Outdoors

MONOWALKER Hikingtrailer – the backpack that you tow

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The MONOWALKER Hikingtrailer allows hikers to tow their backpacks behind them
The MONOWALKER Hikingtrailer allows hikers to tow their backpacks behind them
The MONOWALKER Hikingtrailer allows hikers to tow their backpacks behind them

Once when I was a kid, I unwisely agreed to deliver newspapers for a friend of mine while he was away. The first time I tried to lift the gargantuan sack-o-papers, it was so heavy that I ended up pinned on the ground underneath it. Much to my humiliation, I ended up having to load the newspapers into our wheelbarrow, and deliver them that way. Well, it now turns out that I was simply ahead of my time – German outdoors company MONOWALKER recently unveiled its novel pack system, which includes one configuration that is not unlike a towed one-wheeled wheelbarrow.

In Hikingtrailer mode, the MONOWALKER is pulled behind you, via two ash bent-wood handles. The load is distributed through a hip belt and padded shoulder belt, which also allows you to take your hands off the handles without dropping everything. According to MONOWALKER, this configuration results in your hips only taking half as much weight as they would with a regular backpack – your neck and shoulders, needless to say, take none.

The MONOWALKER Hikingtrailer allows hikers to tow their backpacks behind them

The wheel has an Avid BB7 disc brake, which can be engaged to keep the apparatus from running up against you when going downhill. Should the trail get too rough, too mucky, or you just don’t want to be made fun of, the trailer reportedly converts into the conventional-style Lastenkraxe backpack in just a few seconds. With the purchase of an upgrade kit, it can also be converted into a two-wheeled bicycle trailer.

The MONOWALKER Hikingtrailer frame weighs 5 kg (11 lbs) and has a carrying capacity of 50 kg (110 lbs). It’s available through the company website, for 899 euro (US$1,226), which includes the Lastenkraxe backpack.

Via InventorSpot

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12 comments
Wombat56
I wonder if there is a military version of this?
A recent piece on TV said Australian soldiers on patrol in Afganistan could be carrying up to 45kg each in weapons, ammo etc.
I\'ll bet in future years they will be seeking treatment for back injuries, ruptured disks, damaged joints etc.
Darryl Duffe
Nice but overpriced
cwolf88
Yes, usariem developed one many years ago. It worked well.
There are a variety of these used by hunters, although typically at less than half this price.
long4trails
Not really so novel because a similar product has been advertised in the back of Backpacker Magazine for years. Although, I just looked for the name and didn\'t see their ad in the most recent edition.
Facebook User
we are all sick
Iman Azol
The consensus from people who\'ve made long touring walks is that it\'s easier to push a barrow-like carrier than to pull one.
3HullsRbest
Only trouble is, wheeled anything is banned in the wilderness areas.
Stretch@StiltWalker.com
Add a couple of swing down legs, to turn it into a free standing tripod supported table. This is crying for a DIY version on Instructibles or MAKE.
MikeAdams
US$1,226??? I have seen this idea years ago too... this one seems way too expensive.
Paul Anthony
Brilliant, and also not good for the environment. Footsteps okay, wheels not okay. Having said that, I want one so that I can bring even more of my stuff out into the wild. :)