Quick Start Instructions If you bought your new ArcLight pack through a dealer who fitted the pack to you, follow these brief instructions to double-check that your pack is adjusted properly. If you would like a full description of how to fit the pack yourself, see Sizing and Fitting ArcLight Packs on page 11. 1. Make sure the hipbelt is positioned at the very bottom of the slot behind the lumbar pad. If it s not, reach between the belt and lumbar pad, break loose the hook-and-loop and reposition the belt. 2. Load the pack with a reasonable amount of weight (25 to 40 pounds). Be sure to fasten and tighten the internal load-control strap this is the strap with a yellow buckle found inside the pack bag near the top. 3. For maximum comfort, it is imperative that you observe the following ritual when fitting the pack and each time you put the pack on. First, loosen the hipbelt trim straps and shoulder-pad lift straps. Now put the pack on and adjust the straps in the following order: 1. Center the hipbelt on your hip crests and tighten the belt. 2. Tighten the main shoulder straps comfortably snug. 3. Firmly tighten the hipbelt trim straps this is crucial to obtain the best possible performance from your ArcLight pack. 4. Retighten the main shoulder straps. 5. Lightly tension the shoulder-pad lift straps. 6. Place the sternum strap in a comfortable position on your upper chest and snug it lightly. 1 4. Now check off the following points using the Quick Start Fitting illustrations on the left as a guide. Be sure you adopt a backpacking position by bending slightly forward at the hips. a. The back panel of the pack should closely follow the contours of your back. b. The upper ends of the shoulder pads (not the unpadded Stretch Adjusters) should terminate one to two inches below the junction of your shoulders and neck. c. The Stretch Adjusters should form a smooth extension of the framesheet up to the shoulder pads. d. The curves in the shoulder pads should swing outward around your neck and then inward at your upper chest before sweeping outward again to avoid the breast area. e. The lower end of the shoulder pads should terminate approximately two inches below your armpits. f. The sliding buckle where the shoulder-pad lift strap exits the shoulder pad should be at the top of your shoulder. g. The sternum strap should cross the middle of your upper chest in a comfortable position. h. The hipbelt s pads should extend past the front points of your hipbones by an inch or so, but not be so long that they prevent the belt from being tightened fully. If everything checks out okay, you re ready to load the pack for real and hit the trail! If something feels uncomfortable, see Sizing and Fitting ArcLight Packs, on page 11, for detailed instructions.
Introduction Thank you for purchasing a Dana Design ArcLight pack. This owner s manual will tell you how to use the many features we build into our packs. It will also tell you how to select the correct size pack, hipbelt and shoulder pads, how to assemble and adjust the pack and how to make sure the pack fits you. Adjusted and used properly, an ArcLight pack will give you superb carrying comfort. Please take a few minutes to read through this manual to learn how to use your new pack. Your reward will be years of hiking pleasure. Table of Contents Attaching the Hipbelt... page 3 Pack Features in Detail... page 4 Packing for Comfort... page 8 Adjusting Your Pack on the Trail... page 10 Sizing and Fitting ArcLight Packs... page 11 Sizing Chart... page 14 Bending the Aluminum Stay... page 15 Caring For Your Pack... page 16 Buckle Threading... page 17 Dana Design Pack Accessories... page 18 Warranty...Back Cover 2
Attaching the Hipbelt You may want to remove your hipbelt for any number of reasons: to clean your pack, to create a HipLid hipsac or to reduce bulk while traveling. Whatever the reason for removing the belt, you ll need to know how to attach it again properly. Here s how: Start with the pack right side up and the back panel toward you. Orient the belt so it smiles so the ends of the belt curve upward. Insert one end of the belt behind the lumbar pad and pull until the belt is centered left to right and the hook-and-loop fastener is engaged. By inserting your hand between the lumbar pad and the belt and breaking loose the hook-andloop fastener, you can insert and Attaching the Hipbelt. remove the belt more easily. It also helps to pull the two-inch webbing and its associated buckle through the slot behind the lumbar pad before pulling the padded portion of the belt through. Place the belt all the way down at the bottom of the slot behind the lumbar pad. Once the belt is in position, connect the hipbelt trim straps to the buckles at the bottom corners of the pack s back panel. 3 1 2 3 Attaching the Hipbelt Trim Straps. (1) Thread the strap from its hipbelt attachment point up through the bottom of the buckle, (2) over the visible bar, (3) then back down through the buckle and out. This end becomes the loose end used for adjusting strap tension.
