Niles H.

Freezing this video at 02:47 or so, you can see a ZPU rucksack in action,


He is using a blanket, but a variety of other items could be used in the same way, to make a packless pack. Tarp, rainfly, groundcloth, bivy, sleeping bag, all kinds of things could be used in this way.

Zero added weight, zero added cost, one less thing to buy, carry, maintain, repair, etc.

One could also have two or more such rolls, and different sizes. One of them could be for easy or more frequent access. Or the design could be modified and optimized for ease of access for selected items.

I like the way he makes things (and is able to make something out of other things) by thoughtful and attentive arrangement and rolling, appropriate use of cordage and knots, etc.

With good cordage and the right knots, straps and bungees and nets are also no longer necessary when securing things to the bike.

Niles H.

There may be some bikepackers and UL backpackers who have developed this idea. If anyone knows of any pics or links, please post.

spinner

I have always heard of this idea referred to as a bindle. Been around at least as long as there have been people travelling from place to place. Certainly a viable way to carry a very minimal amount of gear. I personally would wrap the blanket in the tarp to have some measure of weather protection. Do have to admit that using the paracord and carabiners to make a harness is a cool idea.

While I agree that with the right cordage and knots you can fasten just about anything to anything, I do believe that straps, bungees, and nets do a quicker and arguably better job of fastening the types of loads that one would normally carry on a bike. Of course YMMV

fuzz2050

I think you could do well combining this idea with a simple rectangular tarp as the outer layer, and a harness like the ULA Epic Backpack. A light harness for when worn as a backpack, a waterproof sheet that can do double duty as a pack and as a shelter, and maybe even a well designed rack that can accept a funny shaped load like that. Something like a Salsa Anything Cage, but bigger.

Niles, I'm also surprised you haven't come across the traditional Scottish Kilt yet. A traditional kilt is about 8 yards of a heavy wool that makes a perfect blanket. I'm pretty sure that's how they were used at first, skirt by day, blanket by night.

staehpj1

Interesting. That said, the weight savings over an ultrasil stuff sack aren't much. An ultrasil sack that size only weighs about an ounce and the cordage used to roll it up weighs something. It is one less thing to buy though.

I have rolled some gear up in a bivy and used it as a bar roll. I usually put it in a old tent pole stuff sack though since I'd rather have the stuff sack take the abrasion than my bivy.

ksisler

Hey, just tie it to a stick and throw it over the shoulder like a fishin' pole. Happy hiking.

Burton

Yup! Real zero-point would mean no panniers, or bags, or packs, ....... or bike!

But I'm thinking technology has given enough advantages to some things that they're are worth dragging around. Has something to do with 'quality of life'.

MassiveD

I am all for people making stuff to suit their particular personality, but that is one of the nuttier rigs I have seen. Courting wet wool, I guess the thousands with trenchfoot just didn't get the memo that wool is warm when wet... It is warmer than cotton, the water contained is not a creature comfort, being wet is a major exposure risk. The air is the main thing that insulates and water displaces air. The bottom line is that apparently it is warm if one has a fire, which is an ethical and legal impossibility many places. Also he has so many heavy bits and pieces that are unecesarry that he could have a light pack anyway. His ridgeline is way heavy for what it needs to be.