Overview
The Trekker’s Friend (TF) is designed to attach easily to most adult-sized backpacks.
It is often possible to attach it to other types of bags as well. This page:
- Describes what types of non-standard bags might be suitable for use with the TF
- Explains common modifications to the standard TF to consider
- Describes a method to use to attach the TF to such a non-standard bag.
Types of non-standard bags
Aspects of non-standard bags that will make them more easy to attach to a TF are:
- The bag will work better with the TF if it has some structure to it, so that it retains its shape if partly empty. An example of a structure would be having a base that is stiffened. A bag like a dry bag would be less likely to work as it has no structure
- The bag will work better with the TF if it is no less than 45cm long. This is necessary to allow a minimum spacing between the top and bottom pieces
- The bag will work better with the TF if it has straps / loops / handles sewn into it. These can be used to allow a secure attachment to the TF.
Common modifications to consider
Common modifications to the standard TF that you might consider are:
- Longer side straps on the top piece
- A shorter top piece
- Removing the shock cords on the axle.
These are described in more detail below.
Longer side straps on the top piece
1.5 meters/5 feet is recommended for the total length of the side straps, because they must go around non-standard bags. The use of this strap is shown below in “Step 1: Attach the top piece”. This is easy to make yourself if you didn’t specify it when ordering.
Shorter top piece
The distance between the top piece and the axle, together with the length of the top piece, determine the distance between the ends of the hiking poles on the hiking trailer. For a standard backpack, the top piece is about 55cm/21in from the axle, and the tops of the hiking poles are about 61cm/24in apart when a standard-length top piece is used.
However if your bag is so short that it is not possible to attach the top and bottom pieces this far apart then you may wish to order a shorter top piece than usual. Top pieces are available in the following lengths:
- 46.5cm/18.3in
- 44.5cm/17.5in (this is the standard size)
- 42.5cm/16.7in
- 40.5cm/15.9in
- 38.5cm/15.1in.
In the example shown later on this page, the bag used was only 50cm long. As such, the distance between the top piece and bottom piece was 48cm. Using the smallest top piece, the tops of the hiking poles were 58cm apart, which is very close to the normal distance of 61cm/24in.
Ordering a modified TF
If you would like to order your TF with a non-standard top piece (eg. longer strap and/or shorter top piece), please put your request in the “Order Notes” field of the order form, which is at the bottom of the main web page. The price will not change if you do this though it may take longer to prepare.
Attaching the Trekker’s Friend to a non-standard bag
General
Attaching a non-standard bag to a TF is similar to attaching a backpack to a TF. As such, many of the instructions here apply in both cases. You should be generally familiar with them before attaching a non-standard bag to a TF.
When attaching any bag to the TF some items are marked with red or blue. In all cases:
- The red side should be on your right when you are carrying or wheeling the hiking trailer
- The blue side should be on your left when you are carrying or wheeling the hiking trailer.
Non-standard bag used for example
This example used a simple bag as shown. It has attached handles and a stiffened base.
It has the following dimensions:
- Width: 32cm / 12.6in
- Length: 50cm / 19.7in
- Height: 33cm / 13in.
Step 1: Attach the top piece
When attaching the top piece to a non-standard bag, the side straps on the top piece need to go right around the entire bag. This can be handled using a strap that is around 1.5m/5ft long. You can request this when ordering your Trekker’s Friend, for no extra cost. If you didn’t do this, it is easy to obtain some 25mm/1in webbing and attach it yourself with some very basic sewing.
Attaching the top piece to the base of a non-standard bag.
Top piece side straps go across the bag, under the handles.
Step 2: Attach the bottom piece
When attaching the bottom piece to a non-standard bag, the side straps on the bottom piece need to go right around the entire bag, through the handles on the bag if possible. This can be handled using the standard bottom piece side straps: you can tie a small loop in one of them if you need to shorten it.
Attaching the bottom piece to the base of a non-standard bag.
Step 3: Do up the centre strap
Now do up the centre strap using the attached G-hook, at the top of the bag.
Base of the bag, showing centre strap. Note also that the shock cords from the bottom piece have been removed as they are not required for this type of bag.
Top of bag, showing centre strap and top/bottom piece side straps.
Step 4: Attach wheels, hiking poles and harness as usual
Now attach the wheels, hiking poles and harness as for a standard backpack, but ignoring any directions regarding the waist belt of the backpack (as these non-standard bags do not have a waist belt), or the shock cords used to tie the waist belt back.
These directions are provided here.
Using the TF with a non-standard bag
