Half  Dome – Yosemite Musing

What you see above is a new Army device called HULC – The Human Universal Load Carrier exoskeleton. Developed by Lockheed-Martin, it is designed to allow an infantryman to carry up to 200 pounds – effortlessly. The weight is transmitted down to the ground through the metal piping. There is a battery and piston type actuator that enhances the effect. When the battery is dead, the man can still operate. He can also pick up and move loads of about 90 pounds – again, without straining.  See a video <HERE>.  So I am thinking – how about hauling a backpack full of stuff and things for a long hike? I  mean why carry 40 pounds of carefully selected lightweight camping gear, when you could haul a microwave, console TV and a Barcalounger without straining. That would make the 200-mile trek down the John Muir Trail acceptable! I am probing to see if L-M is addressing the outdoor market. Search and Rescue could use something like this. I’m sure the darn thing will cost about $200K; hey, let’s all chip in and get one!

Unrelated thought worth quoting: “How happy life could be, if all of mankind would take the time to journey to the center of your mind.” - Slade

*Mr.Half Dome-Rick Deutsch-www.HikeHalfDome.com*