After using different pack frames for years, they all seemed darned uncomfortable when packing heavy loads up and down hills.
I bought a couple Army Molle frames and they have the best waist/shoulder belt I've ever seen and they are extremely comfortable with a load strapped to the frame. They also have a ton of mounting points for tying down your load. You can get lashing straps for them on ebay for $3.50 for a couple at a time.
We bought the large bags for this year and they didn't work out quite as well as strapping directly to the frame, but I'm thinking just a little adjustment on the mounting will take care of that problem.
I think I paid $50 for the one without the bag and $72 for the one with the bag. The bags sell separately for around $25 or so.
Bob
If those are the "plastic" frames, they are available on Ebay for around $20 for the frame only..The straps ect are also available.. From what i have read, its best to go with the latest Generation IV frame as some of the earlier ones were prone to breakage under heavy loads/impacts, ie they failed when soldiers were less than gentle with them...
If I lived in the States, I would certainly try one of these...
