From: Dr. Bob Klein (drbob@troop111.org)
Date: Tue Jun 18 2002 - 16:27:23 CDT
Never seen one, or even heard of it before, but this sounds somewhat
similar to the old metal hip-belt wings that came as an optional
accessory for Jansport packs. In that system, you had two stiff,
tapered aluminum strips, attached on both sides of the lower frame with
swivel hinges, that the hip belt bolted onto (metal outside, belt
inside). When you swung your hip-belt in to buckle it, the metal strips
followed and held the belt rigorously in place. I used a Jansport so
equipped on one trip, and it was an extraordinarily effective system,
really helping to distribute and support a heavy load; however, it was
also tricky to get the angle of the bend of the metal strips just right
- curved too tight and they dug into you, curved too far out and they'd
catch your hands and arms as you swung along while hiking. Plus the
angles are different for every person, of course, so every one has to be
carefully customized, and constantly adjusted for growing Scouts. For
that reason, they were never that popular, and I believe Jansport
discontinued them about 4 or 5 years ago.
If this is (as I suspect) a similar system, your description of "under
the waist buckle" sounds like it's inside the belt, which (along with
the fact that it's made of stiff plastic/foam) may alleviate some of the
problems with the Jansport system.
My only suggestions are to go to a store that sells them and try one
out, and talk to the salesperson if he has a clue. If they cost a
fortune, see if you can't find someone that actually owns and uses one.
jpsampson1@mmm.com wrote:
>
> Has anyone had any experience with a back balancer? Sold as a pack
> accessory and worn in front, the back balancer is an "abdominal support
> system that increases the function of the hip belt by enabling it to act
> like a back brace" (according to one company who makes them). It is an
> oval-shaped plastic/foam piece, and fits under the waist buckle on your
> pack. I've never seen them until recently, but my son thinks they're cool
> and wants to get one. I told him he should find out from people who have
> used them, whether they are worth it. Any suggestions?
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