Yuku free message boards

Hi, Jim - Are you dragging with the tumpline alone and no hands? When I used to tumpline my backpack I'd do it no hands, but then sometimes I'd grab the line with my hands to relieve pressure on my neck, and I also had the option of just flipping the tumpline off and using the shoulder straps, thus giving my neck a rest, and getting to look at the world around me. What are you using for the tumpline? I used to make my own by sewing a wider piece of nylon on to nylon straps or nylon rope. I guess leather would have been gentler on my forehead, but I used nylon. I sometimes placed a cotton bandanna between the nylon and my forehead.

The only unlikely danger I foresaw was that if you were going fast and pulling hard and hit an obstacle, it might put sudden pressure on your neck and possibly hurt it. I never once hurt my neck using the tumpline. It seems to be a very natural motion - unlike neck exercises, doing which I've managed to hurt my neck badly.

Dragging that 20 lb. ball does sound kind of easy. Do you happen to have a frame backpack? If so, you might want to do some of the things I used to do: load up the pack with weights or water jugs or sand bags or gold bullion or whatever, then hike the hills, and do step ups on some big rock or bench. Switch between the tump and the shoulder straps. You can put as much weight as you want in the pack if you have a good strong pack and frame. The old sourdoughs and voyageurs used to haul amazing loads by tump. Great natural fresh air outdoor workout, especially when the weather is cold. Right up your alley, I think! Which reminds me, I haven't done that in a long time.

That looks like a great workout, Jim. I'd like to try it. How does you neck feel? I'm surprised your sled hasn't chewed up your lawn.