Expeditions

Expeditions

Expeditions have always pushed people to the limits of what is possible.

Adventurers and scientists traverse the most remote regions of the Earth—from the vast expanses of Iceland to the Atacama Desert and the tundra of Scandinavia—often far from any civilization, far from the nearest supply point.

Research expeditions may operate with temporary base camps from which measurements, samples are taken, or long-term observations are conducted.

The real problem: The load and the human being with their limited strength.Expedition participants carry everything they need to survive and work – depending on the length of the expedition, sometimes with the help of porters.

  • Tent (often multi-person tents on expeditions)
  • Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
  • Food for several days or weeks
  • Water and water purification systems
  • Cooking equipment
  • Scientific instruments
  • Communication devices
  • Computers & solar panels

In practice, this results in equipment loads far exceeding the recommended 30% of body weight (more on this here) *** – a weight limit that is regularly exceeded under expedition conditions.

The strain is comparable to military marches: long distances, difficult terrain, extreme climatic conditions. However, insufficient equipment can mean the failure of the expedition or a reduction in self-sufficiency. Because nature and the weather always hold surprises.

The limiting factor is the human.

Backpack systems are technically advanced – but they don’t solve the fundamental problem:

In Western nations, humans carry the load over just a few contact points: shoulders and hips. Distributing the load forward – with pockets in the stomach/chest area – is a great option and improves access to quickly needed equipment. With every kilogram of backpack weight, the pressure on muscles, joints, and blood circulation increases.

Even the best carrying system cannot prevent:

  • Fatigue sets in faster
  • Mobility is restricted
  • Energy consumption increases significantly
  • The risk of injury increases

The Monowalker Fatmate pushes the limits.

The Monowalker Fatmate is a foldable, all-terrain, single-track expedition trailer that shifts a large portion of the load away from the body. 50–70% of the equipment is transferred to the Monowalker Fatmate. Tent, provisions, scientific equipment, and gear roll behind the expedition members – stable, energy-independent, and reliable, even in challenging terrain. It allows you to move more equipment more efficiently and with less physical strain – without relying on motorized systems.

The Monowalker Carbon SL-X Packframe pulls the Monowalker Fatmate over the hip belt.

 

Our LB XTR 80 pack sack can play a key role: Detached from the carbon frame, it serves as a pack sack on the Monowalker Fatmate. The weight of the equipment rolls on the Monowalker. At base camp, the Monowalker Fatmate remains, and the Monowalker LB XTR 80 pack sack, combined with the Monowalker Carbon Packframe, transforms into a fully functional 80-liter expedition backpack. This means nothing stands in the way of a summit ascent, a via ferrata with an overnight stay on the summit, and so on.

Yes, there are topographical limitations for the Monowalker Fatmate, but that’s a matter of planning. The Monowalker Fatmate reaches its limits with extreme loads (over 45 kg), very steep uphill trails, climbing sections, or extremely rocky paths with large boulders in gorges – or rather, the human body reaches its limits. But – and this is the special feature: the LB XTR 80 pack sack can be attached to the Monowalker SL-X Carbon Packframe and carried on the back. The Monowalker itself can be folded up and carried by hand with its own weight of 10 kg. This allows a difficult passage to be overcome.

Benefits for Expeditions

  • Significantly reduced physical strain over long distances
  • Greater range and longer operating time
  • Increased efficiency in transporting and setting up base camps
  • More energy for research
  • Reduced risk of injury due to overexertion
  • Self-sufficient operation without energy requirements or infrastructure
  • Modular luggage concept enables various transport options
  • The Monowalker Carbon SL-X Packframe can accommodate additional equipment
  • The Monowalker LB XTR 40 and LB XTR 80 packs fit on the Monowalker Fatmate as packs or can be used as backpacks on the Monowalker SL-X Carbon Packframe
Monowalker