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Post by USCGME2 on Dec 8, 2012 8:33:28 GMT -7
Ideas float thru my head from time to time and on a good day I actually stumble on one that may be a bit practical . So, I was thinking about wheeled luggage and the practicality of putting a skate wheel system of some sort on my framed ruck sack. The working theory being when traveling over more solid terrain, you could make better time and burn less of those precious calories. I do not have access to my shop at home so maybe some of you more creative mechanical types would take this up and tinker a bit to see if its viable. I would think the largest size skate wheels (like the ones on in-line speed skates) would work best. Look forward to your ideas ya'll.
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Post by jimmyq on Dec 8, 2012 10:00:13 GMT -7
If its a larger ruck, have a look at the current vogue hockey gear bags, I have seen some wheeled units but not up close.
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Post by mud on Dec 8, 2012 10:01:43 GMT -7
I would go with larger than skate wheels maybe those from a scooter. Larger wheels will roll over stuff easier
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2012 10:12:09 GMT -7
Maybe the small solid dolly wheels? They would give you more height, they are narrow and light weight, made to pack a load, and you don't have to worry about air. You could also manuver it easier over some not so smooth ground with these wheels.
Set them to the sides of the pack, so you can wear it without them beating against you, or having to take them off and worry about loosing them. You could also possible attach one of the extending/collapsing handles like on luggage for ease of pulling.
Good idea, let us know how the project works out!
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Post by garret on Dec 8, 2012 18:54:51 GMT -7
or you could always go for the armoured battle wheel barrow lol (sorry very bad prepper joke)
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Post by Cwi555 on Dec 8, 2012 19:25:44 GMT -7
Some considerations:
Weight will be an issue. While you will drag it on more solid terrain, your still going to be carrying it over the rougher terrain. The idea as you stated is to net less calories burned for a given weight by introducing mechanical advantage into the equation.
Speed will be an issue as well. Is this something that will take you several minutes to hook up? Time is another factor in burning calories. Every minute of the day will burn x number of calories. You also have to consider security, if you need to pick it up in a hurry to get under cover, could you do it without expending excessive calories?
Durability is another issue. It would be pointless to carry something like that for five hours only to have it break in the first five minutes of service. There will be some inherent added weight to assure appropriate durability.
Can the system perform other task, and does the potential for those 'other task' rate high enough to warrant the extra weight?
That gets into the purpose of those other task. The potential service for those other task would be a key benefit for implementation of such a system.
I see potential, and have seen similar ideas implemented already, but for those others I've witnessed, I always considered them short sited as they were single purpose designs. Every ounce of a BOB should be carefully planned out, every item on or in it should have at least 2 purposes, preferably several purposes.
My input and opinion for what it's worth.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 8, 2012 21:02:53 GMT -7
Excellent points cwi.
Maybe I am looking at this wrong, but I was kind of thinking if a strong but lightweight wheel and handle system is added, it could serve as helping make the load easier to manage on easy terrain, or if someone was injured, then simply by using paracord and cleaned branches to finish it off in the wilds, it could easily be turned into a travois. A telescopic handle could be used for splints or weapons if need be. The wheels could be attached in such a way that the ride under the BOB so as not to get in the way while putting on, taking off or wearing, and be attached with the intent to leave them with only a quick release to detach them should an emergency or need arise that you need to ditch them or use them for something else.
If it is an external frame pack, the pack could be taken off and the wheeled frame could be used for carrying wood or food, leaving the person able to at least have 1 arm free to keep a weapon handy. Also, a handle or frame piece can easily contain a hidden firearn or longknife/dagger like you may see in canes or umbrellas, giving extra protection others would not see or know about.
If I am looking at this idea wrong, please let me know...I have several other ideas that could easily work with his idea...but I want to be sure some of my thinking is not to far out there.
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Post by wtrfwlr on Dec 8, 2012 21:28:07 GMT -7
This doesn't have anything to do with the world ending or having to run to the hills to escape the zombies or anything like that but I really used the heck outta those wheeled suitcases when I worked maintenance in apartment complexes.
I would find them discarded in the dumpsters and would dig them out and put all my tools and supplies for various jobs in them. Water leak? I would just grab my "suitcase" with everything to fix pipes. Electrical or HVAC? Just grab the bag that had everything from a multimeter to outlets to switches. Paint or drywall? I had one with tape, paper, spackling, rollers and brushes. Super handy to roll around and would go easily right up stairs. They really saved me a ton of time.
