SUPPORT

Sizing, materials and getting the best out of your Pack.

SIZING

If you want a custom sized pack please take the time to measure yourself (or have yourself measured!) to make sure you order the correct torso length. The torso length will have no bearing on total weight or volume of the pack. Custom sized packs are non refundable, so be sure to get this right.

HOW TO MEASURE?

How to measure? First find a willing helper to assist you, then take a flexible tape measure or bit of string and place it on your C7 vertebrae (this is the one that sticks out when you bend your neck forward), now place your hands on the top of your hips and point your thumbs horizontally towards your spine, this is your iliac crest. Measure from the C7, following the curve of the back, to the iliac crest.

Once you have your measurement, select the correct size. If you are right on the gap between two sizes, pick the larger of the two - i.e. a 19 inch torso should choose a Large

Small 15-17 inches

Medium 17-19 inches

Large 19-21 inches

MEASURING UP

FIND OUT HOW TO MEASURE YOUR TORSO LENGTH

PLAY

MATERIALS

Detailed information on each fabric can be found at the bottom but, in a nutshell, our choices come down to:

Ultralight (VX07, DCF 2.92oz ): use for any pack on well-established trails that won’t see significant abrasion (PCT, AT etc). These fabrics are strong but they are thin, meaning abrasion resistance is limited, as such due care should be taken with them. The nature of these fabrics makes them very easy to repair with a simple patch or just a bit of duct tape, should you accidentally make a hole.

Lightweight (VX21, DCF 5oz, LS21) – Although still considered lightweight, these fabrics serve best in environments that see increased abrasion, heavier loads and generally rougher handling. If you like lightweight gear but don’t want to baby your kit, go for one of these. Recommended on the Te Araroa, CDT and other less well travelled, adventurous routes

A note from the maker:

UL fabrics have been used with great success in the manufacture of backpacks for many years - with love and care any pack can be made to do what you want it to do, but only provided the limitations of the fabric are known and understood.

Choosing the correct fabric for your application is important. In many cases, a marginal increase in fabric weight will drastically improve the strength of a pack and reduce the amount of care it requires. The heavier you anticipate your load and the rougher you expect the conditions to be, the higher spec’d fabric you should choose. Every fabric has its limitations and weaknesses but with care they can be made to last many thousands of miles. Your pack is right there with you, directly experiencing every moment on trail. Above all, treat it right and please, oh please, use the haul loop!