What ARE you talking about? WHO is denigrating this? Not me.... Put succinctly, I asked: how do OTHERS solve the problem of carrying the radio gear AND a minimum of standard hiking gear, in this pack? For example-- if you decide to splay a camelback outside (to save room IN the pack)and in back of the pack, you add torque to your back and shoulder muscles. Not a great idea on a hike. Perhaps, you should stand by, as I am, to see any --helpful-- suggestions from other users. I can guarantee that anyone and everyone who hikes with a radio encounters this issue with this system. If I didn't ENJOY the pack, I would have sent it back. Obviously I didn't do that. Thanks. 73 Chip W1YW
Rod (KA0USE) and I had a nice follow-up. Remember: if you don't quote the post you are addressing, the assumption is that it refers to the prior post, or the original post. Rod pointed out there is a series of ICOM videos on the backpack made for the JA audience --which are interesting. Keep in mind the JA video star is not summiting Mount Washington....and has not prepped for a summit hike. 73, Chip W1YW
Here's how KI6NAZ addresses the issue.... Whats Inside My ICOM IC-705 LC-192 ham radio Backpack? - Bing video IMO his use of a small sidepack attachment ('molly') unbalances the pack--but he probably worked hard to keep the weight even. Lotsa forethought needed for your specific use, that's my take away. 73 Chip W1YW
According to what I have read they are thinking of making a face plate/cover but the current Peovi kit does not come with a cover.
Lightweight backpack not needed LOL. I have been to every mountain top in NH with a tower on it (Including Cannon). Used ATV's or snowmobiles for most of the journey but in many cases had to hoof it to the final destination. Pics of me and a buddy going and on top of Kearsarge. Try hauling that stuff up with crampons on and using ropes to assist in getting to the top once the granite face has been iced over! Anyway, back to the backpack. I am of the mindset to buy what is best for the individual. Some people like the pre-made specialty things. I personally do not like "specialty" items like backpacks. I prefer to buy one that I can fit my needs.
I have both the 705 and this backpack. I have to say this is the most fun radio I’ve owned. Now I’m spoiled and won’t but another radio that doesn’t have a built in sound card and gps. Luckily I think all the brands are going that direction. I just run a vhf/uhf antenna while hiking and carry linked dipole from Sotabeams or a small vertical depending on my destination. Pics of my setup on my page. Kn4zxk
Very thorough review, has some neat features specific to man-portable ops. Hey Pascal, is Garage a French term for Surgery-Room? LOL , goodness it's clean and organized in there!!
A great alternative is the Lowepro Tahoe bp150 backpack. Less than one-third of the price of the Icom bag, at least in the UK
