I just got back from a high country hunt in northern BC, and have got a question on external frame packs. I use a Cabela's Alaskan Outfitter pack, and am wondering what is the purpose of the adjustable top bar that is on the pack and on most other exteral frames I see. If this has been asked before, just post the link, but I see little point to it, unless it provides another tie-off point for gear when you are loaded way to heavy.
Thanks for the info.
Graham

I guess either I answered my own question, or everyone else was wondering the same thing. Is it a structural member that will damage something if I remove it for easier movement in the bush?
Good hunting,
Graham

I have the same pack, and extend the bar when I have a tall load such as this one:



Otherwise I keep it low. If the pack was too high, I would not worry about removing it.

Dave

Nice 'Bou, and thanks for the reply. I usually just depress the stop buttons and jam that top bar as far down the side rails as it will go. Then I give it a little more just for good measure. I wondered about that. Thanks again,
Good hunting,
Graham

quote:

Originally posted by loud-n-boomer:
I have the same pack, and extend the bar when I have a tall load such as this one:



Otherwise I keep it low. If the pack was too high, I would not worry about removing it.

Dave

Geez Dave, where have I seen that picture before????

Dave

That is the extender bar. It has no structural purpose, you can remove it if you don't intend to use it. It is for carrying loads above the main pack. Most main packs will have lash tie downs on the top so that you can put something heavy up there and attach it to the extender bars. Most useful for heavier things like tents, tripods, and full food containers. You want heavy things up high in the pack and the bar prevents them from flopping onto your head or backwards.

Here is a pick from a 10 day trip in the brooks range. At this point it looks like I have the tent up there, earlier in the trip I had a full plastic food container up there because that was the heaviest item at the time.

Just FYI, this is a vidcap so the quality is not great. I have my handgun, charter arms bulldog 44spl in my hand. I'm about to fire a warning shot at a grizz that has been with us for about 45 minutes regardless of what we do and it is about 9:30pm and we need to make camp. My daughter was taking the video.

Tundragriz tell us more about the grizz story did you have any further trouble with it.