Adding backpack straps to a float tube/uboat

dflett68

dflett68

Steelhead
Trying to fish further from the road more this year, especially as the water temps rise. So, I dusted off my Creek Company Uboat 2000, and bought some aftermarket backpack straps. This is something I've never done, and while I was able to pull it off this weekend on a hike of about 3 miles each way, I was pretty frustrated with the the fit of the straps. I think a lot of the newer tubes probably have integrated d-rings for just this purpose, but the placement of the rings on my uboat are such that the straps are spaced quite a bit wider than my shoulders. I cinched down the center strap/clip between the straps to pull them in the best I could - that's the only thing that made it workable at all. But I'd like to figure out a good way to anchor the straps to the tube so they align better with my shoulders and make for a more snug carry.

Wondering if there are others who have already solved this problem and could share their solutions?
 
I have an Outcast boat with their straps. Also bought an inexpensive, but lightweight tube on Amazon. My best solution is to use my backpack and load the pack with waders, fins, etc. and then clip the tube onto the backpack frame. I use straps to get the correct length. Good to go for longer distances and much easier for walking.
 
I have an Outcast Fatcat and I use their straps for that one, but I also have a 25 year old Caddis U-Boat that is light and I sometimes use it for high lakes. For that tube I bought and ancient external framed backpack from Goodwill and I use the frame for the Caddis. It seems to work well with a couple of lightweight bungee cords.
 
I’ve hiked into several lakes with @Bakerite - he lashes his tube to an external frame backpack. Carries his waders in - wicked effective. I really think I’d be better off lashing my Fat Cat to a frame like his. Maybe then I might increase my hiking distance - kind of cut off at about 1.5 miles
 
Buzzy said:
I’ve hiked into several lakes with @Bakerite - he lashes his tube to an external frame backpack. Carries his waders in - wicked effective. I really think I’d be better off lashing my Fat Cat to a frame like his. Maybe then I might increase my hiking distance - kind of cut off at about 1.5 miles
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I'm thinking of hiring a sherpa.🤣🤣
 
Haggis57 said:
The old aluminum framed backpacks from the 1970s/80s are lightweight and provide lots of lash/bungee points. One of the biggest benefits I founds is that most of these old framed packs have waist belts. They didn't come in camo in those day though!

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The waist belt makes a helluva lot of difference if you are packing an inflated boat. Without it the boat sways on every step and your body compensates for the shift in weight. Even though it isn't much it wears after a while and tires us out. A belt will extend your range and reduce fatigue.
 
Haggis57 said:
The old aluminum framed backpacks from the 1970s/80s are lightweight and provide lots of lash/bungee points. One of the biggest benefits I founds is that most of these old framed packs have waist belts. They didn't come in camo in those day though!

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thanks all. i walked into the local thrift store this afternoon and went straight for the sporting goods aisle - bingo, one full sized aluminum framed backpack w/waist strap and back support just like the one pictured here except in green. $9. i brought it home and used the compressor to blow all the dust and cobwebs out of it. now i'm ready for the next outing.
 
Just for the sake of conversation, couldn't one glue or sew a d-ring or two onto a tube?
 
Josh said:
Just for the sake of conversation, couldn't one glue or sew a d-ring or two onto a tube?
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i was considering that too - deflating and stitching d-rings approximately where the seat corners are. would narrow them and also the seat would hopefully have a stabilizing effect against the back.
 
Depending on your sewing ability/equipment, I've had really good luck getting webbing repairs, additions, etc. done at a local shop repair shop. They are used to working with thicker materials with restricted access and have the heavier duty sewing machines, needles, etc. I don't think I've ever paid more than $20 for a repair, including re-stitching the toe caps on a pair of Korker wader boots that probably should have been retired!
 
DoesItFloat said:
Perhaps backpacking it deflated and inflating it at the destination?
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I do this with my Wilderness Lite Backpacker Pro tube; 3.4 lbs; 10 liters/650 cu in. in a Fishpond daypack, or a larger backpack for overnight+ trips. The pump is the type used for exercise stability balls; very small. Virtually every other float tube is much larger & heavier to pack; 20 liters/1300 cu in 7lbs for a "backpacking" float tube or 13 lbs - 16 lbs+/(much larger packed size) and use larger-heavier upright or foot pumps requiring a correspondingly larger backpack.

I have a backpack frame to lash a heaver-larger inflated tube in for shorter distances. I can secure the larger pump to keep the tube topped up and fins to the frame and the tube for short carries.

I may see if I can *rig up a reducer so the OSG SFC seat and Summit valve adapters will work with my little BP Pro pump but I'm curious if anyone is using a smaller and/or lighter pump than one of these for topping off their tubes when they carry in a ways?

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