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Floating Backpack – HoverGlide reduces the load on your back!

Posted onAuthorNav Patel

The HoverGlide from Lightning Packs is a floating backpack that promises to be the most significant innovation in backpacks in the last 30-40 years! The company calls it the biggest game changer in hiking since trail mix.

Today, backpacks are a big industry as they are widely used by all ages. However, even with the broad usage, the backpack design hasn’t changed all that much. One of the earliest documented instances of a somewhat modern pack design dates as far as 3300 bc and backpacks were very commonly used in ancient Egypt as well. In the modern era, backpack design has evolved over time. In the 1930s, the school kids only had two leather straps that held their books. In 1950s, one strap backpacks became more popular as a new pattern. In 1960s, purses were more in style with shorter leather straps. During 1970s, the satchel took center stage in backpack design and in 1980s, graphic novelty bags became a trend. In 1990s, people started using nylon so they could have more colors and styles of backpack. In the 21st century, there is almost any type of backpack you can think of. So backpacks have been around for quite some time but the basic concept has not changed very much.  Backpacks relieve us from carrying the items with our hands but with prolonged use, it puts more pressure on the back, neck, and also your legs.

The HoverGlide from Lightning Packs is a true innovation in the functionality of a backpack. The “floating” backpack design is achieved by incorporating a revolutionary Suspended Load Technology (SLT), which uses a double-frame and pulley system design. The SLT design allows the backpack to slide up and down, which greatly reduces the stress of the weight load on your back, neck, knees, and ankles as you walk or run. In the real world, the functionality of the SLT design has been field-tested and it is currently being used by the US Marine Corps and US Army for operational testing.

The HoverGlide was designed by a physiologist, Lawrence Rome, at University of Pennsylvania. Professor Rome initially worked with with military to procure funding for a backpack technology that would generate electricity through movement. The technology then evolved into HoverGlide, which is meant for the general consumer. Lawrence claims that HoverGlide technology drastically reduces the downward force created when carrying a backpack, which can cut the risk of a potential spinal injury. With the SLT design is expected to help schoolkids, middle-aged people, and even the military, who are all prone to injury from carrying heavy loads.

“We have people walk and then try a slow jog and they feel nothing. But when they lock the pack, then they really feel the difference and they much prefer it suspended.”  – Lawrence Rome, creator of HoverGlide

The sliding mechanism adds about one kilogram of weight to the backpack, and if the suspension is locked in place then it will convert the luggage into a standard pack. The concept is very new but evidence of this technology was observed in Asia, where people have used bamboo poles to carry heavy items as the flexibility of the bamboo absorbs the up and down movement of the person, which makes the load easier to carry as it stays at a constant height during movement.

The “floating” backpack from Hoverglide promises some key benefits. Firstly, the Hoverglide reduces the impact of forces. Research papers published in Nature journal have shown that the SLT design reduces the force while walking and running by 82% and 86%, respectively. Secondly, the Hoverglide backpack decreases the potential for injury as it exhibits less stress on your back, neck or knees as you can hike for longer amount of time. The SLT design also provides more endurance as it reduces the metabolic rate and exertion. The floating backpack allows you to hike farther with more load as it glides up and down while you walk or run.  The Hoverglide backpack comes in four styles that provide different storage options ranging from 28 liters to 55 liters.

The HoverGlide Trekker has a 55 pound capacity and a 24 inch frame, which can carry supplies for longer treks in the wilderness. The HoverGlide commuter series is made for someone on-the-go as it features a smaller 20 inch frame that is ideal for carrying books, tablet, laptop, and anything else you want to carry in and around the city.  The HoverGlide Hiker is also built on the 20 inch frame but with a larger storage space that is ideal for exploring the trails on your weekends. In addition, the HoverGlide Tactical is made for military personnel, first responders, and anyone carrying heavy supplies. The Tactical backpack is also built on 20-inch frame with enough storage space for lots of gear and 2 liters of liquids.

Pricing and Availability

The HoverGlide is not available for purchase yet but a Kickstarter page will launch in September 2018. The manufacturer Lightning Packs is also allowing you to sign up for a launch invite, which allows you to save 53% and chance to win a free HoverGlide. The floating backpack from Lightning Packs is truely revolutionary as it innovates the functionality of your average backpack and offers some real health & safety benefits.

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Source: Lightning Packs