Thread: Cactus Huntaway DIY frame…

Wondering if anyone that has one of these packs has made some sort of frame sheet that slides in where foam insert goes?? Love the pack and use it for mostly everything its bombproof and the perfect size for day and overnight hunts, but when loaded full can get a tad uncomfy so thinking about making up a pvc or alloy frame to slide in to stiffen it up a tad.

Originally Posted by H.M

Wondering if anyone that has one of these packs has made some sort of frame sheet that slides in where foam insert goes?? Love the pack and use it for mostly everything its bombproof and the perfect size for day and overnight hunts, but when loaded full can get a tad uncomfy so thinking about making up a pvc or alloy frame to slide in to stiffen it up a tad.

I normally take a thin piece of closed cell foam that i use to sit on when glassing etc, good for wet ground, or hard sharp stoney ground up the tops etc. I simply have this cut to the right size to slide down into the back of my pack/s. I use either a Cactus Huntaway or a Macpac Ascent, so i have it cut to fit in the smaller pack.

I find this can also help avoid hard bone or whatever jabbing into your back, if you haven't packed the load well enough to prevent that. Just a thought that may help you out without actually altering the pack.

I have a great outdoors pack with an aluminum U frame. The frame fits perfectly with the huntaway foam still in place. I'm still to try it out but can't see why it wouldn't work. Maybe you could bend one up. It's just an ali pipe with caps on the end. I know what you mean when it's loaded up. They could also do with thicker and wider shoulder straps.

I'd get rid off it i might know somebody that might be interested.

Originally Posted by GWH

I normally take a thin piece of closed cell foam that i use to sit on when glassing etc, good for wet ground, or hard sharp stoney ground up the tops etc. I simply have this cut to the right size to slide down into the back of my pack/s. I use either a Cactus Huntaway or a Macpac Ascent, so i have it cut to fit in the smaller pack.

I find this can also help avoid hard bone or whatever jabbing into your back, if you haven't packed the load well enough to prevent that. Just a thought that may help you out without actually altering the pack.

This is a cool idea for sure and yes the shit poking you in the back can be annoying but as you say can be prevented by packing wisely. Cheers.

Originally Posted by Hahn

I have a great outdoors pack with an aluminum U frame. The frame fits perfectly with the huntaway foam still in place. I'm still to try it out but can't see why it wouldn't work. Maybe you could bend one up. It's just an ali pipe with caps on the end. I know what you mean when it's loaded up. They could also do with thicker and wider shoulder straps.

Yep have heard these fit. I was also thinking of using a couple bits of alloy flat and tapping up sharp ends and sliding them in there. I might have a play around have a few materials at work i could use. Cheers.

Originally Posted by bigbear

I'd get rid off it i might know somebody that might be interested.

😂 i do switch out gear a lot 😂 but can not see myself selling this one i like how simple they are, has most things you need and nothing you don't. I got rid of the scabbard as found it was useless unless pack was full, rifle now just straps to the side tight and firm no matter how little is in it.

Originally Posted by Hahn

I have a great outdoors pack with an aluminum U frame. The frame fits perfectly with the huntaway foam still in place. I'm still to try it out but can't see why it wouldn't work. Maybe you could bend one up. It's just an ali pipe with caps on the end. I know what you mean when it's loaded up. They could also do with thicker and wider shoulder straps.

Any chance of a few pics?

It's a very tight but perfect fit as you can see from the photos, probably slightly tighter than the pack it came out of.
Approximate dimensions as best I could measure: 258mm x 495mm x 17mm (11/16?) dia. The curve is approx 35 mm from floor to center of pipe about a third long.

Originally Posted by Hahn

It's a very tight but perfect fit as you can see from the photos, probably slightly tighter than the pack it came out of.
Approximate dimensions as best I could measure: 258mm x 495mm x 17mm (11/16?) dia. The curve is approx 35 mm from floor to center of pipe about a third long.

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Thanks for this. I could make that up easily with some pvc pipe at work. I might give it a go and will post results. Cheers

So made a frame out of pvc 15 mm pipe. Fits in there with the foam insert. Feels comfy and a lot more sturdy with pack full. Will see how it goes on the hill in a couple weeks time.

So you place the bend at the top facing away from your head?have a miklat I might try one on,

Originally Posted by The bomb

So you place the bend at the top facing away from your head?have a miklat I might try one on,

@The bomb I think it should curve the other way keeping the load close to the spine. Small of the back to over the shoulder. Pretty sure that's how it was in the purple pack above when I pulled it out.

@H.M how'd it work out?

Originally Posted by Hahn

@H.M how'd it work out?

Not great haha. I the bottom pushed against my back so i removed that and had it like a U shape instead but found it still more comfy without the frame. So il call that one a fail.