Pack Features in Detail The following features are found on all ArcLight packs with a few exceptions. HipLid A HipLid is a large-capacity hipsac created by combining the pack s hipbelt and lid. To create the HipLid, remove the lid and hipbelt from the pack. As you do this, make a mental note on the path the lid straps follow as they pass through the buckles. Orient the belt so it smiles so the ends of the belt curve upward. Now, with the pocket zipper facing up, insert the hipbelt behind the lumbar pad on the bottom side of the The assembled HipLid. lid. Be sure the hipbelt is at the bottom of the slot behind the lid s lumbar pad. Engage the hook-and-loop fastener, then thread the hipbelt trim straps through the ladderlock buckles on the sides of the lid. These straps compress the load and pull the HipLid into your back for a stable, comfortable ride. When you reassemble your pack, be sure that the ends of the hipbelt curve upward and the hipbelt is positioned at the bottom Fig. A Reattaching/removing the HipLid. of the slot behind the pack s lumbar pad. It s easiest to rethread the buckles connecting the lid to the pack if the lid is held in the flipped open position, as if you had opened the lid to gain access to the main compartment. (see fig. A) Internal Load-Control Strap The internal load-control strap is the strap with a yellow buckle found inside the main compartment near the top. When passed over your load and cinched down tight, it improves your balance by compressing and stabilizing the load while pulling it toward your body. Before loading the pack, place the male end of the yellow internal load-control strap buckle through the top loop of the daisy chain. This will prevent the buckle from getting tangled in the load as you pack. It also holds the shroud open and reminds you to buckle the strap when you re done. Once the strap is buckled and tightened, you can throw an item that you want to reach quickly, like a fleece jacket, on top. Close the shroud, fasten the lid and you re ready to go. 4
Hipbelt Trim Straps These straps connect the hipbelt to the bottom corners of the back panel and frame system. By tensioning the hipbelt trim straps, you pull the bottom corners of the framing and pack toward you, which helps stabilize the pack. Tensioning the hipbelt trim straps and shoulder-pad lift straps on ArcLight packs also puts tension on the fiberglass stays, bending them into an arc. These stays actively counterbalance the weight of your load, pulling the load forward over your shoulders and wrapping it further around The Hipbelt Trim Straps your hips. With the tensioned flexible stays carrying most of the weight, the central aluminum stay can retain its original, body-hugging shape, so the load stays close to your back, no matter how much weight you re carrying. The closer the load rides to your back, the more upright you can walk and the more comfortable you ll be. Tightening the hipbelt trim straps also hangs some of the pack s weight from the sides of the hipbelt. Putting firm tension on the hipbelt trim straps is crucial to obtain the best possible performance from your ArcLight pack. If you want a softer-flexing frame while carrying lighter loads, reduce the tension on the hipbelt trim straps. Shoulder-Pad Lift Straps These straps connect the top of the shoulder pads to the top of the back panel. When tightened, they relieve the pressure of the shoulder pads on your shoulders and help shift the weight down to your hips, where it belongs. They also help stabilize the upper part of the pack. Moderate tension on the shoulderpad lift straps is sufficient for them to do their job. If you tighten them too much, you ll lift the shoulder pads completely off your shoulders and put excessive pressure on the front of your chest. The sliding buckle where the shoulderpad lift strap exits the shoulder pad should be at the top of your shoulder. Sternum Strap This strap connects the two shoulder pads and should be attached roughly 1 1 2 inches to 2 inches below the two protruding of your collarbone adjacent to the top of the breastbone. It helps secure the shoulder pads in a comfortable position as they cross your shoulders and chest. Position the sternum strap initially so it crosses the middle of your upper chest (approximately 1 1 2 to 2 1 2 inches below your collarbone). Altering the sternum strap s position and tension periodically during the day helps prevent muscle fatigue and pressure points. Check out Adjusting Your Pack on the Trail, page 10, for an additional tip. 5
