Frame for Duluth pack (pic heavy)

[Mastino]

First time trying to post piccies, so be nice

Having a Duluth pack poses one problem. It is a great pack but not really suitable for long walks. In trying to combine the pro's of the Duluth Northwoods and a regular frame pack I've come to the following solution using a swedish army LK70 frame:

Pack, backside


Pack, frameside. Note the basic LK70 SA frame


Detail of top attachment. I use a small leather strap


Detail of top attachment. Here how it is attached to the Duluth pack


Further detail. Here you can see how the small strap is threaded and connects with the frame and eventually goes through the tumpline attachment


Detail of how the straps of the Duluth are placed around the frame. The straps will not be stressed i this position because the weight is on the two aforementioned straps.


And how the bottom side is fastened (turn your head 90 deg left)


Concluding with a top and a side view of the pack with frame



The end result is comfortable as an LK70, has the old charme of the Duluth and doesn't require alterations to the pack or frame (the only thing is that youll have to disassemble the tumpline)

[woof]

Nice work. I've got the rugged river pack, and have just done a 30 miler, with one over night, i walked from Nottingingham to Grantham, along the old canal, the pack was'nt to bad to carry.

Rob

[Mastino]

I guess I'm spoiled. I did some walking with the pack properly packed (rolled up mat inside) and it's not bad, but with a heavy load (>20kg) it is a pain for me.

[86inch]

The Northwoods isn't really a pack for walking. Its merely a portage pack, meant for heavy and bulky loads over short periods of time & distance - hence having the very useful tump line and no waist/hip belt.

I would be very careful about putting a heavy load on the cinch straps as you have done Mastino, the rivets there are only hollow quick-set rivets and will not stand a heavy "pull through" load. They are only strong in sheer, as they are meant to be in this configuration. Hopefully, the pack frame extends all the way under the Northwoods...

[Mastino]

Thanks for your expert advice.

[forestwalker]

I would be very careful about putting a heavy load on the cinch straps as you have done Mastino, the rivets there are only hollow quick-set rivets and will not stand a heavy "pull through" load. They are only strong in sheer, as they are meant to be in this configuration. Hopefully, the pack frame extends all the way under the Northwoods...

I'd be tempted to just "stand" it on the shelf and use some straps or rope to attach it to the frame, gping all the way around the pack.