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The Ultralight
Backpacking Site |
Making A Backpack
(Adapted from the U.S. Army Survival
Manual)
Backpack Construction
The materials for making a backpack or
rucksack are almost limitless. You can use wood, bamboo, rope,
plant fiber, clothing, animal skins, canvas, and many other materials
to make a pack.
There are several construction techniques
for rucksacks. Many are very elaborate, but those that are simple
and easy are often the most readily made in a survival situation.
Horseshoe Pack
This pack is simple to make and use and
relatively comfortable to carry over one shoulder. Lay available
square-shaped material, such as poncho, blanket, or canvas, flat
on the ground. Lay items on one edge of the material. Pad the
hard items. Roll the material (with the items) toward the opposite
edge and tie both ends securely. Add extra ties along the length
of the bundle. You can drape the pack over one shoulder with
a line connecting the two ends (Figure 12-9).
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Steve's Notes: A simple way of making a backpack
is to use a jacket, if it is warm enough to get by without wearing
it. Zip it up, cinch the bottom shut if it has a drawstring (or
pin it shut), and tie the ends of the sleeves to each other.
You can then carry things in it by slinging it across your body
diagonally, switching shoulders from time to time. |
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