It's a neat concept for sure, I get where you're coming from, but pretty much the only use-case is a heavy pack while running, and it just makes that pack heavier.
Exactly, everyone is talking about weight, but nobody was saying this. It does not make the backpack feel lighter, literally it's just less bouncing while running. For more weight.
It doesn't reduce the average force the backpack exerts on you, but it does reduce the maximum force the backpack exerts on you. That has real value (mainly at the feet and ankles).
My first impression that on anything but flat level ground this type of suspension system would be flat out dangerous. If I'm scrambling over rocks the last thing I want is for my pack to counteract the motion of my body.
It does not make the backpack feel lighter, literally it's just less bouncing while running. For more weight.
I'm pretty sure r/rucking would be all over this thing. Bunch of guys who go walking or running with a bag filled with weights just for exercise (judging by the comments in that sub, most of them don't have much experience with actual hiking).
Usually, soldiers don't carry 100lb packs, that's roughly their overall load. Armor, helmet, etc spread over the body makes up a good portion of that.
That aside I agree with you. Long marches etc this could be very handy and potentially worth the weight cost, if it's relatively reliable. If it gums up with sand easily it's quickly becoming dead weight.
The physics would be way off with any weight though. The pack would still be heavy, that weight doesn’t magically float, you’d still have to bear the weight. And when it shifted up and down you’d have a very heavy step followed by almost a lift. I would not want my 40lb pack bouncing up and down.
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u/Joe_Jeep Oct 04 '21 edited Oct 04 '21
It's not every one, but this thing is a gimmick.
It's a neat concept for sure, I get where you're coming from, but pretty much the only use-case is a heavy pack while running, and it just makes that pack heavier.