Hello my name is michael woods, I was a wildland firefighter for five seasons with the BLM, on an engine crew. I was always impressed by the packs that smokejumpers used. My question is, is it possible to purchase such a pack or aquire a pattern to sew myself, it would be ideal for the hiking and outdoor rec. I continue to do.

Sincerly, Michael Woods

-- michael woods (mnwoods@goesp.com), January 20, 2000

Answers

Jumper packs

You don't want one of these packs unless you are a pack mule. They are designed to carry from 90 to 120 pounds. there is a term called "jumper knees" and it is not from jumping. It is from hauling these damn things through all sorts of terain and topogtraphy. Get a nice internal frame pack designed for casual hiking. I've got the knees. Knik

-- Nick Holmes (Knikniknik@aol.com), April 18, 2000.