excessive.

I imagine one could dampen the motion by regulating the tension of the bungees? or maybe lock it entirely if you need to jump around for a while?

I think that kind of shock absorption and momentum conservation optimization over something that happens tens of times per minute (like steps or strides when running) would definitely make a difference.

Re: Human Interface: Backpack harness innovation

#27

Post by gherkinnn »

koobz wrote: post #24

Most of the modern backpacks portrayed are heavy and designed for 45+lb loads (of which some of these packs will comprise 3+lbs). Would have liked to see more ultralight representation because it serves as a good counterpoint to all the tech that though effective, adds weight. Reducing weight has been the biggest advancement in ergonomics for me. A pack is an important part of that total and many of his examples - la…

Yup, it’s a vicious cycle. You carry more, you need a bigger pack, you’re slower, you need to carry more.

Re: Human Interface: Backpack harness innovation

#29

Post by gbtw »

jotm wrote: post #14

I always thought shoulder straps need more connection between them at chest level - would that make sense? I think it would even the load better.

My Kriega R30 backpack has that, its not that great for walking in my opinion but i can wear it all day on the motorcycle (that's what its made for), off the bike i usually have my pants and jacket and helmet hooked on the top of it so its very overweight.

https://kriega.com/riderpacks/

Re: Human Interface: Backpack harness innovation

#30

Post by alexhjones »

jotm wrote: post #14

I always thought shoulder straps need more connection between them at chest level - would that make sense? I think it would even the load better.

Do you mean sternum straps? They do make a big difference (especially when you have two laptops to carry!)
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