I've been thinking about how to replace the carbon fibre stays of my new Mariposa Plus (finally found a pack for most of my needs) with something lighter than aluminum stays, but which would accomodate the need to pull the top of the pack into the shoulders. Knowing how strong and light bamboo is I split two bamboo rods, 1/2" wide, 3/8" thick and the same length as the carbon fibre stays. They weigh 20 grams each (the carbon fibre poles weigh 10 grams each), but since these are poor quality bamboo and I can find much higher quality in tube form that are quite a lot stronger and lighter, I wouldn't say these are the optimal bamboo stays. With some planing the sharp edges were smoothed out. If I use a flame I can also bend the bamboo to fit the curve of my back.
When putting on the pack fully loaded it pulls in close to my shoulders and doesn't lean away like with the carbon fibre stays. WHen I get back from my two day trip tomorrow I will look for better bamboo for stays.
