Would a modernized Pack Board add structure to your wilty bag?

[Alasgun]

After this one; i’ll leave you alone for a bit, it’s just that i have time for a few simple projects before jumping into the Garden Starts, next month.

I recently bought a very nice 574 yucca pack (vintage boy scout) and want to put together a kit bag that’ll contain everything associated with fire, some camp kitchen stuff, including my Optimus 99 stove and all the makings for fire. I was always proud of being a one match Boy scout and back then that was a big deal. Now days with all the survivalist about it seems fashionable to start your fires with out matches! Well; i got all the cool stuff and it’s much easier to get a good fire going with a ferro rod and fat wood than any match lit fire i ever built. That was a cool thing to learn; even impressed the Gradnson!

Those Yucca packs are as wilty as i remembered and i’m setting out to fix that. The plan is to create a composite external frame that fits the pack. Solid back and a small shelf with a carry handle cut out on the top center.
In the photos you can see the components staged and ready for the lay up, tomorrow. There’s a picture of my “form” which is simply a piece of vinyl layed on the bench and up the side of a 2x8. The last one is a picture of the “layers staged in order of assembly. I’m using 1 2oz glass, 1 3k Carbon, 1 24 oz. Woven roving (Glass), another 3k Carbon and another 2oz glass topping it off. The divinycell will be in the sandwich somewhere.

This will give me a smallish pack that can stand on it’s own while i root around in there and be easily transportable. I guess we’ll end up with a rectangular canvas bucket; with a lid!
The shoulder straps will go away, they were tight when i was a boy and now that i’m a big boy they’re impossible.

 

[lowangle al]

It looks like you are pretty far into it, but I would have recommended building or finding a rigid box or basket to fit inside the pack. This wouldn't solve the strap issue though, but I'm sure you could figure that out.

 

[Alasgun]

I gave some thought to an internal support and came back to this idea for several reasons. Straps or not were considered and in the end i may include a pair of more modern backpack straps, something removable?
Im also wanting something more conformable, i believe most internal framed stuff is susceptible to edge wear and weather or not you bag is full, the pack is the same size. Using the side rings i can pull this one in to suit.

Rumination's are always welcome, i’ve never failed to pick up little tidbits along the way that sometimes influence the end product.

 

[Alasgun]

The initial layup is done and once everything's hard i’ll peel it off the vinyl back and see how rigid it is. I’m expecting to need another layer or so but didn’t wanna get too heavy right off the bat. Some flex is important so approaching it incrementally from this point will ensure it’s just right. Once im happy with the flex, i take the jig saw and cut it to dimension, which will lose an inch all around.
i’d mentioned previously about doing away with the too small strap‘s on the pack and now im looking at all the cool aftermarket strap’s and harnesses out there. With this solid back, the sky’s the limit as far as attaching something.

 

[Boreal Birch]

I’m following along on the project, looking forward to seeing the results.
I have a 1970’s aluminum Trailwise frame that needs a new harness, the Cordova nylon bag disintegrated years ago. Hoping to get some ideas on rehabbing this old frame. It was the single best way of packing heavy loads of moose quarters that I have used. I used it for packing beavers, traps and hides every day from March through mid May in the western part of the BWCA back in the day. God awful getting it in and out of a canoe, once ice out occurred.

 

[Alasgun]

The flashing was trimmed from all but the top; i’m not completely decided on that shape yet. Some additional carbon was added and when it’s hard i’ll make the finishing cuts to dimension.
I removed the straps from the pack bag and am studying how i want to attach it to the board and rounded up some leg material to lift it above bilge water.
everything’s moving smooth at this point.

 

[Alasgun]

Progress is slow right now in some part due to the almost 2ft of snow we got last night but also because im waiting for some kevlar sleeve material to get here. I’ll use it to trim all around the edge of the pack board.

A few things have been accomplished though; the legs are on and the d rings for the lower straps. Then i put the frame in the mill so i could slot it for the upper straps, using the digital readout. Next the lumber was milled to the same numbers and will now be a seamless fit, once it’s varnished and G-flex’ed into place.

Always the ponderer; i couldn’t let go of @lowangle al’s suggestion of using an internal frame. There were several reasons for the pack board version BUT there are elements of an internal frame that would be very appealing!
So, i’ve compromised by including a pair of batten boards as a way to fasten the pack to the frame.
You’re “Trapper Nelson’s” have an additional strap along each side with large grommet's that align with eyes on the frame; allowing easy bag removal. I like the clean look of these but have no reason to remove the bag so; the pack board was cut to the same width as the bag and my “batten boards” will go inside the bag and have small stainless screws come thru from the backside, thru the pack and into the boards. With everything stretched tight it should have a clean look and at 72 im not worried about wearing out the bag and needing to replace it.
So; thanks Al for that little tidbit as up till then i was not sure of how id mount the bag.

 

[Alasgun]

This project was completed today.
The old Scout bag was thoroughly waterproofed yesterday then today it was mounted to the carbon frame, via internal frame members. Those small batten boards worked out well. The small screws & c washers can be seen on the back of the frame. Thanks @lowangle al for the internal frame thought!
A pair of Mountiansmith strapetts rounded out the rigging.
So now i have an easily transported little pack that will take on numerous duties in and out of a canoe; fire makings , camp kitchen items, Optimus 99, small hawk, etc.