A prototype ruck featuring  Down East, Inc.’s new frame technology

 #1609 Open Perimeter Frame

Current operations in dangerous places are demanding a medium-sized rucksack to support taking the fight to the enemy. This ruck needs to easily carry 60 pounds, be stable with or without body armor, allow plenty of ventilation around the back, all while being seriously rugged. These days designers are using plastic sheets, bent metal stays, even foam bolsters to support and stabilize their rucks.

New days are here… The Down East #1609 frame allows pack designers to better achieve these goals by introducing an innovative frame/suspension concept:   

The Open Perimeter Frame

Our frame does not use cross spars in the middle or across the top; the top of the frame is completely open.  The frame’s vertical arms rise from the belt attachment spar at the bottom, while both twisting and curving to create space between the frame and the back. This unique geometry gives the frame excellent vertical rigidity while allowing the arms to naturally wrap around whatever is being worn on the back. Unlike a poly-sheet or metal-stay supports, the floating tips of our frame’s arms allow the ruck to “nest” over the back to stabilize the load. And unlike bolster designs, the gap between the ruck and the mid/lower back is not filled with fabric covered foam pads that stop air flow.

Down East, Inc.’s new   

      #1609 Open Perimeter Frame

Test packs using the #1609 frame passed our military rated airdrop and durability testing regimen so we know that the #1609 will stand up in the field.

Other features include a built-in strap adjuster in the bottom cross-spar that allows designers to incorporate a single-point shoulder strap adjustment function that ties into the frame’s foundation. At last, there is a true one-size-fits-all frame that can be adjusted literally in seconds to accommodate donning or doffing armor, heavy clothing, or swapping rucks with your buddy. The popular trampoline-style belt mounting geometry featured by our other frames is here too, with all of this weighing less than a pound.