Tumpline
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/tump-lyne/ A tumpline is a strap attached at both ends to a backpack or other luggage and used to carry the object by placing the strap over the top of the head. This utilizes the spine rather than the shoulders as standard backpack straps do. Tumplines should not be worn over the forehead, but rather the top of the head just back from the hairline, pulling straight down in alignment with the spine. The person then leans forward, allowing the back to help support the load.
Tumplines are often used to transport heavy loads across uneven terrain such as footpaths and portages. The Voyageurs of the North American fur trade used tumplines exclusively to carry their cargo of pelts and rations across portages.
[edit] References
- Conover, Garrett and Alexandra (April, 1991). Beyond The Paddle - A Canoeist's Guide to Expedition Skills: Poling, Lining, Portaging and Maneuvering through Ice. ISBN: 0884480666. Has a good section on tump lines.
