Headstrong™ Packs were created by Bob Barkley, a mechanical engineer who left a 10-year career in automotive engineering to create high-quality products for his real passion, outdoor adventure. He designed the Headstrong barrel harness using methods normally reserved for structural analysis, designing all patterns on CAD and modeling the barrel in 3D to test for fit and optimize the geometry of the loading straps. Materials were selected using an engineering approach considering all the variables such as strength, environment, loading and life span. The result is a complete rethinking of traditional barrel harness design, with several major improvements:

The exclusive GEO-GRIP™ system results in a self-tightening harness. Whereas traditional harnesses allow the barrel to sag away from your back when loaded, the Headstrong harness does the opposite, actually tightening against the barrel when loaded and keeping the barrel close and secure to your back. To see for yourself, slide a finger anywhere between the barrel and the harness and lift on the shoulder straps - your finger will get quite a squeeze! The result is a lesser 'moment' or torque by the barrel, reducing strain on your back and allowing you to stand more upright while portaging. This design also eliminates most of the side-to-side movement associated with conventional barrel harnesses. The end result is a barrel/harness combo that is more comfortable than many portaging packs, with all the advantages of a rigid barrel.

The Headstrong tumpline is designed with an optimum lift efficiency. It has a greater vertical angle than other canoeing packs, which means that more of the force applied by your head goes toward actually lifting the barrel, rather than pulling it horizontally.

High-strength, low stretch materials and a design that avoids weak "break points" result in a lighter, stronger harness

Padded, reinforced shoulder straps and dual-density back padding are modeled after the highest quality hiking packs. The outer fabric has a water repellent finish.

High-load seams are reinforced with an extra layer of webbing and bartacks to strengthen the seam and protect threads from the wear of frequent loading and unloading.

Premium quality Duraflex hardware to save you the aggravation of broken and cracked buckles.