We go solution hunting in this follow up post…
Our first post in this short Biomechanics and Backpacks series outlined the problem faced by numerous backpack users around the globe – that of restricted body movement while wearing a pack.
Well folks, it’s time to get more excited than a Mexican jumping bean on a sugar high because Johannes Flem and the Bergans design team have a solution to this frustrating problem.
We let Johannes pick up the discussion again…
Johannes: A long night of some serious caffeine buzzing resulted in the above sketch for a pack that allows extensive freedom of movement. The backpack addresses the movement problem in the following manner:
A backpack does not provide much flexibility when fully loaded, so the Bergans pack incorporates a hip belt and shoulder straps that are connected to the pack via a helical-shaped spring steel frame. This frame is bent to create a shoulder segment, center segment and hip segment. The center segment is the only one attached to the backpack; therefore the shoulder and hip segments have independent freedom of movement.
The key to this spring steel frame is the fact that it bends (in a similar manner to the way that your spine bends), as opposed to rotating. The frame allows the shoulder and hip segments to twist, while also providing shock absorption. In addition, it is capable of extending if the pack wearer bends forward and it has the ability to center itself. Another advantage of this frame is its construction, with no components such as hinges, bolts, stays and the like that are subject to wear and tear.
Not content with a mere caffeine-crazed carry creation sketch, we constructed a rough prototype of the pack the next day. With 20 kgs of weight loaded, it was time for a full day of traipsing around in the woods. Did it work, you ask? It worked so well that the design was patented within a month of its creation.
Now you may be thinking, well this backpack must be the designer’s darling and there’s bound to be some biased thinking here. However, subsequent prototypes have ventured as far as the Himalayas and across Scandinavia, with no complaints at all. The following photos show the pack being used above the Arctic Circle (around midnight!).
The photo below displays the pack from the front and the back, with the shoulder, hip and center segments clearly visible. The spring steel frame travels along the edges of the gray pads and is anchored to the pack solely via the center segment. However the other two segments have limiting webbing which prevents extreme movements.
Words and images can give you a sense of this pack, but there’s nothing like a test carry to get a real feel for it. If you’re heading to the Outdoor show in Friedrichshafen this summer, visit the Bergans booth at A5-301. It’s the perfect opportunity to find out more about this pack and to try it out for yourself.
Johannes Flem – Bergans design team
Catherine
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What a beaut. I would love to see this in person. It reminds me (though not exactly) of a pack with an independent suspension system I saw a few years back. I think this solution is more elegant, or at least looks that way.
Would have been nice to know this before the outdoor show in friedrichshafen (12. – 15. July) … nice concept anyway!
Don’t mean to be a hater, but were these sponsored posts? They contain some interesting research but feel like one long advertorial.
Hi Fred,
Catherine is absolutely correct -these were not sponsored posts. Ando and I have been emailing back & forth a bit and I thought I’d share some ideas with him. The advertising style writing is just how I wrote it and I probably should have written it differently.
Then again; this is my baby and I get really enthusiastic when talking about it. The concept is not entirely easy to explain -I’ve tried lots of times and I guess I ended up sounding like a salesman
@Moritz Sorry about the timing of the post, it was written before the show but got published after it – will endeavour to avoid this in future!
@Fred Valid question, I see where you’re coming from! But no, they weren’t sponsored posts. We just thought the whole concept was interesting and that readers would enjoy it.
Mile High Mountaineering has had hip flexor belts that turn with your torso for two years.. I have one of their first models- the Divide, and it’s AMAZINGLY comfortable.
When will these be available to buy? Also do you guys know of any Bergans retailers in North America (Canada too
)?
Thanks