OzymandiasX
Deck Hand
 United States
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« on: February 24, 2011, 09:17:36 pm » |
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So I've seen several back-pack style creations and I've got some inspiration now... But what I don't have is knowledge of how to make something bulky hang (comfortably) on my back! It will probably be 20-30 pounds when done and I want to be able to wear it for hours+, so any advice will be appreciated! Also, I was debating about whether to construct a frame or to buy one. I have an old ALICE frame I could use, but there are some newer-style frames (like this http://cgi.ebay.com/Molle-Back-Pack-Frame-Tan-New-/330378712422) that look like they could easily be painted up and would be quite comfy. Anyone have experience with a backpack frame like these or suggestions on how to make one? Leather would look best for straps imo, but seem like they could be very uncomfortable if not located and padded exactly right. Any tips on placing/attaching straps? Should I look at something other than leather? |
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Captain Lyerly
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« Reply #1 on: February 25, 2011, 12:01:10 am » |
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The Alice frame is good - it has the advantage of having the straps already placed. I have a hipbelt on mine; if you are going to have a heavy weight on your back the hipbelt is a godsend. If you did one up from a weightlifter's belt - easily found in the thrift shops - that would look right as well.
There are other surplus packs - I think the Swiss packboard can be found online occasionally, and it might be an easier start.
Good luck with it!
Chas.
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Captain Sir Charles A. Lyerly, O.B.T.
Soldier of Fortune and Gentleman Adventurer
wire: captain_lyerly, at wire office "Yahoo dot Qom"
"You'd think he'd learn."
"Heh! De best minions neffer do!"
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Maets
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« Reply #3 on: February 25, 2011, 02:10:00 am » |
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Old SCUBA backpacks work great for carrying lots of weight.
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OzymandiasX
Deck Hand
United States
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« Reply #4 on: February 25, 2011, 05:27:06 am » |
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Good tips! I hadn't even thought of how important a waist belt would be for the weight.
Man, I'm really getting pumped about this project! lol
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Darkmoon
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« Reply #5 on: February 25, 2011, 07:51:33 am » |
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I'm sewing my own from some brown canvas-like material I got at JoAnns. It's like a cross between a rucksack and a messenger bag without the one long shoulder strap. Just a big flat-ish rectangle with lots of pockets and places to hang things, all secured by big metal snaps. Might be able to stand 20 pounds of stuff, but not really intending to carry that much on me.
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wrenchhead
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« Reply #6 on: March 01, 2011, 05:59:59 pm » |
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First, about the price of your proposed MOLLE pack frame, I can quantitatively say (as a member of the United States Army) that this is a VERY good price for that item. It's about 1/3 the price I would have to pay for it on base.
Second, the pack that is build on this frame is VERY comfortable and easy to wear, as the frame is shaped to be, shall we say, ergonomic? It conforms rather well to the wearer's back, unless they are Quasi Modo. and as you can see, it has attachment holes all down the sides and through the central framework, so you can build pretty much anything you want off this frame... I had considered building a pack of my own off it, as well.
-Jake
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Dr. makebot
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« Reply #7 on: March 01, 2011, 07:19:14 pm » |
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The backpack I am building has no frame, so I can`t comment on that, but for straps, I would recommend webbing, the same material army belts are made out of.
if you can get an pair of army belts, you can attach them to the pack with bolts through the holes that are used to adjust the belts.
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yes I am a mad scientist, now live with it. |
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Zack Alister
Gunner
 Norway
Self proclaimed genius.
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« Reply #9 on: June 01, 2011, 11:26:50 am » |
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I'm currently working on a project which involves a backpack. The idea is that the backpack is a kind of "Plasma Battery" and will power a huge gun I have (Not pictures due to it not being finished). Anyways, I decided to use a wooden backpack which I obtained at an antic sale. Its over 90 years old and was used by a farmer to carry wood down from the mountains (I love living in Norway  ). Because the backpack is wooden, I added a lot of accessories such as the Plasma Screen part which is a lamp (Poking it results in a zap.  ). I also added a ton of pipes and gauges to fill in the empty spaces on the side and top. As you can see, its still empty over the screen part, I'm going to put some gauges there soon. The entire thing is powered by a huge 12 volt battery, which, upon being fully charges, can run the entire backpack and gun constantly for 2 days straight. Hopefully this has provided some inspiration and if you need any help on what materials I used and such, just send me a PM. Also, as an extra note, this picture is from a photoshoot at a con and I'm afraid I don't know who the other guy was, so I can provide no links to him or the photographer. - Zack Alister |
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« Last Edit: June 01, 2011, 11:38:49 am by Zack Alister »
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American Steampunker currently residing in the icy, faraway lands of Norway.
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OzymandiasX
Deck Hand
United States
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« Reply #10 on: June 01, 2011, 06:43:29 pm » |
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Thanks for the tips and suggestions! They've been very helpful. The backpack apparatus is far from finished, but here is a photo of it from a few months ago when I wore it out for Mardi Gras. I plan to add a bunch of pipes/tubes to the sides of the pack and add some functionality to it as well...   |
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Cogni
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« Reply #11 on: June 03, 2011, 07:38:28 pm » |
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In my opinion as an avid camper, someone who worked in a sporting goods store, and who splurged for a Chrome bag I have to say straps make all the difference. For anything carrying a lot of weight ideally (function over fasion) you would want S curve straps and a chest buckle. The S curve you'll see in most Jansport book bags and the shape helps keep weight high on your shoulders where it would be best distibuted and comfortable. A buckle in the chest/sternum area brings the straps closer together which serves to hold the weight in place and on your shoulders.
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Fortune favors the Bold.
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Narsil
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« Reply #12 on: June 03, 2011, 08:53:59 pm » |
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For a steampunk pack I think an external frame is definitely the way to go for several reasons.
Firstly it keeps the load bearing part separate from the actual pack so you have more room to be creative without compromising the ergonomics.
Secondly its a lot easier to make as a one off that way, internal frame packs require quite sophisticated pattern cutting and design of foam inserts, straps and frame to make them work properly.
Thirdly external frame packs automatically look a bit anachronistic and old fashioned whereas the more streamlined internal frame packs will always seem quite modern.
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A man of eighty has outlived probably three new schools of painting, two of architecture and poetry and a hundred in dress. Lord Byron |
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wrenchhead
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« Reply #13 on: June 04, 2011, 07:30:34 pm » |
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Thanks for the tips and suggestions! They've been very helpful. The backpack apparatus is far from finished, but here is a photo of it from a few months ago when I wore it out for Mardi Gras. I plan to add a bunch of pipes/tubes to the sides of the pack and add some functionality to it as well... Oz- I like the way your pack is coming along! I hate (no I don't) to say "I told you so," but I did in fact warn you that the MOLLE Pack frame would work well... and it has! And then you went and painted it copper, which gives it a look a little akin to the interior structure of Lady Liberty... this makes me think it might look as good, if not better, if you "aged" the "copper" a bit by giving it some patina! Anywho, good lookin! -Jake |
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