I’ve made some progress on the pack project, as I have been working on the design of a versatile pack harness. I try to incorporate versatility in most of the gear that I make or acquire. To me, versatility means that I can carry less gear, to perform more tasks.
Here you see the cut materials I had planed to use in the construction of the harness. During construction it became obvious that I would not need the black foam for padding, as the twin layers of 3/16 inch reinforced foam rubber (3/8″ total) was sufficient padding for the straps and back panel.
The harness attaches around the belt using double D-rings to loop through. This makes the harness detachable from the belt, and leaves the attachment straps available as 24 inch lashing straps, if needed for other purposes.
The two removable straps at the bottom of the back panel are run under the pack and serve to secure the top opening flap of the pack. These serve the same purpose when attached to a pack frame as seen in my original post “DIY Backpack project with some recycling”. Again, these add options for securing items to the harness when the pack is not in use.
The pack attaches to the harness using PALS webbing. Here you see that the outer attachment PALS are snapped to the main support straps, and secondly to a strap retainer. This creates a doubled retention point on either side of the PALS platform harness back panel.
You may also notice that I am using different colored materials serving the same purpose. There is a very technical reason for this. Since this is a prototype project, I am using materials that I have on hand. I don’t usually throw money at projects that may fail. The only extra expense so far is the camo fabric and brown webbing, at around $36 USD.
The green tab that you see off of the right side is one of six attachment points for using the pack with the aluminum frame. The pack pins through the tabs and through the frame. An “old school” system. 
The second Fastex buckle near the shoulder of the straps will be used to attach load lifting straps to the bottom of the pack. These will serve in shifting weight over the shoulders, reducing the lift of the belt front. My plan is that they will also serve as carriers for a KA-BAR knife sheath and a revolver holster, for under arm carry.
As you can tell, there are a lot of versatile options with this system. It’s ability to carry an array of pouches, other pack type items, lashing loose items, or simply using the belt for a woods walk with canteen, knife, lunch sack, and of course a medical kit, make it adaptable to most hiking and camping activities.
More pics.
Like, share, and comment as you see fit.
Cast From The Past 