Portable Operations Ideas Part 4 of 4

So, how do we carry all this stuff around?  In your car to the park or campground...no problem.  Bike mobile users put a lot of thought into where to place the radio, battery and antenna.  Marine mobile users have the game pretty well figured out.  Pedestrian mobile ops also have specialized techniques for packing around radios and talking as they walk.  So, you're just a person who wants to hike up a trail and spend the day on the radio...or walk through a park or nature area until you find a good place.  Personally, while I have several brand name packs, what would I recommend?  In most cases, get one of the inexpensive internal frame backpacks from Wal Mart.  I happened to find a contractors' pack at Lowe's for 1/2 price that has lots of zippered pockets in it.  You don't need an expensive backpack that will haul a tent, sleeping bag, food, water, etc. (unless you are going backpacking).  Anybody who tells you that you do is trying to over-complicate carrying some gear a short distance.  However, if your gear weighs more than 15-20 pounds or other factors limit your ability to carry a pack, I would try to get a higher quality pack, so the weight distribution is spread out on your hips rather than your shoulders.  They have better designed pockets, larger, and are more water repellent.. And, as most people already know, if you will be on trails, rocky or uneven ground, etc., give special consideration to your footwear.  For something like the FT-817 or a CW QRP rig, a wire antenna, such as the EndFedz, a CW paddle, along with a snack and water (and first aid kit), a small pack might be all you need.

Whether you do mobile, marine, bike mobile, pedestrian mobile, or whatever, an organization called HFPack is a great resource.  There are numerous QRP organizations, as well as Summits On the Air (SOTA), that can offer advice.

I'm sure that I've left out something, but hopefully this will benefit you in your choices for portable ops.  Whichever equipment you choose, remember...have fun!  Here's wishing you some good DX.