Why do they...

[ryan]

If you have done much camping you have probably heard of Duluth packs or something similiar.
My question is,
Why would they make them so they are uncomfortable to wear if there intended use is often carrying many pounds over land (as portages)?
It seems like some cheap padding on the shoulder straps would make it so much less taxing on your body.
Does anyone else think that a thin layer of neoprene or something similiar on the inside of the shoulder straps would make portaging a little easier?

[twomoons]

Ryan
Mostly portage packs are just for short jaunts. You don't need much padding if you are toting just 1/4 to 1/2 mile. On longer portages we always used a tump line with the pack and then the weight was carried by your whole spine from the head to the tailbone.

A good backpacking pack either framed or internal frame carries the weigh on the hips and the shoulder straps are adjusted to put minimal weight on the shoulders. A good pack should allow yu to carry 70 to 90 pounds pan free for up to 4 hours at a streach. My pack is set up with 65 lbs and I have carried up to 90 across the Wind River range. Just like any other aspect of sports yu have to match the equipment to the game.

[deputydon]

I still have TM's old pack after about 20 years and it works great !!

[Purebred Redneck]

Well now we have 4 posts in this forum
lol