Not just another backpack thread.....

[BurntEyes]

On Cotton. It sucks as a survival product. Google is your friend.

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=82261

http://www.survivalistboards.com/showthread.php?t=79756

http://www.easybackpackingtips.com/b...ngclothes.html

On Backpacks

http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/arti...+backpack.html

On Child Carry

http://products.howstuffworks.com/to...ier-review.htm

A quality pack puts 80-90% of the weight on the hips, not the shoulders.

On REI - to my knowledge the majority of their manufactures will create custom fit. Unless you are 7' tall, I bet you can find gear that fits you. My 6'5" 280 pound 28" waiste friend finds stuff, and has a taylor modify them slightly.

On sleeping bags

Just an idea

http://www.rei.com/product/775907/bi...ing-bag-double

On ESEE Knives - Go ahead and search right here on this board. They will do EVERYTHING a typical hatchet will do.

ESEE RC-5 Wilderness Survival Knife Test and Bow...

[parnelli97]

I think we came up with a good idea. The only reason we would be completely without a vehicle is an EMP. I know the likelyhood of that is low, but it is a possibility. Our solution to that is an older Bronco. I'm looking at anything older than 1980, but what I'm not sure about is how old does it have to be to not have a computer in it? I've tried googling it and didn't come up with any definite answer.

[FarmerJohn]

I know this is probably going to get alot of flack but you could make your own pack board

this is a yukon packboard




this is a ww2 molded plywood pack board and can carry a good bit of weight comfortably you can make one pretty cheap I am making a yukon backboard at the moment and when done it will have cost me $15

the way you put your stuff on is with a diamond hitch



here is a different design but similar that would work these are the plans
http://www.motherearthnews.com/do-it...-backpack.aspx

here the roycroft style pack
http://www.primitiveways.com/pack_frame.html

[Coyote Brown]

As for the ESSE 5 replacing the hatchet, it can overlap well. When large chopping is needed a club is made from a sturdy branch, to batton the knife. You can down large trees with ease , or split logs. Most important is it is much safer then swinging a hatchet. Any injury to slow you down can be fatal in some instances.
It is easier to pack or wear. It weighs less and is smaller.

[Coyote Brown]

Pretty sure if you disconnect all electrical systems you can get it going after the EMP.

Pull all fuses and have a set of spares. Disconnect the rotor cap and plug wires. Shield battery in a grounded metal box. Remove all light bulbs.

In My understanding this will work.

[maggie357]

I have the same problem as your wife, but can carry an external frame pack with a wide hip belt so that the weight rests on the pelvis. The shoulder straps just keep the load from falling from one side or the other. I saw where someone used this sort of pack but instead of shoulder straps, they fastened it around their forehead like the ancients did. Some fanny packs will thread easily on a belt. I have a triple fanny pack with pouches on the back and each side. I've never seen them again, but you could probably buy three and thread them on the same belt, leaving her front open to carry the baby. I can carry most of what I need for an overnight in there except a bedroll. I also have a shooters vest with lots of pockets and a game pouch. This can get too heavy on the shoulders, though, if I try to put too much in it.
This hasn't exactly answered your question, but if she can carry the lightweight, bulky items, you can carry more in whatever pack you decide on. Good luck to you.