Systainer backpack

Coen

Member
Joined
Aug 25, 2010
Messages
2,807
Does anyone know of an existing solution to carry a Systainer on your back?

Use case; travel with backpack, folding bike and some tools in Systainer using bus / train. In the train station I'd like to have 1 hand free. When I do so now I have the folding bike in my right (has to be, since it's grip it's off-center so hard to carry with the left hand) and the Systainer in the left. However, that becomes annoyingly wide.

The backpack can move to the front of my body without problem.

So like a baby carrier, but then for Systainers.

Also, new Systainer3 with it's space wasting becomes too tall to carry in hand.
 
I'm getting a picture in my mind of what you are describing.  Makes me want to come to Europe and try some thing out and report back! [cool]

What size systainer are you looking to use?  T-Loc I, Sys3 M 137 sort of size?  Or are you thinking MINI?

I use a GoRuck GR1 backpack.  I love it.  Just now, inspired by your post, I tried a Systainer3 M 137 inside it and it fits.  I can get the zippers closed.  Now, mind you, not a lot of room for other things.  The laptop compartment is still good.  One can gain access to the full systainer because of how the GR1 opens fully.

If attaching a systainer onto a backpack, one would need some webbing or straps on the sides or back to tie or bungee it on there.  You would ideally want the backpack to have a large enough footprint to nestle the systainer tightly and evenly, even if the backpack isn't fully loaded. 

Attached are some pics I just took, maybe it will spur some thoughts.

Finally, your comment on space wasting of Systainer3, can you tell me more details on this comment?  I've not felt this way and wonder what your experience and view is.

[attachimg=1][attachimg=2][attachimg=3]
 

Attachments

  • IMG_6684 Large.jpeg
    IMG_6684 Large.jpeg
    247.7 KB · Views: 1,362
  • IMG_6685 Large.jpeg
    IMG_6685 Large.jpeg
    247.6 KB · Views: 1,334
  • IMG_6690 Large.jpeg
    IMG_6690 Large.jpeg
    218.4 KB · Views: 1,382
No, more like size 337 (TS-55 F), so not on it's side.

Everything moved up a size with Sys³. So my old TS55 is in a Systainer IV being 315+7mm high, the new TS 55 F sits in a Sys³ M 337, a box 15mm higher.

A stack of Domino DF 500 + Tennon assortment + connector set used to be 8x52.5+7=427mm, but is now 180+180+130+7=497mm high, a 70mm increase for absolutely nothing useful. The distance between my hands and the ground didn't increase 70mm, so I can carry less and he sturdier lid can't even proof itself.
 
Ahh - I see your point well about waste of space when moving previously configured items into the new Systainer3 format.  Well stated.

As for carrying a systainer up right, it seems like you would want some sort of L shaped thing or a "diving board" to fold down from your back pack to help support the systainer. Hmmm....
 
I was thinking something like an old-school external frame backpack would've worked, but I think most of them extended up above shoulder height, which would make them difficult to swing around to the front.

I did find this one, which has a frame that doesn't look to be as tall. Not sure if it can be purchased frame-only but if so, perhaps it could be adapted to carry Systainers.
https://www.trailspace.com/gear/u.s.-military/alice-pack/

U.S._Military_ALICE_Pack_Reviews_-_Trailspace_2023-02-05_20-06-29.png
 
It's going to be a pretty good size package but some type of hauler pack (for hauling your catch after hunting) is probably your best bet. Something like the Mystery Ranch Crew Cab, Hill People Gear Decker, etc (Stone Glacier, Kuiu and Kifaru would be some other to look at) would definitely be able to carry the stack. I have the HPG and have carried 150# as comfortably as one could hope to carry that weight and the straps let it hold any kind of weird shape
 
Mystery Ranch, Kifaru et. all are great, high-end, recommendations (love my E&E!)! But might be a little hard to get here in Europe.

Coen, I think your best bet will be what we call "Lastenkraxe" - which is essentially a frame like 4nthony posted.

Military (Swiss) surplus would be the most price sensitive, Tatonka, Stubai coming next, and Fjällräven a more pricy option.

Kind regards,
Oliver
 
Alice pack frames are available separately as well as a shelf that can bit fitted to the bottom. Designed for solid pieces of equipment, radios and such.

Seth
 
Looks like most have you covered on the backpack frame... I'll just point out that there is a systainer base (basically the sys cart without wheels), with the newer one having spots for straps that could likely be bolted down to the shelf. Plaston/Metabo also have a multi-adapter plate that might be useful if you ever find yourself dealing with classic systainers/L Boxxes.
 
Check out the Kelty Cache Hauler.  For hauling game out of the backcountry- but it has a sold flip down ledge that you could set a stack of systainers on and it has straps to secure the stack to the frame.
 
There are also these, designed for Peli and other hard cases:
https://www.rucpac.com/straps_hardcase.html

hardcase-backpack-conversion-1.jpg

There are two types there, with different levels of padding, but they're basically just a set of rucksack straps and a back pad, so you'd maybe attach them to a systainer base at the bottom and the handle of the topmost systainer at the top. That would let you carry a stack of joined systainers as one unit.

In fact, as nvalinski says above, the newer style systainer base has mounting points for straps, so I think the Rucpac system would work without having to modify anything:

41kO02TaU7L._AC_SX679_.jpg
 
Oh, that's a lot of awesome replies with some very good suggestions. I'm gonna look into it a bit. Thanks guys!
 
How did you go with this? I think if you are stuck I could assist in designing a backpack that a systainer can attach to directly, no base.

Is this a thing that tradies would more routinely like do you think?
 
I researched some for a bit, but didn't take any concrete action yet. Usually, these things are long-term plans for me, like I bought my first LR-32 rail euh... 4 (?) years before I bought the LR-32 set.

The tradies mostly move about in a van here, taking larger quantities with them.
And besides that; There are more things where I think a lot of tradies could benefit, but they aren't using it. Like the massive amount of plumbers still ruining swivel nuts with their slip joint pliers instead of using parallel-jaw pliers like the Knipex pliers wrench (that also work 10x faster). I've had multiple plumbers write down / take pictures of the one I had after I recommended it.
 
Back
Top