Compression Straps Compression straps are the two horizontal straps located on each side of the pack bag. They are used to compress any size load, reduce the pack s volume when carrying a small load and attach skis, tent poles, fishing rods, etc. Keep the compression straps snugged tight at all times to compress and immobilize your load. For tips on using compression straps to lash on skis and other long objects, see Packing For Comfort, page 8. Daisy Chain A daisy chain is a vertically oriented piece of webbing bar-tacked at twoinch intervals to form a series of small loops. You can use the daisy chain to strap on gear such as a sleeping pad or tripod. It can also be used in conjunction with an ice-axe loop to attach an ice axe. Sleeping-Pad Straps Sleeping-pad straps are a pair of vertically oriented straps which buckle at the top of the sleeping-bag compartment. As the name implies, they re normally used to attach a sleeping pad. They can also be used to relieve the tension on the sleeping-bag compartment zipper when zipping the compartment closed after stuffing a large sleeping bag inside. Be sure the sleeping-pad straps are tight even if you don t use them to lash on gear; loose straps snag easily on brush. Sleeping-Bag Compartment Divider The sleeping-bag compartment divider is a panel inside the pack bag which separates the sleeping-bag compartment from the main compartment. Its primary purpose is to help keep the pack bag slim, so the load rides closer to your back for better balance and comfort. By loosening the divider s straps, you can increase the sleeping-bag compartment s volume to accommodate a very large sleeping bag. It s also possible to detach these straps completely to form a single-compartment pack bag, which maximizes the pack s volume. 6
Retractable Bottom Packing extra heavy? Packing extra light? Our unique retractable bottom helps in both situations. If you re traveling light, retracting the bottom gives you a smaller pack that still carries superbly, with the load distributed evenly in the upper two-thirds of the pack. If you re traveling with a bulky load, cinching down the retractable bottom gives you an extra eight inches of space at the bottom of the frame where you can lash on bulky items that don t fit inside the sleeping-bag compartment. This works much better than lashing a large bundle on top of the pack. To retract the pack bottom on the Glacier, open the sleeping-bag compartment and undo the sleeping-bag compartment divider from its buckles. Now locate the two short black straps sewn to the bottom of the pack. Thread these straps through the three-quarter-inch ladder-lock buckles attached to the back panel about 10 inches up from the bottom and cinch the straps tight. This collapses the lower portion of the pack and reduces the pack s volume. Zip the sleeping-bag compartment or other access zippers shut and presto! Just pack and go. Retracting the bottom. The Retractable Bottom retracted. Water Bottle Pockets Our mesh water bottle pockets, located at the bottom of the packs side panels, are great for just that. Liter Nalgene or bike bottles keep you hydrated or use these pockets in conjunction with the compression straps to hold tent poles, fly rods, etc. 7
Packing For Comfort To obtain the greatest possible comfort from your ArcLight pack, you must load it properly. The fundamental principle is that a thin, flat load, as viewed from the side, carries better than a fat, cylindrical load. Carrying a thin load lets you walk comfortably upright instead of leaning forward in a constant battle against a pack that s trying to pull you over backwards. Follow these suggestions to keep the load thin and your pack riding comfortably. 1. Before you start loading the pack, be sure all compression straps are loose. Pull out the internal load-control strap and thread the yellow buckle through the top loop of the daisy chain. This keeps the buckle from getting tangled in the load as you pack. 2. Place the lightest and bulkiest items in the bottom third of the pack bag, the heaviest, most dense items in the middle third as close to your back as possible and medium-weight items in the upper third. This weight distribution will give you a balanced, comfortable ride. 3. Women have a lower center of mass than men. As a result, some women prefer to pack the heaviest items a little lower than men. Experiment to see what works best for you. 4. (See illustration) Always pack your sleeping bag at the very bottom. If your pack has a sleeping-bag compartment, you can either stuff the sleeping bag into the compartment without its stuff sack to save weight, or you can use the stuff sack for extra moisture protection. If you use a stuff sack, fill out the corners of the sleeping-bag compartment with small items such as socks and underwear so you use the compartment s volume with maximum efficiency. 5. (See illustration) (a) Load food and other heavy items, such as extra water or climbing hardware, above the sleeping-bag compartment and as close to your back as possible. The framesheet will keep sharp objects from jabbing you in the back. (b) Surround these heavy items with clothing. This helps insulate the food as well as insuring that the heavy items remain close to your back. 6. (See illustration) Put your stove and cookset in the upper area of the main compartment. Surround it with lightweight items that you might need quickly, such as a PackFly, rainwear, or a fleece jacket. 8
