Frameless pack stiffener

4 section Z-rest, folded in 1/2= approx 10" wide, or for my Ohm, I custom cut a section from a Ridge-Rest pad, even taper cutting the lumbar end of it. The 4 section Z-rest gives me the best load transfer/Carry. It also makes for a larger sit pad too.

I've got the Jam2 and I'm buying a NeoAir shortly. The Jam2 has sort of a foam pack panel so I'm not too worried about a frame, but I might buy a 3/4 length NeoAir and then cut a peice from my RidgeRest to fit into the sleeve for the back foam. Then I could use that under my feet too….but I could also just use the foam that comes with the Jam2 under my feet. It's likely nearly as good.

I cut a piece of Coroplast to fit in with the foam pad on my Pinnacle, and it seems to work really well.

I've never used the rolled pad idea and I exclusively use frameless packs. Here's what i do:

– Use as few stuffsacks as possible and especially with bag and clothing, make the stuff sack a big one. Uncompressed items are key.
– things that are angular (pot, stakes, etc.) go away from the back. Soft items against the back.
– pack the backpack full and use all the compression straps to make a very solid load.
– beat flat the pack where it touches your back. Add contour but punching the pack hard.

By creating a solid brick, the pack never sags or collapses. Oh- and keep it light- but this works up to about 30 pounds.

No need to stiffen anything!

dj