You would think that a backpack made out of broken hockey sticks would be pretty uncomfortable. That would be an astute and correct observation. If you are heading out on the Appalachian Trail and have something to prove with hockey sticks, however, it’s easy to manufacture a rig that will not make a hockey veteran suffer beyond the level of acceptability.
It’s essential for the framework to cross the spine at the appropriate regions, the lower back and across the shoulder blades, and you will have to measure the intended torso for fit. The joints should be very solid. Use good long screws that can hold the strain of the rack. They should enter a pre-drilled hole from the outside of the frame and pass well into the ends of the horizontal pieces. The blades of the side pieces have a nice swoop outwards at the bottom of the frame. This is a good place to tie your sleeping bag. A series of eye-hooks along the frame will make good tie-downs, or, if you’re a no-hardware purist, you could drill some holes as long as they do not weaken the frame too much. For your gear, I recommend an attractive garbage bag, something perhaps in green, although a transparent one will enable you to find your stuff easily.
Make shoulder straps from a wide piece of nylon webbing. For strength, double it over where you secure it to the frame. If you don’t want to purchase webbing, you can cut up lengths of bicycle inner tube, but cut off the valve stem so it won’t worm its way into your flesh. If the straps must be adjustable, you will have to buy buckles from a fabric or backpacking store. A waist strap will balance the load. Use something you can tie, or buy a buckle.
In the latest camping catalogues, exterior frame packs are nowhere in sight while internal frame packs are everywhere. Your hockey stick pack will never be seen in a review of the latest outdoor equipment, but who wants to be a slave to fashion?