The title says it all. I am looking for an instrument pack that can carry my gt 505 and a few other items as needed. I am a solo operator so I need to carry more than most.?ÿ
Well a few years back there was a pack manufactured called the IMP pack. It was designed by an Alaskan Surveyor. The instrument was securely strapped in the middle with adjustable padding and straps. I've personally observed the pack roll down a hillside, float down a river and the instrument was untou he'd. They were very well built packs and somewhat pricy. They were made to tote Total Stations, not GPS. The outside had pockets to hold other gear and straps to attach a tripod if you are brute enough.
It was the only pack I ever saw that was functional and not just a padded bag to put stuff in.
Sad part is I've not seen one for sale in many years. Maybe someone on Surveyor connect has one in the equipment cache and will make you a deal.
Javad sells the J-Pack, which seems to be liked by the guys who use it.?ÿ I've never actually seen one, so can't comment on its suitability, especially for a total station.
A few years ago I needed to pack my robot around a steep mountainous site, and I didn't care for any of the purpose-built packs -- they were either too small, or didn't seem to offer enough padding and room for additional equipment.?ÿ Instead, I bought a Kelty cargo pack frame:
I strapped my Leica TCRA1102 in its case to the frame, strapped a TriMax tripod on top of that, and added a bag with battery, cables, hammer, a couple of stakes, 25-foot tape and probably a few other things to the whole mess.?ÿ It weight in right at 50 pounds.?ÿ I was barely able to get up the hills with it, but I did and got the work done.
It looks like Kelty doesn't make this anymore, so you might have a hard time finding one even if you thought it was a good idea.
I happen to have the SECO backpack that Mr. Harris mentioned.?ÿ And I no longer need it.
It's in fine working order.
Make me a reasonable offer and it's yours.?ÿ?ÿ
10% of proceeds will be donated to @Wendell and RPLSToday.com.
Cheers!
I too have used the SECO packs, and highly modified mine for the gravity work I did.?ÿ I'll upload photos, and provide advice for the mods if interested.?ÿ The SECO straps suck and I just cut them off to attach real burly man padded goodness for hiking 10 to 15 miles a day with supplies, L&R Meter, 5700 with batteries, a small survival kit, etc. oh yeah and 5 liters of water. 50lbs + always.?ÿ Desert work is no joke.
If you were asking me, I believe it is the 500mm model based on the pictures I've seen.?ÿ It was the only one the local shop had on hand.?ÿ I highly recommend it.
