Daypack mod for carrying Pulaski

[Rich G]

Any ideas for modding my old Lowe Alpine daypack for carrying a Pulaski for trail work?  It has an ice axe loop, but I need something to stabilize it on the top.  I have found a seamstress who can do heavy duty stitching, so that won’t be a problem.

[R]

Pics or it (probably) won’t happen :)

[Jon Fong / Flat Cat Gear]

I haven’t heard the name Pulaski for about 40 years (brings back fond memories)!  It’s a great tool, good luck finding your modification.  I agree, showing a picture of a Pulaski will help most people understand your requirements.

[Ken Thompson]

[R]

I meant pics of the pack.

In principle, a Pulaski should work just fine w/ a traditional ice axe set up as they’re both a ‘T’ shape.  You just need a loop big enough for the Pulaski head.

If the pack is missing the top strap, just decide what angle you want the handle to cary at and put it there.

[Paul Magnanti]

Not sure of how large your daypack may be, but I found this photo. Looks like a Pulaski next to the chAinsaw.  A loop in the middle and a loop at the top.

 

[Ken Thompson]

[Sam Haraldson]

I’d just cut some lengths of webbing and attach a few tension locks to them.  Run the webbing through some part of the pack and then wrap the webbing around the tool, cinch the tension locks and call it good.

[Rich G]

Here’s the pack:  a nice old day pack with a beefy suspension.  I think it would be best to carry it upside down, with the pick (and it’s weight) low.  There’s no daisy chain to lash to, so maybe I can get my seamstress to sew on a somewhat heavy strap with a slider…

[Rich G]

OK, technically its a mattock, not a Pulaski.

[Ken Thompson]

Can’t you utilize the compression strap that’s already there?

[Rich G]

I think it really needs something that will wrap around it and grip, not just stabilize.  Those little loops to the left and right are velcro straps for trekking poles.

[R]

That loop at the bottom is too small for that tool.  Here’s how they’re intended to fit:

(Oops: bottom of the pack is to the left, top is to the right) The tool is held head up, the shaft is lowered through the loop, then the shaft is flipped up, wrapping the loop around the head as shown.

Here’s an alternative ‘quick draw’ way to carry an ax:

The shaft goes up that black sleeve, with a side-release buckle around the bottom of the head. The sleeve can be reduced to a loop at each end of it.  So you could use your existing loop as the lower sleeve end, add another fixed loop for the upper end, and then add the side-release strap to the lower loop.  As the name implies, the tool can be drawn w/o removing the pack, provided you can reach the buckle.

That or lengthen/replace your lower loop to fit the larger tool, and add a side-release strap as an upper loop to secure the shaft.

If you keep the shaft centered, you may end up bumping the back of your head against it.  Maybe try a few arrangements w/ some cord before modding the pack.

 

 

[Rich G]

^Thanks for the ideas.

[Author]

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