Wood pack frames

bikermikearchery

bikermikearchery

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Jan 18, 2007
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Just inviting opinion and discussion. I used a wooden homemade pack frame when I was a youngster. One type was a improved Roycroft stile for light hiking. My heavy pack was an Alaskan pack board. I always like the flexibility of being able to tie individual small packages to my frame, instead of one large bag.
With all the modern man made materials Does anyone else have an interest in wooden pack frames?

For many years my out door gear was provided by Uncle Sam. After US stopped supplying me I did all my camping with primitive skills. My knees and ankles are gone now, so I spend most of my time in my workshop. Where I have made Archery equipment, knives, Slingshots, A canoe, Kayak, A laminated wood pack frame could be as light weight as an aluminum frame but with a bit more flexibility like plastics.
 
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I think it's a great idea. Pack frames are very versatile and there's no reason you couldn't build from wood, as long as you kept the weight issue a priority.

I looked into the Bull-Pac frames at one time and contacted them about a smaller version. They weren't interested. I got the impression that they felt all their products would have to be capable of the HEAVY loads of the standard line. Not everyone needs a big frame that can handle 200 pounds, but that was not their way of thinking. Too bad, they have some nice stuff.

I've toyed with the idea myself and have a design or two kicking around, I just lack the skills and tools to make it happen. Wouldn't mind seeing what you could do.
 
Laminated Wood can be in very thin sections and have tremendous strength. I make laminated bows, (archery) the tip of an 80 pound bow is only about 1/2" x 3/8"
A laminated pack frame with uprights 3/4 x 3/8 and spreaders 1/2 x 3/4" I believe would support any weight you could strap to it.
 
You know what would make this thread cool? Pictures. And a video of someone making a wooden frame pack in the woods along with wool blanket. And a shot of the knives used.
 
bma, would you be able to form an integrated shelf on a laminated frame? That would be awesome. Or are you thinking of a Trapper Nelson/Alaskan style packboard? What do have in mind for straps?
 
Making one bought from supplies at a hardware store and worked on at home can be cool. But seeing one made in the woods would be great. But if you are going the hardware route, why limit yourself to wood?
 
Bma gives us the name of that one in his first post: Roycroft

I've got to try one of those, the sooner the better.
 
That Roycroft design seems dumb compared to the one in that vid unless you really didn't have a choice. It uses three separate parts and lashings when an A frame can be made from two parts. An H frame or ladder seems better still as per the Trapper Nelson, 'cos at least that tries to get the frame away from digging in you. That said, I don't see the frame as the biggest part of the problem. Even my old Karrimor Arctic Bergan was a bitch because it only had a belt and no effective harness for the transfer of load to the hips. I think that; “by modern standards, the pack is cruel and unusual torture, but compared to the alternatives at the time, it was a big improvement” thing is going to be about spot on. Anyway –
086-050-01_01.jpg
 
Learned how to make wood frame packs for survival situations, but is laminated wood really as light as modern aluminum packs, especially the internal ones?
 
CWL said:
Learned how to make wood frame packs for survival situations, but is laminated wood really as light as modern aluminum packs, especially the internal ones?
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About the same weight as external Aluminum frames. has more flexibility than aluminum, but stiffer than plastic.
In the first half of the 1900 high quality out door gear was made of wood, canvas, leather, wool.
SOME modern material in some items is better, but most folks have never handles anything that has not been mass produces in China. There has been a resurgence of interest in Wood Canoes, wood Kayaks, wood Archery gear, Canvas tents. even canvas packs.
quality wood gear can't be mass produced, but takes a skilled craftsman. My 14 foot Kayak weights about the same as my Plastic kayak but handles and looks much better. My wood paddles are much stronger and lighter than the aluminum and plastic paddles I have used.
woodpackframe.jpg
 
Let's not forgot the cool factor of carrying gear around in a pack made by hand. So far these videos have been of really bad quality. I would like to try this project, but I would need a better tutorial with better clarity. How about historical examples? I'm sure the wooden frame packs have been around for many years with various designs. Those used by soldiers and adventures. I thought I would post a few pics I found.
Circa 1910
backpack1.jpg


Forest service 1940s-50s
pack-frame-1.jpg
 
I like the idea...a lot.

Brian Sargent said:
What about bamboo.

Wood lugs, Ts' and Ls' could be used to tie it together.
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I've got some pieces put to one side at work for just this. They have been steam bent to a U shape, nust have been from some gardening frame of some sort. Anyway, when time permits, I'll be experimenting. I have LOTS of ideas!
 
Old style packs are visually beautiful, but......... My back can't use 'em. If I expect to cover the miles in middle age and later, I have to have all the lightest, over engineered modern stuff.


Beautiful old pack frames with their canvas bags would look great on the wall of a fancy restaurant.

As far as my poor old back is concerned, primitive backpacks are a thing of the past. I think my back is relieved. Maybe twenty-somethings could provide a market for that sort of cool old kit.
 
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