Welcome, guest [login | register]

Posted by Bill S on August 15, 2007 at 1:04:34 pm EDT
In reply to Slipping buckles on Dana pack posted by LindsayJ on August 14, 2007 at 12:51:32 am EDT

Only 10 years on your Terraplane? You must put hard use on them! I have found that heavy loads in the range you mention will produce some slippage even when the pack is new. At one point, I tried the buckle from a Kelty Sherpa (a toothed, spring-loaded buckle) on my Terraplane, and even then, with 60-70 pound loads over the course of a day, there was some slippage. A couple things I found that help are to double back the tail of the belts or use the double-slidethrough on both sides of the hip belt (the type that Dana supplied on one side of the hip belt). The problem with locking off the straps is that it makes it more awkward to get the pack on and off and do the final adjustments. I find it easier to have the straps loose, especially with a heavy load, when picking the pack up and putting it on, then hinch and tighten the waist belt, followed by tightening the shoulder straps, clip the sternum strap, and finally tighten the load lifters (I generally leave the waistbelt loadlifters set).

Even with the backups, though, I find I want to do some adjustments during the hike, just to change how the pack is riding - allow a little recirculation to rest some of the muscles in turn.

Hard to imagine a Terraplane would be worn out after only 10 years and a few 11-day winter trips. Mine has been through a number of 20-30 day trips, most recently in Antarctica (click on the News forum at the top of the page and scan down a few screens worth), along with climbs in the Alaska Range, Mexican volcanoes, and lots of winter backcountry ski tours in the Sierra and elsewhere. It is only 12 years old and has lots of life left.

Replies

View: flat | threaded

There have been no replies

Post a Reply

Before replying, please read the complete thread.