I was browsing the Evernew America web site and came across a product called the "load frame carrier". It looks like a Luxurylite frame pack without the pockets. Has anyone ever heard of this or is it just a new item i am not familiar with? I can only dream of an ALL TITANIUM external frame pack. Think of the DIY possibilities! I e-mailed Evernew, but have not heard back. Any thoughts?

http://www.evernewamerica.com/products/products.html


BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

The only thing I see is a picture and the link doesn't work!.. grrr.. This is fascinating to
me if it's strong enough to carry a quarter of moose...

Phat,
Scroll down the page "products" listed on the Evernew America (not Canada) web site...it's at the bottom right corner.

BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Take a closer look, would you really want to try to put a Moose quarter on that little frame? I kinda think that it is not really intended or suitable for packing loads like that.

Even if boned, a Moose is a LOT of weight and packing one any distance really calls for a major league pack, such as the Mystery Ranch NICE or Barney's Carnivore Frame, IMHO.

Well, all I can see is the picture. I even looked at the catalogue and it's not in that. so it
must be something new..

There's no reason why you couldn't make a nice frame out of ti tht would take a load, but
I'd need to know more about this one before trying it.

I'm well aware of how much a quarter of moose can weigh <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Yup, Phat, I don't doubt that you do know how heavy a Bullwinkle is and what a PITA it can be to haul pieces of one up a steep slope through Buckbrush.....

The problem, as I understand it from guys who experimented with Ti hiking poles is that Ti is a VERY brittle metal and this, IMHO, would negate it's utility for a pack frame intended for really heavyduty uses. There may well be something here that is beyond my current knowledge, but, my first backpacking frame was a magnesium Camp Trails, state of the art, 40+ long years ago and it failed under jerrycans of water on one of my BCFS fire lookouts, maybe a 60 lb. load.

So, I am pretty skeptical about this little rig, for such uses, BUT, I would LOVE to try one. Does anyone know who/where these can be purchased in North America?

Why not just get a luxurylite?

Expensive, can't customize your own pack...EXPENSIVE..........


BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Ti brittle? Nope, certainly not compared to aluminum and certain steel alloys. Ti bicycle frames, for example, are light, strong and responsive but don't beat you up like typical aluminum. And Ti cookware is very flexible but springs back into shape unlike aluminum, which has to be bent back into shape.

That said, this Evernew gizmo looks hopelessly old school, at least from the little photo, like a department store pack frame from the '70s. I suppose it'd be an improvement for the Sherpas who're lugging large, oddly shaped loads up to basecamp using wood and rope lashing.

Good news for all you external frame junkies (myself included) :

Evernew America contacted me back today and said that they are planning to produce the "Load Frame Carrier" for release sometime in 2009. The frame system pictured on the website is an all aluminum frame for heavy load hauling that will NOT be sold here. Evernew says that they are working on a prototype version for the U.S. market that will be made of a "carbon/aluminum" frame and targeted specifically at backpackers! Titanium is out because it weighs more than the carbon/aluminum.
I for one am glad that a gear company is finally throwing some r&d into the external frame market. Luxurylite is great, but expensive. If they were not so darned heavy, i would still be using an external frame pack to this day. I think it's high time that the external made a comeback, they were more comfortable, more breathable on hot days. Hey! Maybe i can sew my KISS ARMY patch from 1978 on a new "ultra-lite"external frame soon!

By the way, Evernew said that they would like to hear from everyone here on TLB forums about this new external frame pack. The rep that contacted me said he reads the posts often. Any ideas?

BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

P.S.
Phat:
If you ever make it back to Japan, you probably can get the aluminum carrier pictured on the website for your "moose burgers" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I also am happy to see renewed interest in the external frame. My "beast hauler" is an old Kelty.

I would like to see an external frame that is designed for lighter loads. Pack weight should be less than 10% of base weight.

Modular would be a good feature. I have a friend that likes lots of pockets, however I prefer to use stuff sacks for organization. Maybe a single frame with mix & match bags and waist belts.

Needs an exterior mesh pocket for wet flys.

Needs the ability to carry a gallon of water outside the pack.

Quick adjustment of the center of gravity would be nice. I like it low when hiking steep trails but like to raise it when striding out on level ground.

Bigfoot,
I would love to give feedback to Evernew on the external frame pack. But do they have more pictures and info available? I think this is really interesting.

quote ( Any Ideas?

I like the idea of an external frame idea and was my first pack. I think plenty of lashing points and hip belt options (pockets) would be a plus.

Jason,
They are still building a prototype and it might be a little while before we see anything. That's all i know. Any ideas on what would make it better than the rest?

BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I also like external frame because they breathe the best. Some of my wishes:
1. keep it under 2lbs total
2. mesh side pockets all around to hold 2L bottles
3. Total waterproof material
4. no zippers (helps w/ #3 above)
5. I like top loaders
6. shelf to strap outside items
7. not critical but nice: variable torso
8. if not <$150, I’ll just stay with internal/no frame packs.

-Barry

I'm confoozed. Are they building a pack frame, or an external frame backpack?

I believe both. We'll have to just put our input in and hope they listen.

BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

My interest would be in a frame and good suspention that was air-light. Beyond that by the time I have a frame, I'm putting my own silnylon bags on it - and-or putting my framless Virga or ULA type
bag on the frame!

Yes, I'd like to haul bullwinkles on it too, but I think that's probably a little too much to hope for. If
I think about my hiking style where, I can happily fit a week and a half worth of goodies in my Granite Gear Virga - but it becomes a bit uncomfortable then, this is the kind of gear that takes
a high volume ultralight pack into the realm of carrying big loads for a long trip, without adding tons of weight.

Can I use it as a sled? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> (actually dead serious about that!)

I want the option to only buy the frame with shoulder straps and hip belt. I also don't want a huge frame and it better be 2 lbs or less.

It would be great if the frame had automatic attachments for a bear cannister.

Also, do not forget us small people. For example, the Kelty Cloud does not come in a size that fits me.

My old (1968 version) Kelty has the option of putting on a removable exteder bar on top. This is really essential for me.

I can't wait to give this a try. I've been looking for a small (<3000 ci) light (< 3 lbs) external frame pack that uses a traditional style frame. The only example I've seen is the DIY one Gardenville made. I was underwhelmed by the Luxurylite Pack which I found outrageously overpriced and carried awkwardly for me. I hope this frame offers up a new option for lightweight, ventable external frame packs.