Granted it wouldn't make for a good backpack and they wouldn't be all that handy deep in the bush or rough terrain but people have been pulling, pushing and dragging all sorts of cart like cargo helpers around this earth for centuries.
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Post by USCGME2 on Dec 8, 2012 23:03:07 GMT -7
Fantastic ideas and input. CWI did give some things to think about on the durability and multi use concerns. I plan to attempt this idea on my external frame ALICE large ruck. I figure that will be easy enough to attach the larger sized 110mm in-line wheels to the frame somehow and that would make trekking over surfaced areas like a sidewalk or street or even a packed trail much easier.
I cant effort this project just yet until I get some things behind me here for the holidays. If any of you do, let me know what ya'll come up with.
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Post by thywar on Dec 9, 2012 7:52:40 GMT -7
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Post by missasip on Dec 9, 2012 8:48:46 GMT -7
I have been working on this idea for quite some time now. We had something similar on ST brought up one time.
I'm currently using some parts and the basic form of a 3 wheeled baby carriage. The wheels are solid rubber with spoke rims about 12 inches in diameter. Solid axle in the rear with a free wheeling, swivel front wheel. The frame currently weights about 12lbs. I have loaded 125 lbs on it with no ill effects. The point being, if it has a 30-50lb load it should hold up.
I have also temporarily installed a little fold out seat on the front. Idea being a place to rest when moving and a place to sit when stopped to camp. It holds my wagon azz just fine. I actually have been trying to figure out if I can make the frame lay out and make a cot, without sacrificing strength. Not too sure that will pan out.
I have lashing straps all over it. In camp with the pack off, it becomes a wheelbarrow, firewood, water, game..
The wheels now have sealed ball bearings, rather than just a hole in the rims with it in direct contact with the axle. I currently have it set up to carry a large backpack, that could be removed, say if the cart got damaged beyond repair. Sling it on your back and go with it.
I'm trying to work this out as a whooptie-doo BOB, but mainly as an easier way for my one lung to go backpacking again.
Oh yeah, almost forgot. The canopy that is for shading the tots, will turn into a small base to hold a small solar cell to charge batteries. Haven't purchased that one yet, but it's coming.
Anyway, that's where it's at right now. At some point I'll do some pics. No time soon, though.
Jimmy
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Post by xwing on Dec 9, 2012 8:59:14 GMT -7
well, If I have to "bug Out" I dont think Im gonna be seen on roads,parkinglots ,sidewalks etc.... Im gonna be off road and in the shadows....wheel not gonna do me much good If your gonna pursue this...In-line skate wheel would be best...single track, light weight and SMALL . Using an ALICE pack ( must be an external frame pack) you could mount four wheels ...2 up front (top) that swivel( for steering while being pulled or its just gonna wanna go in the direction its pointed) and 2 fixed in the back ( bottom) . mounted on a swing out hinge system so you just fold them back out of the way when not in use so as not to dig into back.....JMHO
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Post by woodyz on Dec 9, 2012 18:05:34 GMT -7
I still feel like everyone is underestimating the use of a sled. Not one with runners, just a flat four foot long by two foot wide plastic sled sold at wally world for $25.
We have used them for years, snow or no snow. As one example we packed in a 100 gallon propane cylinder 1 1/2 miles to a duck blind over dirt, mud and grass with out any problem.
I have packed deer up hill and down on one when I couldn't get the truck or 4 wheeler in, such as on Federal parks or timber land.
They slide very well, weigh nothing and hold up very well.
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Post by woodyz on Dec 9, 2012 18:07:42 GMT -7
A three wheel bike or baby buggy with the large tires is a good idea also, although off road would be much harder than just carrying the load which I think was CWI's point.
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Post by woodyz on Dec 9, 2012 18:15:53 GMT -7
Since for the past few years the weight of the load and the method of carry has become critical for me, so I have put a lot of thought into it.
In another post I talked about my carry arrangement and depending more on well spaced and pre-planned caches to eliminate the amount I have to carry.
I understand that there will be times when the path you take will not be something you can plan on. But for those majority of times when I will be going to a specific location such as a retreat or a rally point I have taken advantage of railroad tracks and powerline right of ways. The general area where we live and to both of our retreats take 100% advantage of these natural pathways. Yes there is a risk of being more visable but a lot less than on a highway.
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