Research on Sherpas carrying ability

[bmac]

Strange topic heading I know for a WW1 Forum but bear with me. Piece today about the carrying capabilities of Sherpas, Kukuyu and current US soldiers.

Apparently, Sherpas can carry over 90% of their body weight (using a particular method involving straps around the head to support load). US regulations allow for soldiers to carry no more than 15% body weight. Increasing that weight to 70% of body weight increases oxygen consumption by 100%.

The point: thought goes to those men, e.g. on 1st July 1916, who climbed from their trenches with the standard 65lb+ pack on their backs. OK, even with shorter, lighter men at those times, this did not represent 70% - but 40-50% perhaps. Whatever the precise percentage still likely to mean a significant increase on effort and oxygen consumption. But, against the lower weight, your average Sherpa isn't being machine gunned and shelled, so heart rate, etc., would have pushed up oxygen consumption back up sharply. Add to that the heat, the clothing, etc., and these men were clearly already in severely stressed physical condition even before crossing No Man's Land.

Is there anyone with a medical background who might be able to describe what effects this would have on the average soldier who, though fitter and stronger than in normal pre-war life, might not have been as fit as the average current soldier.

[BeppoSapone]

Apparently, Sherpas can carry over 90% of their body weight (using a particular method involving straps around the head to support load).  US regulations allow for soldiers to carry no more than 15% body weight.  Increasing that weight to 70% of body weight increases oxygen consumption by 100%.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Didn't the Canadians use a similar system in WW1? I think I read that they used a Native American method called "Tumpline" for moving heavy loads.

[Ali Hollington]

Sweating- the kit, equipment, weather (for 01/07/16), fear and then the exertion of climbing over the top and walking/running towards the objective. It very quickly soaks you, gets in your eyes, makes your hands slippy and in a very short time dehydrates you. I have always been amazed at the single waterbottle which appears in the photos, because as per Kipling- "when it comes to slaughter, you'd do your work on water".

Not a particularly medical view or answer, just one thought.

Ali