Need a Book Bag That Can Handle 200lbs? Any Suggestions?

  • Thread starter Thread starter OrangeDog
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Book Capacity
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a suitable bag or backpack that can support a weight of approximately 200lbs, suitable for activities related to strongman training and heavy lifting. Participants explore various types of bags, including military surplus, hiking backpacks, and custom-made solutions, while considering the practicality and durability required for such heavy loads.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that hiking backpacks may not be suitable for carrying 200lbs due to their design limitations and potential for fabric failure.
  • Others propose that military surplus bags could be a viable option, although they may be bulky and uncomfortable for long-term use.
  • A few participants recommend creating a custom backpack using heavy-duty materials like leather or canvas, with reinforced seams and strong buckles.
  • One participant suggests using heavy chains wrapped in padding as a DIY solution for distributing weight effectively.
  • There is a humorous suggestion about starting a service to carry passengers using a fireman's carry technique, although this is not a serious proposal for the original question.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the practicality of hiking backpacks for such heavy loads, questioning their maximum capacity.
  • Discussion includes the idea of modifying existing backpacks by replacing fabric with stronger materials while retaining the frame.
  • There is a mention of using welding to create a custom heavy-duty backpack frame, assuming the participant has access to welding equipment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express disagreement regarding the suitability of hiking backpacks for carrying 200lbs, with multiple competing views on the best approach to finding or creating a suitable bag. The discussion remains unresolved with no consensus on a definitive solution.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the assumption that participants have access to specific tools (like sewing machines or welders) and the varying definitions of what constitutes a suitable bag for heavy lifting.

OrangeDog
Messages
117
Reaction score
44
As some of you might know, one of my hobbies is lifting stones. Besides regular weightlifting I do strongman things too. I need a book bag (or something I can put on my back like a hikers/adventurers/Indiana Jones bag) that can hold about 200lbs of "stuff", more would be even better. Right now I have a military canvass bag that can hold about 150lbs, but it requires a "bear hug" grip and is filled to max capacity as of now. So, any ideas?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
By book bag, do you mean knapsack? That's what we call them here.

I'm sure there are hiker's backpacks that would hold 200 lbs. They'll have an aluminum frame to spread the weight across your back.
 
DaveC426913 said:
By book bag, do you mean knapsack? That's what we call them here.

I'm sure there are hiker's backpacks that would hold 200 lbs. They'll have an aluminum frame to spread the weight across your back.

I dunno. They are built to be light weight, so I think the seams or nylon would rip. Maybe they could be reinforced.

You could look for a backpack in a thrift store, then reinforce it with leather or canvas.
 
If you’ve got a sewing machine at hand, you could make a custom ultra-heavy-duty knapsack/book bag/ backpack with works :woot: Layers of leather, canvas, and/or the highest quality woven materials with iron-on interfacing in between. You can add plenty of foam on the straps and really good buckles (not sure what the best brand is; I never needed buckles that strong). If you did do this, then you could make it look good, too. Who says heavy-duty has can’t look nice??

This is my kind of knapsack. You could easily replicate the style :smile:

=tbn:ANd9GcQjNLZsSKp99suKxyM9NP0npxT0NQ8coDHxW9cR2V6i021jZIEeN-tO8AizTji4pQfnlkoWHcNbng&usqp=CAE.jpg

Oooh, yeah, that’d be sweet. Of course, this would be very heavy, but that’s you intent, so that wouldn’t matter.
 
Could always look at a army surplus store, if there are any in your area. We have Crown Surplus here, and they sell all sorts ruck sacks that are meant to hold heavy heavy loads. Though I must add, they probably won't be the best on your back, are likely to be bulky, and you also might look a little out of place.

My hiking backpack does the trick for me. I can carry twice what my fellow students do!
 
ProfuselyQuarky said:
If you’ve got a sewing machine at hand,
He lifts weights, he's not going to have a sewing machine. Sheesh! :wink:
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: ProfuselyQuarky and davenn
berkeman said:
He lifts weights, he's not going to have a sewing machine. Sheesh! :wink:
:eek: Next you’re going to tell me that OrangeDog doesn’t have knitting needles ... or lamb-shaped pillows :nb)
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Astronuc
Hiking backpacks won't work... who the hell is going on hiking trips with 100+ lbs of gear? Those packs have a maximum capacity well below 100lbs, let alone 200lbs.

Honestly for strongman you're probably going to need to implement some DIY solution. As you're aware, most strongman equipment isn't stuff you can just go find at a store. I think a good solution would be some heavy chains wrapped in padding. You can link them over your shoulders and around your waist/back to distribute the load well, and just get some heavy duty padding. A thick chain can easily exceed 200lbs.

I assume you want your hands free, correct? If not what's wrong with a typical keg/sandbag?
 
OrangeDog said:
I need a book bag (or something I can put on my back like a hikers/adventurers/Indiana Jones bag) that can hold about 200lbs of "stuff", more would be even better.
Wait, wait, I think I've got it. And you can even make a little money on the side as you train.

You can start a new Uber-style service, carrying passengers around your town on your back. You can just use a Fireman's Carry, and you won't need a harness or anything. Just start your pedometer, pick up your passenger, and jog/run them to their destination. You can charge by the mile, and use cell phones to arrange the "rides". Brilliant! :smile:

http://www.louistenenbaum.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/firemans-carry.jpg
firemans-carry.jpg
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Astronuc, ProfuselyQuarky and DaveC426913
  • #10
dipole said:
Hiking backpacks won't work... who the hell is going on hiking trips with 100+ lbs of gear? Those packs have a maximum capacity well below 100lbs, let alone 200lbs.
True I suppose. The fabric definitely won't hold that weight but I wonder how well the frame might. Maybe keep the frame and replace the fabric?

What do they use in the military? No army surplus stores near you?
 
  • #11
dipole said:
Hiking backpacks won't work... who the hell is going on hiking trips with 100+ lbs of gear? Those packs have a maximum capacity well below 100lbs, let alone 200lbs.
Well, even though he doesn't have a sewing machine, I'm pretty sure he has a welder in his garage. He can use an aluminum backpack as a model, and weld up his own super-heavy duty version out of steel tubing. That's assuming that my personal Uber idea doesn't work out for some reason...
 
  • #12
I would rather just put someone in a wheelbarrow than carry them. I can get at least 3 customers to their destination that way.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman

Similar threads

Can Evolved State: Dichotomy Capture Your Imagination?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K