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HINT: Most bending of the stays can be done over a knee
without taking the stays out of the pack. (Bending and
re-bending the stays won't hurt them.) Fit your pack with an
average load, wear your hiking boots, and carefully load
your pack with the weight close to your back just like you
would for a trip. Walk around. Use the guide below to
address problems.
HINT: Wearing a pack with wrinkled clothing or seam lumps under
the waistbelt can cause pressure points. Belt loops and
elasticized waistbands are classic sources of discomfort.
PROBLEM:
Pressure at
bottom of belt
Bend at lumbar pad top (X) to
tuck the pad into the small of
your back.
PROBLEM: Gap at top of
shoulder
Add curve to the frame and
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then bend back the top (X).
PROBLEM:
Pressure
at top of back
Flatten the curve of the frame
where it bows away from the
back.
PROBLEM: Need more
headroom
Bend the frame away from the
head (at X).
4. PACKING HINTS
Loading the pack greatly affects your comfort–follow
the guidelines below for optimum comfort.
MEDIUM ITEMS
• Cooking utensils
• Some clothing
• Some foods
• Tent body and fly
LIGHTEST ITEMS
• Sleeping bag
• Pad
• Rain, wind gear
• Bivy sack
• Bulky clothing/ fleece
NOTE: If your pack feels like it's leaning away too much from your
shoulders, you have a weight distribution problem.
Hints to keep you comfortable when out on the trail:
• When balance is crucial for off-trail travel, climbing or skiing, pack
heavy items centered and close to the back.
• The sleeping bag should always go in or on the bottom of the pack.
• Pack clothing and other light gear around heavy items (ie. a stove or
climbing gear) in order to keep them from shifting.
• Items you will need during the day should be packed in the top of the
main compartment, the top pocket, or side pockets.
• Foam pads and odd-sized equipment (such as long tent poles) can be
carried on the outside of the pack. Use the appropriate accessory
patches, ice axe loop, or ski slots for these items.
• Do not put heavy items like water bottles or climbing equipment in
pockets located far from your back.
HEAVY ITEMS
• Water
• Stove
• Fuel
• Food
• Tent poles
HINT: Compression stuff sacks
help increase available
room in the pack by
compressing the size of
your sleeping bag.
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