Armory Sponsor
Posted: 5/7/2007 2:57:21 PM EDT
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I'm going on my first ever hike - three days and 50 miles on AT in VA (Mt. Rogers / Damascus area). I traded for this Specialty Defense Systems Large Field Pack last year and so I will be using it. I do not know how to adjust the pack properly and when I contacted SDS they informed me that they do not have any instructions available for it (something about it being built to military specs). Can someone help me with the basics? Is there a generic method to doing this that can be applied here (e.g. start with the waist/hip, then adjust the ..., etc.) I can take and post any pics necessary to get this pack adjusted to my body. I notice at least 3-4 different places to adjust: 1. waist/hip belt 2. shoulder strap mounting plate that rides along spine of pack 3. length of shoulder straps 4. shape of two thin metal bands, one on each side of the center spline  Thanks for your help. |
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I'll look online & see if I can find a online manual, but like to comment on their packs, they can handle heavy loads. I have their Conflict back pack, it is one awsome piece of gear, has the space age strap liner, bladder pouch and built in adjustable frame. Looks alot better in person, have another back pack made by them, my grandson adopted it.  Wished I had a 50 mile hike, use to do speed marching, guys with short legs couldnt keep up. TG |
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THanks for the comments TG. Anyone else? I just packed 38 lbs and humped it three miles in 55 minutes. It seems like there is too much weight on my shoulders and not enough on my hips. It seems like I ought to raise the shoulder strap mounting plate? Maybe this will result in less of a 'curve' of the shoulder straps around my shoulders from front to back? |
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Adjust the hipstraps to fit comfortably. Adjust the yoke to follow the curve of your back and the shoulder straps to drop over your shoulders. The upper straps pull the top of the ruck over your spine and center of gravity. Pack heaviest stuff closest to the small of your back and spine. Medium weight stuff above and below. Lightest stuff furthest from your spine. Weight should rest on your hips. The shoulder straps prevent the ruck from tipping off to left or right. |
Thank you so much - I will give this a try tonight. |
I had no idea these packs cost that much. I got mine for free and actually forgot I had it till this weekend when I opened a moving box..  Now I need to use it. Thanks, Gene |
Armory Sponsor