 Fitting Backpacks
Upper Load Stabilizer Straps
Description
On Internal Frame Backpacks, the Upper Load Stabilizer Straps are adjustable
straps that run from the Shoulder Strap at the top of shoulder, to an attachment
point on the backpack, at the top of the Internal Staves. These Upper Load Stabilizer
Straps allow you to adjust the distance between your back and your backpack.
It is critical that the exit point, or pull position of the Upper Load Stabilizer
Straps from the Shoulder Straps to the top of the backpack is correctly positioned.
The optimum exit position of the Upper Load Stabilizer Straps from the shoulder
is below the clavicle, 25mm to 40mm lower than the top of the shoulder as demonstrated
in the above diagram. This ensures the pressure or pull of the backpack is placed
equally on the shoulders and the chest. White Mountain™ provide a sliding buckle
on the Upper Load Stabilizer Strap above the Shoulder Strap D-Ring for finite
positioning, but in our opinion, it is better to use a backpack of the correct
size and set the Torso Length accurately rather than using this adjustment.
This sliding buckle can, however, be moved as much as 25mm to optimise the position
of pull from the Shoulder Straps
After setting the Torso Length correctly and positioning the exit point of
the Upper Load Stabilizer Straps, you should find the Hip Belt positioned correctly
across, or just below the Iliac Crest or hipbone. If this is not the case, you
will need to adjust the Ladder Harness, Sliding Yoke Harness or independent
Sliding Harness to increase or decrease the Torso Length to achieve correct
positioning.
Pulling the two Upper Load Stabilizer Straps simultaneously draws the backpack
closer to the back with the Internal Staves and backpack sitting squarely on
the shoulders. This will place an even pressure on the shoulders through the
Shoulder Straps. The Sternum Strap also plays an important role in transferring
weight to the chest, and assists in keeping the Shoulder Straps in position,
but more on the Sternum Strap later. On uphill hauls were it’s advantageous
to have the weight close to your back, tighten these straps to pull the top
of the backpack close to your body. Conversely, loosen the Upper Load Stabilizer
Straps on downhill treks to adjust the centre of gravity. In hotter weather,
loosening these straps will provide ventilation between the back and the backpack.
NOTE: Do not over tension the Upper Load Stabilizer Straps. Over tensioning
and having these straps incorrectly pull at more than 45º from the Shoulder Straps,
to the anchor point on the backpack, lifts the Shoulder Straps, renders the
Sternum Strap ineffective and places excessive unnecessary stress on the chest.
For an oversized backpack and a smaller Torso Length, reduce the angle of pull
by positioning the Upper Load Stabilizer Straps to pull from lower on the backpack.
To aid repositioning of the Upper Load Stabilizer Straps, all White Mountain™
backpacks provide alternative anchoring positions, in the form of Ladder Lock
Buckles, or Webbing Loops on the backpack harness. These secondary ladder lock
buckles or webbing loops are located above the Internal Stave, approximately
5 cm below the original anchor position, on top of the backpack.
Use the Upper Load Stabilizer Straps to bring the backpack close to the back,
with the Internal Staves and backpack sitting squarely on the shoulders, placing
an even pressure on the shoulders through the Shoulder Straps. The Sternum Strap
also plays an important role in transferring weight to the chest, and assists
in keeping the Shoulder Straps in position, but more on the Sternum Strap later.
Important
Do not over tension these Upper Stabiliser Straps. Over tensioning or having
these straps incorrectly pull at more than 45º angle from the Shoulder Straps
to the anchor point on the backpack, lifts the Shoulder Straps and places excessive,
unnecessary stress on the chest. For an oversized backpack and a smaller Torso
Length, position the Upper Stabiliser Straps to pull from lower on the backpack.
To aid repositioning of the Upper Stabiliser Straps , each White Mountain™ backpack
provides alternative anchoring positions in the form of Ladder Lock Buckles,
or Webbing Loops, on the backpack harness. These secondary ladder lock buckles,
or webbing loops, are located approximately 5cm below the original position.
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