Lightning Packs, LLC has created what could be a ground-breaking new pack-frame design that appears to float while being carried, reducing fatigue. It may even generate power, the makers say.
"Our ergonomic backpacks use an innovative pulley system to reduce impact forces on the user by 80 to 90 [percent], which reduces exertion and injury," according to the Lightning Packs website.
Lightning Packs founder and pack inventor Lawrence Rome is a muscle physiology expert, according to the company's website. He also teaches at the University of Pennsylvania.
"We first designed, built under contract, and delivered a series of ergonomic and electricity-generating backpacks for personnel of the United States Army and Marine Corps. The ergonomic benefits of our design have been field-tested and approved by soldiers themselves," the website states.
The Army's Communications-Electronics Research Development and Engineering Center put out a brief video in 2015 to showcase the new pack frame technology.
Yakira Howarth, of CERDEC'S Command, Power and Integration Directorate, said in the video that the frame "generates electricity through rotary motion that we can capture and use to trickle-charge any batteries or electronics that they have on them."
"Our aim is for a net-zero soldier which means that whatever he is powering that is on him will be powered by what he is carrying on him at the same time," she continued. "We are supporting tactical power for the small unit so we are continually gathering data and feedback from soldiers so that we can continue to improve the wearability of this working prototype."
It's unclear if the Army is still looking at the technology.
Lightning Packs now plans to market its new ergonomic backpack, the "Hoverglide," on the commercial market, using Kickstarter.com to raise funding.
Using Suspended Load Technology, or SLT, the frame slides up and down as the weared walks to reduce "the accelerative forces that cause injuries and reduce mobility," according to the website.
"The pack reduces the metabolic energy requirement by 40-80 watts, allowing a wearer to carry 8-12 extra pounds 'for free,'" the website states.
The Hoverglide will be offered in several models for backpacking, commuting and light hiking. There will also be a tactical model which is about the size of a standard daypack or assault pack, according to the review website Hot-Newtech.
"Our company is ready to produce a pack that enables quicker, easier travel while reducing back pain and injury, [and] with your help, we can make that happen," the Lighting Packs website states.
-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.
