Photo gallery and verification image:
This is a high-volume but lightweight load hauler backpack. The pack is lightly used, primarily on a couple test hikes and one two-night trip. The white fabric shows just a bit of dirt.
It’s built around a stiff, U-shaped .433” Easton 7075 tubular aluminum frame. I chose the .433” diameter because it has a thicker wall than other Easton tube sizes. It has a hybrid design with a hanging hip belt directly bolted to the frame but also an integrated lumbar pad. The lumbar pad has removable 10mm Evazote foam and has been much more comfortable for me than a hanging hip belt alone. The foam can be removed or replaced with different foam. It also keeps the belt from flopping down. I’ve built 7 packs using this frame design, and have used these packs on a 10 day backpacking trip as well as carrying 60+ pounds of skiing and packrafting gear. I’ve found it to be extremely comfortable and to haul weight like a champ. It draws inspiration from Seek Outside and the SWD Big Wild.
It’s ideally set up for packrafting with large side pockets and dual daisy chains for lashing PFDs, etc. The side pockets have pass-through slots for the compression straps, allowing you to clip the compression straps to a modular talon compression panel or a packraft bow bag. The middle piece (the lower “u”) of the frame can be removed so that the pack will fit in a packraft cargo fly. While designed with packrafting in mind, it can be used for any application involving a bulky or heavy load.
The main pack is constructed from the latest Challenge Ecopak EPLX400. All pack seams are double stitched and bound with 1” grosgrain. See the photos for more construction details. Side pockets are made from Challenge Ultragrid and are dimensioned to give them significant useable volume. They have replaceable shock cords and bottom drain grommets.
Hip belt and shoulder straps are made from Ultragrid and 1/8” spacer mesh. The shoulder straps use 10mm genuine Evazote EV50 foam, and the hip belt is 15mm Evazote foam. Shoulder straps are attached ~20.5” from the bottom of the hip belt. I have a ~19” torso and this is a good fit for me. It should fit an 18-20” torso depending on how you like the pack to ride. Best bet is to measure this same distance on a pack that fits you (assuming it has load lifters). The conical hip belt is ~30” long and should fit down to a 34” waist and up to a 38-40” waist. It has two independently adjustable 1” buckles for optimal fit. See the photos for how the belt fits my 36” waist and 19” torso.
I’ve built well over a dozen load hauler backpacks, and have been using them exclusively for my personal packrafting and extended backpacking trips for around 3 years. I am an amateur MYOG enthusiast who occasionally sells packs to fund the next project. MYOG is an expensive hobby! I use an industrial sewing machine, 1/2” seam allowances, and heavy-duty, bonded poly V69 tex 70 thread. I am not a pro but I’ve used my packs enough to feel good about the construction. If something fails due to my workmanship, I’ll make it right up to and including a refund. You can see other packs I’ve made at
Asking $250 shipped to the lower 48. Inquire about shipping to AK. Payment via PayPal, I’ll cover the G&S fee.
Details:
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2lbs 12oz. Lightweight but durable.
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Approximately 90L. Photos show pack full with three rolls of the top.
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Top circumference: 47”, bottom: 40”, unrolled height: 41”.
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.433” Easton tubular aluminum frame.
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Pack body is Challenge Ecopak EPLX400. All seams are double-stitched and bound with 1” grosgrain.
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Side pockets are Challenge Ultragrid 210d and have replaceable bungee cords. They are dimensioned and easily hold two 32oz nalgenes - see photos.
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Vertical front daisy chains for attaching a PFD, etc.
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Shoulder straps are Challenge Ultragrid 210d, 1/8” spacer mesh, 10mm Evazote foam. Removable shoulder straps are attached with gatekeeper buckles making them removable/replaceable.
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Conical hip belt is Challenge Ultragrid 210d, 1/8” spacer mesh, 15mm Evazote foam, heavy duty frame attachment grommets.
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Lumbar flap with removable/swappable foam. Improves carry and keeps frame and hip belt in place.
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Four side compression straps and single over the top strap, all removable with gatekeeper buckles.
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Roll top has plastic stiffeners for easier closing.