7. (See illustration) Pack small necessities like your map and compass, trail or field guide, first-aid kit, hat and gloves in the lid pocket. 8. Avoid lashing heavy items on the front of your pack, or placing heavy items in the front pockets or BeaverTail Shovit. Placing heavy items on the front of your pack will throw off the balance of the pack and force you to lean forward uncomfortably. 9. Pack your gear tightly. Then tighten the compression straps to compact the load still further. If you take some clothing out of the pack as the temperature drops, be sure to re-tighten the compression straps. 10. Reef down hard on the internal load-control strap inside the pack near the top. This strap further compresses the load and pulls the top of the pack into a flat, slim profile. Once you ve tightened the strap, put your fleece jacket or rain gear anything you want to reach quickly in on top, then close the pack s shroud over it. Med. (5b) Low (7) Med./Low (6) High (5a) 11. Keep the sleeping-bag compartment divider strapped in tight. It s cut in a rectangular rather than circular shape to help keep the load flat against your back. Without the divider in place, the pack will become two or three inches thicker with only a slight increase in volume. Low (4) General packing weight regions. 12. There are many options for carrying your tent. One option is to separate the tent body from the fly and poles. Lash the tent body (in a stuff sack) under one set of compression straps and lash the fly and poles (in another stuff sack) under the other set. A second option is to pack the tent body and fly together in one stuff sack and stow it in the middle third of the pack, then lash the poles outside using the compression straps. 13.To carry skis, lash one on each side of the pack. Start by slipping the tail of one ski under a bottom compression strap, then wrap the top compression strap completely around the ski before tightening the strap. Then lash the tips together with an accessory strap. This creates an A-frame configuration that keeps the ski tails from jabbing the back of your knees. Wrapping the top compression strap around the object also helps stabilize fishing rods, tent poles and wands. If a Necessity Pocket is on the compression strap, slide the ski between the pocket s plastic frame and the pocket itself. 14. Dana Design packs are built from extremely tough materials, but naked fabric is no match for sharpened steel. To protect your pack when carrying skis, cut four sixinch lengths from an old bicycle inner tube. Slip these rubber tubes over the ends of your compression straps and position the tubes so they protect the straps and fabric from the ski edges. 9
Adjusting Your Pack on the Trail For maximum comfort, it is imperative that you follow this ritual each time you put the pack on. Before picking up the pack, make sure that the hipbelt trim straps and shoulder-pad lift straps are loose. Now put the pack on making sure to lift the pack by the haul loop and not the shoulder pads. Center the hipbelt over your hip crests and tighten it, then tighten the main shoulder straps. Next this is important tighten the hipbelt trim straps by pulling forward and up. Retighten the main shoulder straps, then snug the shoulder-pad lift straps a moderate amount. The sliding buckle where the shoulder-pad lift strap exits the shoulder pad should be at the top of your shoulder. Position the sternum strap in a comfortable location on your upper chest (approximately 1 1 2 to 2 1 2 below top of sternum) and tighten it lightly. As a final suspension adjustment, try this tweak to improve the shoulder pad fit. Once all the hipbelt and shoulder straps are snug, slightly loosen the main shoulder straps, which will transfer more weight to your hips. It will also cause the pack to fall away from your back. To solve this, do not tighten the shoulder-pad lift straps; instead, retighten the sternum strap. This pulls the pack closer to your back without putting more weight on your shoulders. It also allows the shoulder pads to ride closer to the center of your body, which reduces pressure on the relatively weak outer portion of your shoulders and redistributes the load to your ribcage. When the pack is properly adjusted, the majority of the pack s weight should ride on your hips, with the remainder distributed between your shoulders and your back. You can vary that ratio, however, by adjusting the hipbelt, main shoulder straps, shoulder-pad lift straps and sternum strap. To shift more weight to your shoulders, for example, loosen the hipbelt slightly. Changing the ratio periodically during the day, particularly with a very heavy load, helps prevent fatigue and pressure points. 10
