Any opinions out there on the best system for a 10-20 mile hike with 3-7 days gear? I've experimented and learned some painful lessons. I've heard some rumors about the Kelty baby carrier, the salamander thing and a couple of frame pack success stories. Any other thoughts out there on the best system for the Sierra? I appreciate the advice.

Or a mule!

Hadn't heard about the baby carrier. Might be worth looking into.

I have tried a pack called the Yak Pak (I believe??) & wasn't all that impressed. It positioned the kayaks cockpit towards you back and my heels would hit the stern with each step.

A buddy of mine has used the Salamander quite a bit (perhaps on his Headwaters trip too) and said it's good if you go ultra light. He had problems with it coming apart with heavier loads.

I'm experimenting with an old breakdown alum frame backpack. I have a strong feeling though, lack of time will prevail and I'll end up with the Salamander system.

Good luck.

planner@northrim.net

They don't require you to bring food for them, they eat whats available.
80 lbs max load each so you may need 3 or 4.

So where are you going that you have to carry that much stuff for that long? If you are going to the headwaters of the Kern when are you going?
I live in santa barbara and am always looking for a new adventure.
j_wilfley@yahoo.com

No telling where I'll go but my ass suffered on the last hike I took my boat on and I just want to have a system ready to go when I need it this year.

When I carried my kayak out of the Grand Canyon (on my shoulder) in July, I found that my hatred for my paddling companions (rafters from South Carolina) provided sufficient motivation to make the trek worthwhile. (The mules there are afraid of kayaks, won't carry 'em.)

I actually didn't mean my mule when I said my ass got kicked...

Speicher

I just asked Tommy Hilleke what his deal-io is and this was his response(it looked pretty sweet for being so ghetto):

My system is a "fun noodle" (poolfloatie) with a piece of 1" tubular webbing threaded through the center. Then I use a prussik to tie the middle of the noodle to the seat track just behind the seat and clip the two ends to the security bars and thats it. A waste belt is also pretty key. I have one rigged up now that also clips to my security bars. I just robbed it from an old back pack and worked it out.

see ya at the sac hole!
Golder

Golder,

I'm having a difficult time envisoning how this noodle thingie can be used as a pack. Granted, my brain is tired now but still...

Could you give some more explanation?

Thanks.

MS

Really could care less what you have a hard time believing, anyway you can see it in action on LVM#9

Reread my post or pick up a dictionary. I didn't say I had a hard time believing anything. I was having a difficult time envisioning this. Envison means "to picture to oneself". In other words, I could not get a clear picture in my mind from your description. It wasn't that I didn't believe you.

Anyhow, what you described interests me. If you'd like to give further explanation, I'd appreciate it and I'm sure there are other readers that would too.

Sorry you felt I didn't believe you.

No man, my bad, Im a dick...Unfortunatly that is as all I have for info. You kind of need to see it to understand(LVM). The floaties are 2 tubes of foam that are attached around the seat and they make shoulder straps. Again my apologies, I really need therapy

Hey,

No worries. I have done the same thing before.

Thanks for further explanation. I'm kinda understanding now. I'll check out LVM too.

Thanks. :-)

Kayakpack: http://www.kayakpack.com/about.htm

Back Yak: http://www.outdoorplay.com/store/Product3.0.asp?DeptID=620&SKU=ADB_SLBYH
sometimes known as "Bak Yak"

Does anyone recommend either of these?