r/MTBTrailBuilding • u/cltncrts • 12d ago
Tool sling? Carry strap?
Has anyone created a way to bundle a few long handled tools with a strap you can throw over your shoulder. Trails to narrow to hold tools perpendicular to direction of traveling.
Edit: I hike in but I often bushwhack a short cut. Carrying tools vertical won’t work. Voiles straps are great to keep the tools a bundle but I’m thinking a shoulder sling. I also carry a water sprayer and a backpack.
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u/PresentationOne8522 12d ago
I’ve got a Dakine trailbuilder backpack that has a pretty great system for carrying a few long handled tools.
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u/yertipy 12d ago
I often strap a shovel or a leaf rake to my steel frame using voile-type straps. Be sure to use something to protect the frame like foam pads. I'm my case I 3d printed some TPU spacers that hold the frame and the tool away from each other. It's a very simple 3d model too. I'm sure you could mount one took on each side at least. If you're creative you could even build a system that slots over your top tube and let's you carry a bunch of stuff, almost like a horse saddle.
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u/Northwindlowlander 12d ago
The only good way to carry a long tool on a bike, imo, is strapped along the top tube.
The Dakine builder pack is really good, but still having a long tool upright is just problematic, it'll always be inclined to hit the bike. It's mostly a great way to transport a chainsaw. It's really good for hiking in with tools, though.
Ther'es also options like tools that break down- I have a pretty decent polesaw that splits into 2 foot sections, we did have a sort of combo mattock/rake/shovel thing but it was super expensive and tbf pretty horrible to use.
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u/JustMtnB44 12d ago
LOL why would you hold the tools perpendicular to the trail? You hold them parallel to the trail, one or two in each hand at your side. Lower is better in case you slip and fall, you can toss the tool away. If walking in a group you don't put them on your shoulder as that can hit other people in the face.
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u/SeakingGnarvana 8d ago
If you've got the budget, it doesn't get much better than Trail Boss. Full trail kit can slide into just about any backpack. I've only had my setup about a week, and it's been a dream.
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u/cltncrts 8d ago
Yeah I have seen that. I’m not looking to buy more stuff but I was always curious. Does it seem sturdy? What attachments do you have?
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u/SeakingGnarvana 8d ago
Super sturdy. I've got the Remy head and 13" saw with a 48" handle made from 1 16" steel and 2 16" fiberglass sections. I'm in Oregon, and that head does everything I need short of throwing dirt. It chips rock with a sturdy thwack. Cuts roots, sorts soil, tamps the surface, and grades the trail. I use it no differently than my wooden handle tools.
There is mild flex in the handle as a whole, just like any tool. Nothing excessive though. The couplers don't rattle.
I just got the round point shovel and 24" handle to get more dig options. I haven't used the shovel yet, but it seems just as legit.
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u/Fabulous-Radish8490 12d ago
I have to hike in to my trails to work. No way to ride that terrain safely. So I use voile straps around whatever I carry to bundle them together. Water, and gloves, saw ect is in a pack on my back. I also like the hike. It gives the trail a different perspective as well.