Backpack Selection
Backpack Harness Types
A Backpack Harness System is a combination of Backpack, Harness
Shoulder Straps, and Hip or Waist Belt that offers the facility
to carry a backpack. Fully functional backpack designs can also
have an internal High Density Polyethylene Frame Sheet, an Internal
Frame, or maybe a combination of both. These Backpack Harness
System should include adjustable Harness Shoulder Straps to allow for differing
Torso lengths and body types, a Sternum Strap, Upper and Lower Load Stabiliser Straps, and a comfortable Hip Belt and Lumbar Pad.
All of the harness components within a well-designed backpack
work together in symphony to produce a truly balanced backpack.
This symphony of backpack engineering is achieved over many years
of field-testing, which is ever evolving and led by companies that
commit themselves to building the better backpack. However, these
backpacks will only function as the manufacturer intended in correctly
fitted and personally customized backpacks.
There are several standard Harness System designs listed as
follows
The Fixed Harness System is when the Harness Shoulder Straps
are not adjustable to allow for different Torso Lengths. The Harness
Shoulder Straps are in a fixed position on the backpack and the
common use for this type of harness system is on daypacks. Although,
some manufacturers also use this harness system on larger hike and
travel packs. The use of this harness system on larger backpacks
is quite acceptable, provided the fixed position and length of the
Harness Shoulder Straps is correct. This type of harness system
is also less expensive, lighter and in some circumstances the perfect
choice.
The Ladder Harness System is when the Harness Shoulder Straps
are adjustable to allow for different Torso Lengths. The Harness
Shoulder Straps in this harness connect at a single point on the
backpack (the yoke) and you adjust the Torso Length positioning
by attaching the Harness Shoulder Straps Yoke at different points
on the webbing ladder.
The Sliding Yoke Harness System is when the Harness Shoulder
Straps are adjustable to allow for different Torso Lengths. The
Shoulder Straps in this harness connect at a single point on the
backpack (the yoke) and you adjust the Torso Length positioning
by sliding the Harness Shoulder Strap Yoke along the Internal Staves.
Quite commonly, this Sliding Yoke is much larger than the yoke on
the Ladder Harness System, is most often padded and usually has
a ventilation channel running from top to bottom to provide airflow.
The Independent Sliding Harness System is when the Harness Shoulder
Straps are adjustable to allow for different Torso Lengths. The
Harness Shoulder Straps in this harness connect independently to
the Internal Staves and you adjust the Torso Length positioning
by sliding each Harness Shoulder Strap along the Internal Stave.
This type of harness system allows for variations in the shoulder
height position from the left or right side of the body. This also
assists in correctly adjusting the pull position of the Upper Load
Stabiliser Straps.
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