Modular Pack Frame DIY

[@jpatchin7405]

I found a pack frame years ago and did something similar. However, I didn’t have a toggle system what you just shared and I really really like that. This would allow me to make my pack frame more versatile. Thank you.😊

[@coreyschultz7018]

Ya it's nice to add and take off as needed as each trip is different. Infinite choices man.

[@jameszahler9575]

I find you consistently have the most original and inventive content of all the bushcraft channels I watch. Thanks you for continuing to bush thee boundaries of what's possible.

[@raymondward1009]

I like the versatility of rig's like this! I've made almost a dozen different sized kit's with pieced together items. Doing stuff like this is one of many ways to keep your brain working!

[@johntablazon]

I found a lightweight pack frame at a military surplus store that has a shelf and adjustable top bar. I can strap my tent, a couple of dry bags, hatchet and shovel to it. It reminded me of the video you did with the Bul Pak frame.

[@jamesmiddleton6464]

I have an old boyscout pack with a frame like this. The pack is held on with wire stays that run through pins that go through holes in the aluminum frame. Its very easy to use and has held up for me and my son since the 1980's. On mine there is some heavy nylon netting that is laced across the uprights. The netting holds the pack away from the body and creates a space for air to flow. This is the coolest pack in hot weather that either of us have ever used and is very comfortable with loads up to 55 pounds (we never really tried heavier but I suspect we would want better padding in the shoulder straps.) That netting/open webbing really makes a huge difference in comfort.

[@i_am_a_freespirit]

David, I still have my original backpack i purchased back in the 1980's. Mine is exactly like yours, only in silver and my pack itself is by now a faded orange. I had over the years bugs chew on some of the material like the straps, but everything else is still in great shape. I love this backpack because of the curved frame and the other versatilities that can be added to it. I have also a motorcycle bungie net (when i used to ride my K750), and it has 6 hooks on opposite ends, that i can tie to the outside of my pack for things like sleeping bags or hammock, etc I don't have to tie anything...just hook it up... it's a time saver for me. I live my backpack frame as well, because it is light weight!

[@unfi6798]

It's about time someone make full use of pack frames. Been using it for decades, handed down from grandparents for transporting big game & heavy loads. We even used it as part of a stretcher to hold firm the upper body part on a rescue extraction. There are multiple usages for a pack frame. Glad DC make it more obvious & showing its multi application. Cheers cobber from Australia.

[@GeorgeBurgers-xt5hr]

My pack has two wide belts between the side frames to keep the pack off of my back. They provide a soft cushion the lumbar region and the upper chest. They actually have turnbuckles to tighten/loosen the belts to adjust the pressure on the back. They keep hard things in the pack from jabbing into my back...extremely comfortable. I doubt they are available now because I bought the pack in the 1970s. The concept seems pretty fundamental though.

[@silasmarner7586]

I had the family's old external frame pack but my brother asked for it. I presume he still has it. It's from the seventies. In fact I have a 1973 down sleeping back (it was cleaned and restuffed by an outfit in Eugene, OR). It's just nylon but with a goretex bivy bag it's suitable for just about anything you can throw at it. I keep it unstuffed and hanging in an oversized cotton haul bag for preserving it. 50 years later, so far so good!

[@maxpinson5002]

Yes ^ ^ ^ beat me to it. My old frames have the mesh lumbar panels as well to keep the frame rails off your back. I guess in the spirit of common man gear one could put some lengths of the foam pipe insulation on the tubes where they would contact your back I would guarantee that walking around for an hour with a load would be rough going

[@williamolliges2622]

Using thinner straps, the canteen pouch can be made into a chest bag where I carry my snivel gear while I’m carrying a pack. Trail mix, Copenhagen, compass, small knife, multi tool, etc.

[@colvindl1]

This is like your OG videos......LOVE IT!!!! Please do more of this. Very inspirational. Thank you.

[@tomritter493]

Back when I used a Alice frame and 4 butt packs each designated for different area shelter. Water food and accesorys one was basicly free most fit in 3 packs

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

VERY WELL THOUGHT OUT SIR thanks for posting

[@rodslug216]

Ty so much Brother for all your useful Information...You truly The Last of a Dying Breed

[@MrQuinnd]

Keeping it on the shelf reliance . Thanks for not wavering.

[@reedmitchell6716]

Great kit here. Just to simple and versatile. My kinda common man gear on a budget. Thanks Dave.

[@ebony5766]

What a great idea for a car/truck go bag. Have a bag for winter or summer or urban or wilderness ect. Now that gives me something to think about.

