Recently whilst building a wigwam type arrangement I had to transport a lot of big stuff - wooden beams, rolls of things and also sheet materials. I had made myself a cart which I could pull behind me and I had intended to add a harness, but over rough terrain it wasn't hugely practical, and I didn't like the tracks it left. Some of the other stuff I carried by hand, which was exhausting. Later, I put rope around some items in a sort of harness, and carried them on my back. It was very much an after-thought "late in the day", and though I didn't have time to rig up something hugely comfortable (the ropes dug into my shoulders) it was by far the easiest way to transport the heaviest items. I am wondering if there are any commercial back load carriers out there? Sort of like backpacks... but without the bag part if you see what I mean. So you can attach your loads to the carrier. I realise I could make my own rope solution better with comfortable padding and that sort of thing, but if there are any manufacturers which have developed safe items already (which have been specially designed to care for your back!) then I would be very happy to part with my money.
I've seen them in Korea made out of aluminium, sometime plywood and leather, but I think they were handmade. Using humans to haul out football-sized rock by the dozen. Looks like slave labor to me... PS-Hey Jules, how goes your project?
I now have a 2nd wigwam type structure structurally complete yesterday, this time more habitable than the first though I'm not living in it yet. Insulation and solar power next, though it has survived -10 centigrade temperatures with no frost inside with just the natural insulation on the exterior. It is currently being blasted by rain and wind and on Saturday I shall return to observe the impact of that. But getting back on topic, a backpack load carrier would have made things MUCH easier!
You can buy such things at any of the big outdoor stores in the US. They are often sold with the hunting supplies for the purpose of packing out meat. Also an external frame backpack can have the nylon pack part removed leaving just the aluminum frame.
thats what i was going to suggest, using a external frame pack with the pack taken off.. ive used that system before and it works well once you figure out how to secure your load.
i have a trapper nelson that i use for getting firewood off the beach, its basically a wooden and canvas packboard with a removable canvas bag. similar to what freeinalaska posted, but way more oldschool lol. i got mine for 10 bucks at the thrift store and its so versatile, my only complaint is that it has no hip straps and mine is the largest size available so its way too big for me lol.
After your guys help and searching around for what frame packs were on the market, I eventually found an army-issue frame with all the comfy straps on eBay for $20 specifically for unusual loads... can't say fairer than that! Thanks guys!!
Post up some pics of your house, when you can jules! I'd love to see what it looks like. Especially since I'm getting ready to start a new yurt soon.
