Indian Packs in 9 Easy Steps
by Nita Iskatene (David Wells)
There have been a number of people who have asked how to tie tumplines. Here is a method I find works pretty nicely:
(Tumpline woven of hemp with ties rolled up and tied and tumpline details)
The basic idea of a tumpline is to tie up your belongings with a long strap and wear the strap (with the tied bundle) across your chest with the pack resting against your back.
To do this, you'll need a blanket and more helpful I've found a small container bag to hold your belongings inside.
(Blanket folded to about 1'5")
Step 1. You'll want to fold the blanket up to a comfortable size (lengthwise). I usually fold mine to about a foot or foot and a half or a little less (as shown in the picture)
Step 2. Take the storage bag/bags and place them on the blanket far enough from the end of the blanket that the end will fold over the bags and cover them on the first fold.
Step 3. Fold the end of the blanket over the storage bags (or whatever you have in the blanket.
Step 4. Take the tumpline and measure a section from the ends of the centerstrap that is long enough to pass around your chest and back. A good rule of "thumb" (or hands) is to measure about two hand widths from the end of the centerstrap down each strap. Cross the two straps at that point and hold the tumpline at the crossed lines. This should form a "loop" out of the centerstrap section and the ties.
Step 5. Lay the tumpline straps (crossed) on the blanket just next to the edge of the first fold. You are basically going to take the loop formed in step 4 and lay it so that the bundle of storage bags and blanket is in the center of the loop.
(Picture showing the lines crossing within the blanket roll)
Step 6. Continue to roll the blanket around the "loop" with the ties extended outside each end of the blanket. The ties should be crossed so that the tie attached to the centerstrap on the right exits the left side of the roll and the tie attached to the centerstrap on the left exits the right side of the roll.
Step 7. Taking the ties and tugging on them will result in slack being drawn up on each side of the centerstrap. You can do this to loosen or tighten up the length you might need in order to wear the tumpline. Once an appropriate length is determined, take the ties and bring them together UNDER the roll (assuming that the part where the centerstrap is located is the TOP). Cross the ties as if you were wrapping a package with a ribbon. Carry the ties to the point opposite this crossing, and cross again.
Step 8. Continue the crossing and wrapping of the ties around the tumpline in different directions until you've got the tumpline nicely wrapped around your blanket bundle. This ensures that nothing is going to come falling out while you're on the move.
Step 9. Move out!
Back to the Equipment List
| 