Sizing and Fitting ArcLight Packs A Note on Fitting While it is possible to size and fit an ArcLight pack by yourself, we highly recommend that you visit a Dana Design dealer who we have trained to size and fit our packs. If you have any questions which cannot be answered by a dealer, please call our Customer Service Department at 888-357-3262. We re open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. Selecting the Correct Size ArcLight Pack ArcLight packs are available in three sizes: XS/S, M/L and L/XL. The pack size label is sewn into the side seam next to the back panel. To determine the correct size, you must first measure your torso length. Ask a friend to use a flexible tape measure (a tailor s tape works best) to measure along the surface of your back. First, locate your seventh cervical vertebra (the most prominent bump at the base of your neck when you tilt your head all the way forward). This vertebra lies at the junction of your shoulders and neck. Now, with your head upright, not tilted forward, measure from that vertebra to a horizontal line across your back connecting the outward protrusion of your hip crests. Once you know your torso length, use the chart on page 14 to determine the correct pack size. 7th Vertebra Aluminum Stay Torso length measurement area. Hip Crest Take your waist measurement here. Please don t try to predict your torso length from your height. If you have any questions, or feel you are between sizes, please contact your nearest dealer. Measuring your torso length is just a starting point. The actual pack size will be determined by how the pack fits your back. 11
Adjusting ArcLight packs ArcLight packs use our patented Stretch Adjustment System to finetune the fit once you ve selected the right size. The Stretch Adjustment System is ultimately simple, yet infinitely flexible. It allows you to adjust the effective shape of the pack s framesheet to fit your torso length and shoulder shape. In other words, you can not only adjust the torso length within a 3 1 2 range, but also the distance between the shoulder straps and the angle at which the shoulder straps exit the pack bag and curve over your shoulders. Our Stretch Adjusters are the heart of this system. Each one consists of a strip of High Density Polyethylene framesheet material sewn with a fabric extension of our soft edge shoulder pads. These strips of framesheet material serve as extensions of the framesheet; in effect, they lengthen the framesheet so it reaches up to the upper ends of the shoulder pads. Stretch Adjusters are anchored to the back panel of the pack with extremely strong hook-and-loop. Note that a complete shoulder-strap assembly consists of a Stretch Adjuster attached to an appropriate size of Silhouette Shoulder Pad. The Stretch Adjuster has no padding, so it is not designed to be used alone. To check the fit of your new pack and determine if it needs to be adjusted, refer to the Quick Start instructions on page 1. If the shoulder pads are not positioned correctly, slip your hand in between the Stretch Adjuster and the back panel and break loose the hook-and-loop. You can now adjust the torso length, the distance between the shoulder pads and the angle at which the pads exit the back panel. At the shortest possible torso length, the shoulder pads will just about touch the top of the pack s back panel. At the longest possible torso length, the hook-andloop on the Stretch Adjusters should still be hidden behind the back panel. If you have hook-and-loop showing above the back panel, you need a larger size pack. If you almost have hookand-loop showing, you should consider trying on a larger size. When you think you ve got the right configuration, double-check that the right-hand Stretch A Stretch Adjuster Adjuster is in the same position as the left, then press the hook-and-loop back together. Note that there is a horizontal strap near the top end of the shoulder pads that connects the Stretch Adjusters. On rare occasions, it may be necessary to adjust this strap to an appropriate length to keep the shoulder pads a comfortable distance apart. The sliding buckle where the lift strap exits the shoulder pad should be at the top of your shoulder. Now try the pack on again. You can readjust it as many times as you need until it rides comfortably. 12
Correct 1"- 2" Top of Shoulder End of Shoulder Pad When the Stretch Adjuster is correctly positioned, it causes the shoulder pad to wrap around the shoulder so that the end of the shoulder pad is 1 to 2 below the top of the shoulder. Wrong-Stretch less than 1" Adjuster Top of Shoulder End of Shoulder Pad too high If the Stretch Adjuster is too high, the shoulder pad will be unable to wrap around the shoulder enough to support the load properly. 13 Wrong-Stretch more than 2" Top of Shoulder Adjuster End of Shoulder Pad too low When the Stretch Adjuster is positioned too low, it forces the shoulder pad to drop more than 2 below the top of the shoulder. This causes the shoulder pad to fit incorrectly or may lead you to choose the wrong size of shoulder pad.
