Improved Backpacking Load Carriage System

This project developed a novel load carriage system with a suspension and pivoting hip belt for backpackers. The design was validated with a controlled study of 5 male subjects. Quantitative and qualitative results were gathered to compare the experimental backpack to a commercial backpack. The design did not meet the performance specifications for reducing oscillating load, ground reaction forces, and compression and shear at the lumbosacral joint. However, it met the specification for reducing fatigue, showing a 6% VO2max ± 4% decrease. It also induced the desired amount of forward lean, 12-30 degrees. Overall, this project was a proof of concept of a small form factor oscillating load backpack that, with improvements to the suspension, could achieve even greater functionality