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The
LAB has a capacity of about 1800 cu in which is ideal for a sub multi-day
lightweight backpacking trip. Because of its limited main packbag capacity,
one will be encouraged to bring just the most essential items. However,
it also has an extended volume of 2300 cu in (500 cu in for the extension
collar and 100 cu in for the front mesh pocket). You may have to roll the
lid/top pocket inwards so that it's out of the way to accomodate larger
loads. This fully-extended mode, you'll be using the 500 cu in volume offered
by the extension collar. It has a tapered profile which is wider at the
base to accomodate space-consuming sleeping bags and provides a nice, cushy
area that stradles the user's sacrum or hip area. An innovative feature
of this pack is that it incorporates a set of snugger straps at the hipbelt
region. The hipbelt webbing is not sewn to the bottom side seams but runs
through a sleeve at the sacrum area of the pack. To achieve an effective
and comfortable load-transferring system (LTS), one just has to clip the
one-piece webbing hipbelt around the hips (just as you would wear a normal
belt) and cinch tight. To activate the LTS, just cinch the snugger straps
forward to transfer the load to your sacrum. This is actually the system
behind many of today's internal frame packs. I just reduced it to the most
rudimentary layout possible such that it is still effective. Another plus
for this design is that it enables the user to remove the hipbelt webbing
entirely - perfect for those occassions that require us to travel really
light that a hipbelt is not needed at all. |
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To help
us organize our gear there are two zippered pockets sewn on the lid. One
is made from mesh and the other one is of solid fabric. A single 3/4" side
release (SR) buckle at the front tip of the lid secures it in place. There's
a wide no-see-um mesh pocket at the front which is great for drying wet
or soggy items while trekking without having to worry that it'll drop on
the trail unnoticed. |
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The compression
system was adopted from packs of the old days where a lace system was used
to control the load. Some use it to lash additional gear. Others find multiple
uses for the "lace" (i.e. cord) at camp or in emergency situations. I personally
like how it actually compresses the load together to form a nice, lithe
shape. It provides more effective compression for a given area compared
to the normal horizontal strap system. It is adjusted by a single cordlock
attached to the ends of the lace after it has been threaded through the
ear loops at the pack seams. The shoulder straps are constructed in an
S-shaped (curved) fashion to follow the contours of the user's torso. For
simplicity, you may just make a straight pair (recommended for the beginner).
There is also an adjustable attachment option for a sternum strap to further
secure the pack load to your body and prevent shoulder strap slippage during
off trail hikes. |
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