Selecting the Right Size Hipbelt for Your ArcLight Pack ArcLight packs use our ArcLight Hipbelt, which is available in three sizes: small, medium and large. To determine the correct size hipbelt, you must measure your hip circumference. Again, a tailor s tape works best. Remember that the hipbelt is wrapping around and cupping over your hipbones, so be sure to measure the circumference of your hips, not your stomach (see diagram on page 11). Once you have determined your hip circumference, use the chart on this page to select the correct size belt. When sized properly, the pads should extend past the front points of your hipbones by an inch or so, but not be so long that they prevent the belt from being tightened fully. Selecting the Correct Size Shoulder Pads All ArcLight packs use our Soft Edge Shoulder Pads. These pads are available in three sizes: small through large. In general, many women use small pads while taller women (5' 8" and up) may need medium pads. Exceptionally tall or thick-chested men could use extra-large pads, which are only available in Burly. When properly sized, the lower end of the pad will be approximately two inches below your armpit. FRAME SIZES DANA DESIGN Sizing Chart BELT SIZES Back Measurement Size Pack Series Waist Measurement Size up to 18" (46 cm) XS/S ArcLight Series up to 30" S 18"-21" (46-53 cm) M/L 30"-36" M 21" (53 cm) and over L/XL 36" and over L The pack size label is found along the side seam next to the mesh backpanel. 14
Bending the Aluminum Stay ArcLight frames include a single aluminum stay that parallels your spine and gives the pack its shape. We pre-bend our stays to a shape that fits the majority of people. When properly sized and fitted, a Dana Design pack should closely conform to the shape of your back. If it doesn t, you should bend the stay to match your back s contours. If you need to modify the stay s shape, we strongly urge you to seek out a Dana Design dealer. All of our dealers have been trained in the proper fitting of our packs. If that s impossible, you can test your agility by using a mirror or test a friendship by employing a friend. Removing, Rebending and Replacing an ArcLight Stay To remove the stay, look between the padded portion of the back panel and the cloth pack bag. Pull up the hook-and-loop flap covering the top of the padded back panel and locate the vertically oriented piece of 1 1 2 inch webbing. The upper end of that piece of webbing is folded over the end of the stay. Pull the stay straight up to remove it. Now pretend you have a weighted pack on your back by adopting a slight forward bend at the hips. Position the stay along your spine so that the bottom is two inches below a line connecting your hip crests. The location of the upper end will vary, depending on your torso length. The stay should closely follow the curve of your back. It s easiest to bend the stay smoothly, without creating kinks, if you bend it over a broad, rounded surface like your thigh. Once the stay is shaped, reinsert it into the 1 1 2 inch webbing slot sewn to the framesheet, being careful to put it in right side up and with the lumbar and top curves facing the correct way. Fold the end of the 1 1 2 inch webbing over the end of the stay, then fold down the fabric flap. 15
Cleaning Your Pack Caring For Your Pack Packs lead a hard life. They get dragged through the mud and tossed into the back of pickup trucks. You can extend the life of your pack by cleaning it when necessary. Start by removing the aluminum stay (see Bending the Stay, at the top of this page) and the hipbelt (see Attaching the Hipbelt, on page 3). You ll be able to clean the hipbelt much more effectively if it s not attached to the pack. Now turn the pack bag upside down and shake out all the accumulated trail grit. Use a soft, dry brush to sweep out all the particles and dislodge anything stuck to the surface. If spot-cleaning is all you need, try Energine or a similar 100% naphtha product, available at most supermarkets and drugstores. If the whole pack needs cleaning, follow this procedure. First, fill a bath tub half full with lukewarm water. Add 1/8 of a cup of mild soap (Palmolive dishwashing liquid and Woolite are good choices). Do not use detergents or harsh soaps, which can damage the fabric s waterproof coating. Soak the pack bag and hipbelt for 10 minutes, then use a soft hand brush or sponge to gently scrub the hipbelt and outside of the pack bag. Do not scrub the inner, coated side. Thoroughly rinse the pack bag and hipbelt with cool water, then line dry them away from direct sunlight. Never use a dryer! Never put your pack in a washing machine! Your