One of many projects happening around here this yule-tide season. A new classic-style rucksack is being sewn, much leatherwork is occurring, and this pack frame is being finished. The wood is shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) made from a bowstave section and some other scrap from the pile. All was split before finishing so the grain is perfectly aligned with the lumber. This made for easy steam bending. As I was working from many examples but no actual plan, there was a lot of mock-up and tweaking of the design to fit my size and intended needs. There’s no metal in the construction. The freight bar and cross members are half-lapped and lashed with rawhide. The bar is also pegged to prevent slipping under load. More to come as it gets finished and field tested.
Here’s a few older frames I could find around the ‘net:
Love it!! “How-to” plans and everything. Great Post!!
I love them or at least the look of them and the genius behind them-
How do they perform in real lofe though? Comfortable to carry, even with heavy loads?
Ron, that’s the only important question! I don’t know yet but, I think, from carrying it around the house, that it does it’s job. Distributes a load better than nothing. I will hopefully get to take it for some hikes soon and see how it performs. If nothing else, I could certainly strap a huge load of stuff to carry (e.g., an elk quarter or a big load of water). I’ll let you know!
George
Great prototyping, rawhide lashings, pegs, and the steam bent parts, 1/4×3/4? white oak? reminds me of my greenland kayak ribs. its a flatbed truck! versatile. cant wait to see complete.
It’s all shagbark hickory except the hoop at the top which is white oak. The uprights are about 3/4″ x 1 1/4″ and the slats are 1/2″ x 1 5/8″.
Great Post, Thank’s
Looks like a great frame. I am very interested to see how it works out for you.
Congrats from good ol’ Germany to the craftsman !
I am impressed – a great ‘n piece of handcrafted art !
Things like that – or other compareable craftwork – helps the re-enactors all over the world… and keeps the acknowledege of past crafting alive !