Cane baskets/pack baskets

[Moondog55]

These woven carriers have a long history and seem to be found everywhere but I have never carried one myself
I've been Googleing for pictures of the cane pack basket carried by the Royal Marine Commandos but with out luck
Has anybody here ever carried a woven pack basket in any of the various iterations and have a comment on weight and carrying capacity/comfort?

I have never done any cane weaving but how hard would it be to weave one?
Our cane picnic basket is incredibly flexible and strong and doesn't weigh much empty and I was idly wondering if such a basket was a viable option these days I know cane fishing creels still sell very well

[Gadgetgeek]

hot air balloon baskets are still largely made of cane. I have not carried a basket, but I've seen harnessed canoe barrels, and they seem to work. I think it would be very dependent on the type of gear to carry, otherwise I would think it would be very similar to an external frame pack.

[keithy]

Here's a how-to courtesy originally of the BoyScouts of America http://chestofbooks.com/outdoors/Time-O ... asket.html

For the straps I've seen leather or webbing used, but not carried one myself.

There are fancy versions like these you can make:


and places that make them http://www.adirondackpackbaskets.com/packbaskets.htm

I have only tried carrying the version that the Nepalese porters use https://www.google.com.au/search?q=nepa ... =univ&sa=X These don't have the shoulder straps and I found these very difficult to lift using the Nepalese method of using your forehead. The porters laughed when I struggled with the 30-40kg load...