After graduating with degrees in mechanical engineering and equipped with our homemade backpacks, we set out on the Pacific Crest Trail. On trail we learned that hikers want backpacks that ride the line between lightweight and durable. We decided to put our degrees to use by designing and making gear to help other trampers out there do what they love.
Our Custom Ultralight Frame System
For our frames, we use carbon fiber arrow shafts. They are lightweight, strong, and readily available in most trail towns. On his flight to California, the airline broke all of Nathan's frame stays but he was able to buy new arrows and cut them to size before hitting the trail. He even carried an extra in case this happened again (it did not) and was then dubbed the trail name Robin Hood.
3D Printing for Rapid Prototyping and Innovation
Our frames are secured with 3D printed brackets of our own design using biodegradable plastics. Our 3D printer allows us to design and manufacture new plastic hardware to incorporate into our designs. This is how we created a robust bracket that secures our frames onto the bags with as little weight as possible. The frame is easily removable if desired.
Quality Materials Yield Quality Products
Our products are made mostly of X-Pac (VX21). Originally developed as sailcloth, X-Pac exhibits high tear strength and abrasion resistance, both of which are key for a long distance backpack. X-Pac is comprised of four different layers laminated together. The materials include durable ripstop nylon on the outside for abrasion resistance, polyester strands to improve axial strength and stop tears, a PET film layer to make the fabric waterproof, and a taffeta backing to protect the PET.
All products handmade in the U.S.
The two of us make all of our gear with our trusty sewing machine and own two hands. We are currently working out of the spare room workshop on our homemade work table. In the future we hope to expand to a larger space as things can get a little cozy at the moment.
Co-founders Nathan Ackerman and Austin Gongos
After graduating with degrees in mechanical engineering and equipped with our homemade backpacks, we set out on the Pacific Crest Trail. On trail we learned that hikers want backpacks that ride the line between lightweight and durable. We decided to put our degrees to use by designing and making gear to help other trampers out there do what they love.
Our Custom Ultralight Frame System
For our frames, we use carbon fiber arrow shafts. They are lightweight, strong, and readily available in most trail towns. On his flight to California, the airline broke all of Nathan's frame stays but he was able to buy new arrows and cut them to size before hitting the trail. He even carried an extra in case this happened again (it did not) and was then dubbed the trail name Robin Hood.
3D Printing for Rapid Prototyping and Innovation
Our frames are secured with 3D printed brackets of our own design using biodegradable plastics. Our 3D printer allows us to design and manufacture new plastic hardware to incorporate into our designs. This is how we created a robust bracket that secures our frames onto the bags with as little weight as possible. The frame is easily removable if desired.
Quality Materials Yield Quality Products
Our products are made mostly of X-Pac (VX21). Originally developed as sailcloth, X-Pac exhibits high tear strength and abrasion resistance, both of which are key for a long distance backpack. X-Pac is comprised of four different layers laminated together. The materials include durable ripstop nylon on the outside for abrasion resistance, polyester strands to improve axial strength and stop tears, a PET film layer to make the fabric waterproof, and a taffeta backing to protect the PET.
All products handmade in the U.S.
The two of us make all of our gear with our trusty sewing machine and own two hands. We are currently working out of the spare room workshop on our homemade work table. In the future we hope to expand to a larger space as things can get a little cozy at the moment.
Chicken Tramper's Mission
Here at Chicken Tramper, we strive to make durable and lightweight gear for people who love wild places as much as we do.
Our hope is to help get more people outside and instill passion for the natural world. We want our customers to love the gear they buy from us and to be part of our mission.
We want to keep wild places wild and encourage trampers everywhere to practice "Leave No Trace". For more information on LNT practices, please visit lnt.org.
