Packless Systems Explained

My Packless System was first tested and streamline for my Pacific Crest Trail hike in 2001. Testing, results and conclusions can be read at the link above.

My homepage at http://trailquest.net/BRindex.html

is full of trail journals, gear designs, links and stuff.

Hard to describe it all.

Starting next week, I will show you how to strip your external frame pack and create a packless system. All you need is an external frame, fabric, and sewing machine. If you want to use some larger stuff sacks you have on hand, and a few hand sewing moves, that will work too.

I posted this information at http://www.brawnyview.blogspot.com/

Included at Brawnyview are links where to get fabric, hardware and ideas where to find inexpensive, used external frames.

It should be a fun project and very cost effective.

People have asked me for years to demonstrate this. Our end goal is a workable system for my readers as well as a complete How To video for YouTube .

An external frame pack can be updated, modified and customized to fit the specific needs of the owner. Because external frames last forever, you can share your pack with family and friends, adapting it to each trail as needed.

Each day next week we'll post until the video is completed and uploaded. Join me here next week as we delve into this project.

Gleaning Good Stuff

This stuff sack was sent to me as part of a gear testing opportunity. Inside was a Eureka 35 degree sleeping bag. A full 6 foot model, I demonstrate how to shorten a sleeping bag without cutting it and minimal sewing on my YouTube channel
http://www.youtube.com/user/brawny03
The modification is temporary and easily reversed.

My review of this sleeping bag can be read at:
http://www.trailquest.net/BRfile.html#How To

Today, I am removing the compression straps from this stuff sack. I never use a compression stuff sack for a sleeping bag. By using a simple "seam ripper" or a small scissors, I will take out the stitching which connects the straps to the stuff sack.
By gleaning the straps off this stuff sack, I am reducing the weight and saving the straps for use with my external frame pack.

A sleeping bag must be treated with care. They should be stored after air drying throughly, and then hung by their bottom loop or zipper pull. If you do not have a place to hang them, store loosely in an oversize cotton bag or huge cabbage sack.

A sleeping bag should be removed from its stuff sack as soon as possible when arriving in camp. Fluff and air to restore loft. This is critical in sleeping warm.

I tend to sleep cold. I found this Eureka sleeping bag would keep me warm to 40 degrees.

Tarp Modification

I'm a big fan of gear modifications.

Now, as a gear tester, I first completely test the item as sent to me. Taking into account the designers passion, I feel its very important to give them the benefit of the doubt, and find the method to the madness.

But, when its all said and done, a little modification to suit an individual's needs goes a long ways.

The above clip shows me adding a guying loop to my new Brooks-Range tarp. I found the "through hole" just wasn't optimal for me. A guying loop would be perfect. They are simple to add, you can easily do it too. If you have a shelter that would benefit from a guy line, simply watch the above video and go for it.

Today I added a new page to this site called "Alternative Gear".

Hope it helps your budget and opens new ideas to the survivalist in us all.