[@johnstott140]

Totally agree with your reasoning. I have two types the tatonka frame system which unbelievably comfortable for very heavy loads and has a shelf on the bottom which makes carrying unusual loads easy. It is that comfortable that when my friend broke his ankle on a trip in Scotland I was able to get him to sit on the shelf on top of a tree stump and I literally tied him to the frame. I was then able to get the frame on and stand up. I was able to carry him across quite rough terrain about 12 miles to safety. He weighs about 190 to 200lbs yes it was difficult but only on my legs and ankles, the hip belt and shoulder straps are so good that I didn't have any sore spots at the end. I have 4 different sacks now to fit this frame which are quick release with loops and 2inch velcro. My other modular frame comes of the well known Swedish army LK35. A much smaller frame which I tend to use more with various types of sacks and bags. I have even made a seat which attaches to the frame and opens out by releasing two velcro straps. It's great to have a instant comfortable seat when your 62 years old with a oversized butt. I don't know why external frames went out of fashion because they are definitely more adaptable for the true outdoors.

[@peterbogart4531]

T Y for this story, John. You are some kind of sturdy son of a gun! The fireman's carry is the usual technique for that kind of rescue. Not nearly as handy as the pack that you describe. I will look at the tatonka. That is the kind of LBE to have for an emergency. Sounds like it would work as well to carry an injured dog or a grizzly head.

[@SpecOp1987]

Thank you! I love modular and cheap conzepts. It is how i started my woods pasion.

[@melyssa8585]

Cool thanks as always Dave for your knowledge and the channel to share it all!

[@bushman9315]

I bought your sling bow years ago. I have been following this channel for years. I must have learned well, I'm a bit of a bag nerd now too lol

[@thefucrew9865]

Great idea, Sir !!! Keep up the great work !!!

[@metsdynastyx]

Dave I’ve learned so much from you. Thank you for all the knowledge you share.

[@RatdogDRB]

Hmm... I have an old frame pack. This gives me ideas. Thanks.

[@hiramhaji7813]

Outstanding modular system

[@gregorydamian4802]

That's a really cool system DC! Thank you for another great video!

[@bobmcelroy7289]

Pretty cool DIY backpack! And cheap too!

[@JasDhanjal-hz3nl]

Finally, a video where we see Dave"s tatts....Nice! Great vid on modular systems, simplicity rules, all day long. Now, where do I find one of those frames ....hmm, a bit of welding of a bit of tubing and you have yourself a product. Then make the frame collapsible and you have yourself a way to carry the frame more compact.

[@ourtechwriter]

Thanks Dave, i needed to see and think about it!

[@Jays_video_watcher]

This is a great idea and inspirational! I might be trying to find a cheap pack frame now…

[@aaronzierke9920]

I have a few of those type frames. Yes the Alice will fit

[@BenTheThird]

THESE are the videos I know and love

[@handsomeflakker]

Thank you for all you do Mr. Canterbury! Much love from Hawaii, been watching Dual Survival for 2 years now on repeat and came across your social media just 2 months ago and have been addicted to your content. You truely have a passion for this stuff. Looking forward to buying some gear off your store and checking out your school courses. God Bless

[@kevinedward1234]

Dave, great video and info!!!!!!!!

[@ElmarDertnig]

Great development! 👌

[@ginnin309]

Great Ideas ... are you thinking about producing these bare pack frames?

[@Martinwebb3eaglerandomocity]

i started building a pack frame similar to that a few years ago, my frame was open at the bottom of the tubes and i used pvc pipe and elbows to make a small shelf to stabilize the load.and keep it from slipping down

[@mirv695]

I’ve built something very similar from a used MOLLE 2 Large Ruck Frame w/ Hip Pad and Straps. I added an Old MSS sleep system bag to the bottom of the frame to make a modernize M1956 Small Alice Pack.

[@charlesloscocco5533]

Good versatility! Thanks for the info.

[@joevespa3157]

Thanks Dave

[@BrassCatcher365]

Excellent video!!!

[@chadsharp1303]

Great job

[@midwestkayaker3471]

Great stuff as always Dave 👍👍

[@MiClLC]

I have a swagman roll (woodland camo.) I'm going to try using it as the main backpack component

[@charlesnelson2649]

Looking good I like that pack frame

[@dn88s]

I have definitely bought into the internal frame pack. I do see why a primarily bushcraft survival person would want something you can attach truly oblong objects to. But I've carried pronghorn, bear, and Caribou in my internal frame pack just fine.

[@heikohotellima3977]

great option , Dave can you you show what in the pack is and in the bud bag ? thanks from Germany

[@standswithfish]

I've been thinking of something simular to mimic a Stansport frame. I would add a few lengths of paracord wrapped between the 2 uprights to keep air space between the load and your back. 2 or 3 short sections and removing one while at camp if needed.

[@brianimlay4155]

Great video, please explain in more detail for the toggles, looking for the material used, thank you

[@benterwellen]

Nice setup

[@mikefritz3322]

Nice system Dave! Been running the LK35 for similar reasons. I like the aluminum frame here, will be on the look out.

