Front Load Backpacks?
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cabinfever
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Sounds rather like saddlebags for people. :tinysmile_tongue_t: I suppose it might be better to have the weight distributed front and back, but I would think the front would interfere with what you could do with your hands and arms.
Hikenhunter
Well-Known Member
Spent some time searching the web and all I can find are the standard panel loaders. If anybody finds a link to one of these please share it with the rest of us. I would really like to see one for myself.
Sorry guys, here is the link to the manufacturer: Aarn Bodypacks - From rucksac and backpack to lightweight packs to FlowMo Bodypack. Lightweight and Ultralight Body Packs, Backpacks and Rucksacks for Mountaineering and Climbing I guess they call them centered load backpacks or centered load carrying systems.
ponderosa
Active Member
I haven't seen or tried one...but I have experienced carrying a baby carrier in front and a backpack on my back. In my experience, it's very difficult to pick anything up off the ground, have a snack or drink while walking, or use your arms for pretty much anything other than swinging hiking poles. I also don't like the weight across my abdomen. I wasn't a fan, and am always thrilled when the baby is big enough to ride in a backpack. YMMV of course.
Thanks Ponderosa. That would be my guess as to the results but I was interested in the frontal portion to go along with the child carrier backpacks. (make them boys carry a bigger load for my girls:tinysmile_twink_t2
My granddaugher is strong enough to carry the heavy load while her husband carries the baby but my daughter is pretty short for carrying more than her share.
My granddaugher is strong enough to carry the heavy load while her husband carries the baby but my daughter is pretty short for carrying more than her share.
Theo
eyebp's mentor
wvbreamfisherman
Active Member
I tend to agree with Ponderosa, based on carrying stuff in vest while wearing a pack.
It felt clumsy to me, and really limited my freedom of movement. I'd also think that it could be quite hot in warmer weather.
That said, I'd be interested in trying one out for a bit to see if it was better than I expect.
It felt clumsy to me, and really limited my freedom of movement. I'd also think that it could be quite hot in warmer weather.
That said, I'd be interested in trying one out for a bit to see if it was better than I expect.
ponderosa
Active Member
Someone taller or tougher than I am might have better results with it. I have a really short torso and find the front weight to be pretty awkward.Thanks Ponderosa. That would be my guess as to the results but I was interested in the frontal portion to go along with the child carrier backpacks. (make them boys carry a bigger load for my girls:tinysmile_twink_t2
My granddaugher is strong enough to carry the heavy load while her husband carries the baby but my daughter is pretty short for carrying more than her share.
Hikenhunter
Well-Known Member
Ditto that. It looks like it would be akward, but I am one of those people who like my fanny pack out in front while others have told me they do not, so I would be interested in trying one out, but I do not think I want to spent the money because what if I don't like it?
wvbreamfisherman
Active Member
Interesting (and largely positive) reviews. It would be interesting to give it a try. I'd still wonder how hot it would be in summer. They didn't really touch on that much.
Without having tried the products, I've got two immediate concerns:
1. Covering more of your trunk means less air flow and more overheating in warm weather. I'm warm all the time while hiking anyhow, so this is a concern for me. It also means that I'd need to bring more water to replace body fluids lost to sweating.
2. The weight of the front compartments is on the shoulder straps and not the hips. Putting enough gear in the front packs to balance out the back compartments means losing some of the benefits of having a frame.
I'd need to try it out before deciding whether the impact of these things was smaller or larger than the impact of a more normal balance with a pack on. My guess is that it depends on the weather.
1. Covering more of your trunk means less air flow and more overheating in warm weather. I'm warm all the time while hiking anyhow, so this is a concern for me. It also means that I'd need to bring more water to replace body fluids lost to sweating.
2. The weight of the front compartments is on the shoulder straps and not the hips. Putting enough gear in the front packs to balance out the back compartments means losing some of the benefits of having a frame.
I'd need to try it out before deciding whether the impact of these things was smaller or larger than the impact of a more normal balance with a pack on. My guess is that it depends on the weather.
An internet friend of mine and an excellent reviewer did a review on these. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0ioVtcpEQI As you can see there are some strong points to the concept but it's not possible to determine without experience.
Sagebrusher
Member
I have worn two Duluth Packs when portaging. One in the back, one in the front.
http://duluthpack.com/outdoor-gear/canoe-kayak/canoe-packs
http://duluthpack.com/outdoor-gear/canoe-kayak/canoe-packs
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