So I started a thread awhile back in the Donating Member section detailing the progression of my MYOG Backpack that was designed around my Bridge Hammock Spreader bars. Often the problem with bridge hammocks is they are simply too heavy for some people to haul on backpacking trips. The bars add about 10oz to the pack-weight. There are however other options like using hiking poles as spreader bars.
Dutch had designed a backpack awhile ago that utilized the spreader bars as part of the frame and this influenced me to try and design my own version over the past year. I am really happy with the results of it and it is very comfortable with 25lbs load in it. The spreader bars are a perfect frame for the pack. Here is a few pics of how the spreader bars are laid out as well as the hammock they go to. You can see the complete process by checking out the "Backpacks" section in the Donating Member Section. You can also check out my channel for some videos, documenting the process of making it. Anyways, hope this gives some hope to those who would like to bring their bridge hammocks on backpacking trips but were put off by the added weight.
My bridge hammock uses two full length bars at the head end and a 12 5/8" and full length at the foot end. So I took the short bar and drilled a hole at each end for the tips of two of the spreader bars to lock into. Then picked up a 1/2" thin walled pvc pipe for the opposite end to lock into. The 3rd bar is unused at the moment but I may add it as the middle bar later on. Not sure if the spreader bar can handle a hole in the middle of it. Gonna wait on some advise first. The square frame then nests in two pockets I made with some side release buckles attached to some webbing to tighten everything down.
I haven't field tested this pack yet but plan to this weekend. I have tried it on with full pack weight and it is very comfortable.
Would love to hear comments, suggestions on this topic. I am really starting to like my bridge hammock and finding a 2nd use for the spreader bar was great. Not to mention, a great excuse for making my first backpack. This was supposed to be a prototype but it turned out so well I gave it a name. "Scrambler"
Bookmarks