No pack mule....will travel

[Flotsam]

I think we're looking at new Olympic sport in '08

This could be the answer to pulling off the International APUG Conference. First, we convince the IOC that balls-out downhill Deardorf riding would be a much better televised sport than that one where they prance around waving a ribbon on a stick. That shouldn't be difficult. Then we just all convince our home nations that we will bring home the gold in this exciting new sport.

We get to have our APUG conference, we get to see and participate in the Olympics, we'll all get high-tech, leading edge, graphite composite racing cameras and tripods and sexy spandex aero suits, and, with luck, some of us won't careen to our deaths on an ill conconceived ride down a mountainside in a poorly thought out competition.
C'mon, Where's the downside?

 

[Tom Smith]

"C'mon, Where's the downside?"

That's a tough one. Tumbling through at the end of the Olympic large format races, it'll be hard for everyones thoughts not to come out from the backside (<;

 

[livemoa]

Neal - here's the aluminium carrier I was thinking of. It's around 5kg and looks great for wheeling around slopes: http://www.roleez.com/view_folding_wheel_cart.htm

Do you think a chain-driven bicycle motor could power it uphill? I guess I could just as easily push.


I have something similar that I use, its not bad, if a little flexabile. One good thing is the nice long bungy cord tie down sytem.

 

[ian_greant]

Ian - just weighed my outdoor pack kit. It comes up to 22kg. Good or bad?

22 KG? No small surprise you feel a bit tired trucking that up hills. It's not excessive weight, backpackers carry that and more all the time.. but it's a good load if you aren't used to it.

If you can't lighten up then I'd strongly suggest investing in a good set of boots and a set of hiking poles. And get someone with backpacking experience to check the fit of your pack. It's amazing how much of a difference a few adjustments can make..

Have fun!

 

[ronlamarsh]

You didn't mention what kind of walking: are you in the mountains, flatlands etc? How much does your camera and tripod weigh? I can't imagine that your entire outfit is more than thiry pounds. If you are straped for money and can't afford a fancy camera backpack I have found any good internal frame day or summit pack serves just as well and as mentioned earlier it can make all the difference in the world.

 

[ronlamarsh]

22 kilo's? It is often said that when backpacking you should be able to carry 1/3 your own weight so it sounds like a good backpack is just thing you need. Also don't try and get there in one step: when going uphill maintain your pace but shorten your steps. I've been backpacking for over 20yrs and have learned that the best thing you can do is don't be in a hurry. Also unless you workout regularly(aerobic/cardio) you are suddenly asking your body to carry 44 extra lbs which doesn't sound like much but your body knows the difference.