Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
Before modern packs, hip belts, and REI — pioneers, trappers, colonial soldiers, and Indigenous peoples routinely hauled extraordinary loads using systems that have been almost completely forgotten. Today, we're bringing them back.
In this video, I'm breaking down the lost science of load bearing: where to carry weight on your body, how historical carry systems like the tumpline, pack basket, and haversack distributed loads across muscle groups rather than joints, and why modern backpackers might actually be doing it wrong.
What You'll Learn:
▶ The tumpline — the most efficient load-carry system ever developed
▶ How voyageurs and trappers carried 200+ lbs over portage trails
▶ The biomechanics of weight distribution: historical vs. modern
▶ Why where you carry weight matters more than how much you carry
▶ Practical applications for wilderness travel, survival, and historical recreation
Whether you're a living historian, outdoor enthusiast, or just trying to carry a
heavy pack without wrecking your back — this one's for you.
🔗 Honorable Outfitters & Mr. Dyer's Musings — Where history meets the trail.
Get your Preston Mess Kit Here! https://forms.gle/VRJSp3MuULgzRaig7
See the Preston Kit article here: honorableoutfitters.com/artifacts/preston-mess-kit
Learn more about how you can help build the museum! https://forms.gle/2vBqSjaYW5rcxNjXA
JOIN THE GUILD: honorableoutfitters.com
My podcast is LIVE on all podcasting platforms, check out Campfire Chats With Honorable Outfitters!
What I like to use in the field:
Get your starter sleeping pad here: amzn.to/46XNjgh
Haven Hammock Tent: amzn.to/3XNB6YW
BOY SCOUT MESS KIT modern update:
amzn.to/3VQ1FYN
THEROZ MESS KIT modern update:
amzn.to/3KXqn45
Hand Warmer:
amzn.to/3Wh1XIz
Hand Warmer Fuel:
amzn.to/3v0xWCI
Boker Trapper Pocket Knife:
amzn.to/3UcIN5t
Old Timer Jack Knife:
amzn.to/3XD0qOP
Old Hickory "Kephart":
amzn.to/3Vd6Wu8
Old Hickory fish knife:
amzn.to/3EGd33a
Sewing Kit:
onlinemilitaria.net/shopaff.asp?affid=1633&id=1523
Marble's Match Case:
amzn.to/3im3sXq
Bayite Ferro Rod:
amzn.to/3F939bL
Flint and Steel Kit:
amzn.to/3u4i5Bv
Small storage Tins:
amzn.to/3ANho36
Blanket Pins:
amzn.to/3UcXBBl
Graniteware cup:
amzn.to/3im40MY
"Classic White" enamelware mug:
amzn.to/3ONXA5B
Hohner "Pocket Pal" harmonica:
amzn.to/3GVsszn
"Scout Rope":
onlinemilitaria.net/shopaff.asp?affid=1633&id=3950
Stonebridge Folding Lantern:
amzn.to/33zBFvz
Rope Lighter:
amzn.to/3A2tm7t
Tube Whistle:
amzn.to/3fqIcLq
Sewing Kit:
amzn.to/3ANfvDy
"Awl for All" equipment repair:
amzn.to/3EAwp9y
I am an affiliate to the links above and I may earn a commission if you choose to purchase something from them.
Before modern packs, hip belts, and REI — pioneers, trappers, colonial soldiers, and Indigenous peoples routinely hauled extraordinary loads using systems that have been almost completely forgotten. Today, we're bringing them back.
In this video, I'm breaking down the lost science of load bearing: where to carry weight on your body, how historical carry systems like the tumpline, pack basket, and haversack distributed loads across muscle groups rather than joints, and why modern backpackers might actually be doing it wrong.
What You'll Learn:
▶ The tumpline — the most efficient load-carry system ever developed
▶ How voyageurs and trappers carried 200+ lbs over portage trails
▶ The biomechanics of weight distribution: historical vs. modern
▶ Why where you carry weight matters more than how much you carry
▶ Practical applications for wilderness travel, survival, and historical recreation
Whether you're a living historian, outdoor enthusiast, or just trying to carry a
heavy pack without wrecking your back — this one's for you.
🔗 Honorable Outfitters & Mr. Dyer's Musings — Where history meets the trail.
Get your Preston Mess Kit Here! https://forms.gle/VRJSp3MuULgzRaig7
See the Preston Kit article here: honorableoutfitters.com/artifacts/preston-mess-kit
Learn more about how you can help build the museum! https://forms.gle/2vBqSjaYW5rcxNjXA
JOIN THE GUILD: honorableoutfitters.com
My podcast is LIVE on all podcasting platforms, check out Campfire Chats With Honorable Outfitters!
What I like to use in the field:
Get your starter sleeping pad here: amzn.to/46XNjgh
Haven Hammock Tent: amzn.to/3XNB6YW
BOY SCOUT MESS KIT modern update:
amzn.to/3VQ1FYN
THEROZ MESS KIT modern update:
amzn.to/3KXqn45
Hand Warmer:
amzn.to/3Wh1XIz
Hand Warmer Fuel:
amzn.to/3v0xWCI
Boker Trapper Pocket Knife:
amzn.to/3UcIN5t
Old Timer Jack Knife:
amzn.to/3XD0qOP
Old Hickory "Kephart":
amzn.to/3Vd6Wu8
Old Hickory fish knife:
amzn.to/3EGd33a
Sewing Kit:
onlinemilitaria.net/shopaff.asp?affid=1633&id=1523
Marble's Match Case:
amzn.to/3im3sXq
Bayite Ferro Rod:
amzn.to/3F939bL
Flint and Steel Kit:
amzn.to/3u4i5Bv
Small storage Tins:
amzn.to/3ANho36
Blanket Pins:
amzn.to/3UcXBBl
Graniteware cup:
amzn.to/3im40MY
"Classic White" enamelware mug:
amzn.to/3ONXA5B
Hohner "Pocket Pal" harmonica:
amzn.to/3GVsszn
"Scout Rope":
onlinemilitaria.net/shopaff.asp?affid=1633&id=3950
Stonebridge Folding Lantern:
amzn.to/33zBFvz
Rope Lighter:
amzn.to/3A2tm7t
Tube Whistle:
amzn.to/3fqIcLq
Sewing Kit:
amzn.to/3ANfvDy
"Awl for All" equipment repair:
amzn.to/3EAwp9y
I am an affiliate to the links above and I may earn a commission if you choose to purchase something from them.
