A pack fit for a yak

Forty years ago, when I first hit the Appalachian Trail with Boy Scout Troop 16, my back pack was made of wood and canvas. It was so cumbersome and heavy, the belt literally wore the ski off my hips.

Years later, when I finally got my first high-tech pack - nylon with an aluminum frame - I felt like I could hike from Maine to Georgia. But then again, I often slept under the stars with nothing more than an old bed sheet and rain tarp.

But now I'm getting old, creaky and this 47-year-old body doesn't take a licking and keep on ticking. That had me worried when some buddies suggested we cross the Big Cypress Swamp on foot, a 38 mile trek through some of the most unforgiving terrain in Lower 48.

Looking for an edge, I bought a new backpack. This $250 work of art, built by Osprey Packs, holds 70 litres of gear. But the coolest thing about the Aether model from this Colorado company is the custom hip belt.

Dee Schilling at Bill Jacksons Shop for Adventure in Pinellas Park checked my size then took the belt off the pack and put it a specially-designed oven and heated it up for eight minutes. I put it back on, waited till it cooled, then Voila! A hip belt designed for my unique body shape.

Now if I could only do something about that beer belly.

To learn more go to opsrey.

Comments

[Nick]

I've had two Osprey packs, and they are worth every penny. Glad to see this blog at the Times. It's a great read!