Pack is not a Haul Bag! We build all our packs from very tough materials. However, they are not haul bags! If you tie your pack to the end of a rope and haul it up a rock wall, you will put holes in it! Front pockets are particularly vulnerable to this form of abuse. If you must haul your pack, put it inside a haul bag first then expect to replace the shredded haul bag every few trips. Avoiding animal damage Animals can destroy a pack. To prevent damage, remove all food, food wrappers and anything else that has an odor. Wash your pack occasionally to remove food debris, odors and the salt left behind when perspiration evaporates. Many animals love to chew on salty items. When in camp, open all zippered compartments and, if possible, hang the pack from a tree limb to further discourage mammalian mastication. Storing Your Pack Before storing your pack, loosen the shoulder-pad lift straps and tighten the main shoulder straps completely so that the shoulder pads are held flat against the back panel. This prevents the pads from developing a permanent kink. Loosen the hipbelt trim straps to relieve tension on the hipbelt. If storage space is at a premium, remove the hipbelt and tuck it inside the pack bag. Make sure the pack is clean and dry, then store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing your pack in a garage or shed where critters, either domestic or wild, can get at it. 16
Buckle Threading Ladder-Lock Buckle (1) Thread the loose end of the strap through the bottom of the buckle, (2) over the visible bar, (3) then back down through the buckle 3 and out. The loose end is the end used for adjusting strap tension. 1 (4) This loop attaches the buckle itself to a fixed point on the pack and is shown here for reference only. 2 4 Tri-Glide Buckle (1) Thread straps up through the bottom of the buckle, (2) over the center bar, (3) then back down through the opposite slot and out the bottom. 3 2 1 Side-Release Buckle This buckle is threaded in the same way as a ladder-lock buckle. (1) Thread the loose end of the strap up through the bottom of the buckle, (2) over the center bar, (3) then back down through the buckle and out. The loose end is the end used for adjusting strap tension. 2 2 3 3 17 1 1
Dana Design Pack Accessories We build a full line of pack accessories that can make your trip more convenient and enjoyable. Ribs Ribs are a convenient and comfortable way to carry items you want to reach quickly, such as a camera, map or water bottle. Ribs attach firmly to the lower webbing of the shoulder straps, so they don t jiggle and bounce when you walk. Unlike hipbelt-mounted pockets, Ribs won t bang into your thighs with each step. PackFly Wet Rib Hiking in monsoons or the occasional thunderstorm? Keep things dry with the Packfly. Features a built in hood so you keep the pack, your head and most importantly the area where your pack meets your back dry and comfy. When the rain stops, it stuffs into any integral stuffsack. Derivatives include a Killer B Packfly and a Framefly. Necessity Pockets If you need extra capacity, consider buying our Necessity Pockets, which attach to the compression straps of almost any pack. You can either mount the pocket outside the compression straps or underneath them. Placing the pocket outside the straps allows you to lash items under the straps. If you attach the pocket under the straps, the plastic frame of the pocket compresses the pocket s contents against the pack, which prevents the contents from shifting. 18
Travel Pocket When traveling on airplanes with your pack as checked luggage, we strongly recommend stowing the pack inside our Travel Pocket. Not only does the Travel Pocket protect the pack from conveyor belts and baggage gorillas, but it doubles as a makeshift rainfly and a second piece of luggage. Lastly, it disguises your pack when you re hanging out in an urban jungle. Available in two sizes, Regular and Behemoth. BeaverTail Shovit You can use this multi-talented accessory to lash on an avalanche shovel, snowboard, big tripod or pair of telemark boots practically anything that won t fit conveniently inside the main compartment. 19
Window Stuffers For the ultimate in organization, Window Stuffers not only compartmentalize your gear, they also give cues for at a glance identification. Three sizes for versatility. Ideal for first aid kits, repair kits, spice kits, anything where easy identification is useful. Compression Stuffers When your gear threatens to explode out of your pack, Compression Stuffers are the ideal containment system. Three sizes will control a variety of bulky items. Not meant for use in nuclear power facilities. 20