DIY Wooden Backpack Frames 2014-08-02 written by: Brad









Here we are sporting our new wooden backpack frames I built just before this trip to Jones Mountain Cabin. It was a 5 mile hike uphill one way, but we made it. We certainly couldn’t have done it withouth the wooden backpack frames











I built all three frames from 6′ of 1×6 construction grade lumber…It is what I had on hand so I used it. I probably could have chosen a better wood for the job but this seemed to do just fine.











I marked out and cut curved wooden supports for the back support of the backpack frame using my bandsaw











To make sure the curved back support fit flush I marked and cut each piece by setting it on my workbench and using a 1/4 thick piece of material as a marking gauge. To make sure the curved back support fit flush within the straight main support frames, I marked each piece by setting it on my workbench and using a 1/4 thick piece of material as a marking gauge. Then I used my bandsaw to cut them flat. This ensured a nice flat fit onto the main frame.











Homemade Backpack Frames For the straight main support of the backpack frame I cut a shallow dado about 1/4 inch deep for the back supports to fit into. Then clamped everything in place and glued them up.











Main Back pack frame complete. Now to attach shoulder-straps and backpacks.











A trip to the local thrift store yielded a few junk backpacks, belts and and karate belts. I cut up the karate belts and attached them in three places with the idea it would keep the frame off of the kids back. We actually stuffed a pillow between there when we were hiking and it worked out great.We actually fit a standard issue ruck sack to one of the frames…it almost seemed like it was made for it. My oldest son carried it…it was heavy, but it made it on the ten mile hike.











Here is a shot of the middle child’s frame…my wife ended up using it We tied everything onto his…a duffle bag up top, sleeping bag toward the bottom.

Here is a shot of the middle child’s frame…my wife ended up using itWe tied everything onto his…a duffle bag up top, sleeping bag toward the bottom.









For my youngest son, (he wasn’t thrilled about having his photo taken I attached the entire backpack to his frame because it was so small.



This was a fun project and I spent less than 30 bucks for 3 backpack frames. They are still hanging in the garage waiting on the next hiking adventure!

For my youngest son, (he wasn’t thrilled about having his photo takenI attached the entire backpack to his frame because it was so small.This was a fun project and I spent less than 30 bucks for 3 backpack frames. They are still hanging in the garage waiting on the next hiking adventure!

Category: Woodworking