Re: Backpack Rig for 100% IPSC steel.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Salmonaxe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">It weighs 50lbs. It's on a rigid backpack frame and has a belly band (Waist belt). My Marine buddy said he would haul way more than that in his pack. A little over a year ago I used to weigh 45lbs more than I currently do and I'd haul about 30lbs of gear over similar terrain. And that was a non-rigid HSRC that doesn't really have a proper belly band.
I hauled this same plate in my arms, down hill about 700yds through over 10 tank traps and about 100 yrds of slashpiles. Then I hauled it back up that same hill. It wasn't fun, but I didn't injure myself because I was careful and took my time. My buddy Kombar has hauled this same size steel through the same area on a similar backpack rig. This will allow me to have my arms free, weight on my hips and better visibility.
This is the price we have to pay in order to shoot "long range" where I live. </div></div>
Ha! I thought you were joking about the tank traps and whatnot. Well your new setup is probably a world better than carrying it in your arms. That really probably made your back want to roll forward. At least with the pack you can keep your back upright.
I have military friends who carried heavy loads like your friend and some are fine, some have bad back problems. Bearing a load like that for long periods doesn't build muscle in any anaerobic sense. It does compress discs/vertebrae.
My intention is not to be critical of what you are doing. Just trying to prevent you from having to go through what I have gone through with back problems. Cheers pack mule