[@tomluck9455]

That's very clever

[@LeaveMyFreedomBe]

I have been thinking of modifying one so that it can convert to a chair or a low level cot to provide a gap between me and the ground. However, I don't think the material is correct for that application. I am researching other lightweight materials for it. With the right material, I could incorporate integrated storage for tent poles and other survival gear. A universal pack frame.

[@jeffersonthomason-ry5di]

I'm very interested in this

[@silasmarner7586]

Correct me if I'm wrong, Dave but here's my read on external frame packs - They are superior to internal frame packs in that they can carry more weight for a person comfortably. Thus for just hiking they are great - . For climbing, where it is CRITiCAL that you move the center of mass as close to the center of your body as possible to avoid losing balance/barn dooring - the internal frame pack is the way to go. On the other hand, I can tell you from personal experience that internal frame packs can get very sweaty and uncomfortable. I can sweat right through the pack thru whatever layers I have, regardless of temp. etc. They may be lighter somewhat but are sweat factories. Moving the nylon body of the external frame backpack outwards makes all the different in the world (if built , adjusted, and worn correctly) by creating an air gap that allows your body heat to radiate much better. but back to the "cons", I can tell you that during, for example, ski mountaineering, any excessive angular momentum (from the pack not being jammed right up against your back) makes skiing becomes a very clumsy and dangerous affair. Did folks use them climbing and skiing? Heck yes, but once internal frame packes became good, reliable and affordable they became the standard in the mountains. Were I hiking cross country with just the normal ups and downs? An external frame pack is the way I would go! What say you? (or the peanut gallery).

[@zippitydoodah5693]

That was fun.

[@keithkorthals6183]

Like the system

[@johnny30806]

Please make this mod a series🙏

[@oferbechor1579]

THANK YOU

[@mlsknnr]

Dave, I wonder if the frame might be more comfortable with a couple of wide horizontal straps between the uprights to give you an air space between your back and the load. Just a thought.

[@YankeeWoodcraft]

The MOLLE II rucks (alone) are going for 20 bucks. One would be perfect for this rig. The FILBE rucks (alone) are going for around $30.

[@jeffclark8555]

I’ve got a Kelty Tioga frame, straps, and hip belt that I’ve been hanging on to. I’ve kind of had this type of thought on my mind…🤔

[@jeremiahsahlberg2096]

I like to know the price of toggles

[@melyssa8585]

What happened to the seat?

[@moose250R]

Any idea where to buy those shoulder straps?

[@eternaladventure-wm5fn]

How comfortable is it?

[@stvnbryan5542]

I wish someone would make a longer ALICE pack frame.

[@PeterWolfe2012]

Dave, can you give the dimensions of the frame for folks who might want to duplicate it? Thanks.

[@joseph401]

I can not find those toggles anywhere. Can you links them? thank you

[@johnny30806]

You can easily make your own toggles

[@thomasdemaio53]

Aluminum arrows work awesome

[@jasongarling20]

So what you are saying is if I sent you $175-$200, you will send me this modular pack with your canteen cook set, dry bag, and an Ohio deer quartered up! Right? Which account would you like it sent to? What...? I won the giveaway!? Omg! Thank you! Haha! Great stuff Dave!

[@silasmarner7586]

I like that you're not just reviewing thousand dollar items. Part of the pathfinder philosophy is one you adhere to. Yeah, make it functional, but no need to spend a mint on it. Use what you need for item A, and move on to the next piece of equipment.

[@lowrangeoverland9013]

Great idea❗💯🏆🥇💪🇺🇲💯

[@richarddiss1643]

AWESOME! Thank You Sir ^_^

[@MichiganSilverBack]

The alice frames never made alot of sense to me, due to their shorter nature. This frame is similiar to the old aluminum boyscout large cruiser frames.

[@bustlightyear7164]

Does anyone know where I could get that buttpack 😅

[@davef5916]

you could lash a plastic bin to that sucker and go pack basket style

[@Prepare2Survive]

The frame reminds me of the back of a chair.

[@objektivone3209]

Waw

[@snovak89]

#Davedontneedfilters

[@UnrulyVet]

For $65 I can almost guarantee the pack you will buy will be inferior to this, and not as waterproof as that dry bag. Great food for thought.

[@UndoubtablySo]

i don't like pack frames because it makes me feel unfashionable, when SHTF everyone will be flexing their survival skills meanwhile ill be flexing my survival fashion (and freezing to death)

[@suhandiwijaya9304]

🤩🤣 , 🤫 ! Thanks , David Canterbury 🏕

[@amateurshooter6054]

Thanks Dave

[@mrkultra1655]

Thanks Dave