Large Backpack for Mini High Banker?

[Echoplex]

Hello Folks,

I'm trying to find a backpack large enough to accommodate my mini highbanker and was wondering what you guys are using. Collapsed, my highbanker measures approximately 25 x 15 x 12 inches, which is roughly 75 liters of space. But all of the backpacks I have found are simply too narrow to fit. Even the 120 liter ones. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

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[mrktwiz]

Have you considered just using the backpack "frame" to attach the mini-banker/supplies too?

 

[Echoplex]

Yes, that's plan B. A backpack would be much easier for me, though, because I have quite a bit of other gear including a 13 pound battery.

Edit: Actually, after looking at frames some more, that does seem like a better option. I'm still curious to see what you all are using. Thanks again!

 

[et1955]

Hi Mike, there is no real easy way to get the equipment into this place but one or two and I have built one and that is a dolly like carrier. It has 16" wheels and it holds every thing on it. Easy to get in but as you know there will be some carrying involved when you get to the river. The other is to get a backpack frame and mount every thing on it and also ride a bike in. The ride in is a blast, faster than running the bridge and safer, but you pay the price no matter what and that is the trip out, you know what I mean, is a @#@@#. Ed

 

[63bkpkr]

Echoplex,
A bare backpack frame can be used for lashing duffle bags "of stuff" onto. It can get off balance if one is not careful, other than that it works....................63bkpkr

 

[SLNugget]

I use a GI duffle bag with shoulder straps. Cheap and very handy to have. You do not lose stuff that way.

 

[Echoplex]

Thanks all! I grabbed one of these at a local store and it is just perfect:

ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Freighter Frame - Sportco Warehouse Sporting Goods

Just need to find the correct balance and figure out the best way to mount the battery.

 

[Echoplex]

Here's the finished pack. It is fully loaded including highbanker, 12v 20Ah battery, tools, food, and drinking water. Total weight is 35 pounds. I added quite a few support straps for good measure and to help take pressure off the bench.

 

[et1955]

Great job, Mike. Ed

 

[63bkpkr]

Adding the straps to take the pressure off of the platform is a good idea, that is what my eye caught the first time I looked at the post of the pack. 35 lbs is a reasonable load as long as the heavy stuff is mostly on the bottom. Have FUN!.........................63bkpkr

 

[hunterbill]

I work as a hunting guide in AK needing to carry a camp on my back and then adding a sheep on top of it all. There is only one pack built for serious work. It is made for Barney's sports chalet in anchorage. The biggest one they have is the one to buy. They are not cheap and the price reflects that, but it is my opinion that it is worth not hurting yourself with poor equipment. If you think your feet deserve good boots then your back deserves the proper support of a pack is made for a load. I have heard a story where it was the barney pack that actually saved a guys life when he fell off the mountain. Do not put the heavy stuff in the bottom of your pack! Get that weight up high behind your shoulders. It will feel tipsy when you first try it, but the direction of pull on your spine is better. Try it. Be careful while packing heavy loads, it is easy to hurt yourself. If it is not confortable, it is not set up right. Adjust the distance between waist and shoulders. Your pack should not hurt.

 

[hunterbill]

Well..... hopefully your pack will be loaded heavy with gold someday. Then be careful. General rule is not to try packing more than your body weight.

 

[Echoplex]

Thanks for the tips, Bill. I gave my pack its first workout this past weekend. It worked great and is it's now ~40 pounds, which isn't too bad, but you can really feel it when you start climbing steep trails or over large boulders. I added 4 nice cinch straps from REI that have aluminum fittings instead of plastic. Hopefully this pack will last me a while. If it fails, then I will certainly look into the Barney's.