12
A Stretch Adjuster
Adjusting ArcLight™ packs
ArcLight™ packs use our patented Stretch Adjustment System™ to fine-
tune the fit once you’ve selected the right size. The Stretch Adjustment Sys-
tem™ is ultimately simple, yet infinitely flexible. It allows you to adjust the ef-
fective shape of the pack’s framesheet to fit your torso length and shoulder
shape. In other words, you can not only adjust the torso length within a 3
1
⁄
2
”
range, but also the distance between the shoulder straps and the angle at
which the shoulder straps exit the pack bag and curve over your shoulders.
Our Stretch Adjusters are the heart of this system. Each one consists of a
strip of High Density Polyethylene framesheet material sewn with a fabric ex-
tension of our soft edge shoulder pads. These strips of framesheet material
serve as extensions of the framesheet; in effect, they lengthen the framesheet
so it reaches up to the upper ends of the shoulder pads. Stretch Adjusters are
anchored to the back panel of the pack with extremely strong hook-and-loop.
Note that a complete shoulder-strap assembly consists of a Stretch Adjuster at-
tached to an appropriate size of Silhouette Shoulder Pad. The Stretch Adjuster
has no padding, so it is not designed to be used
alone.
To check the fit of your new pack and determine
if it needs to be adjusted, refer to the Quick Start
instructions on page 1. If the shoulder pads are
not positioned correctly, slip your hand in be-
tween the Stretch Adjuster and the back panel
and break loose the hook-and-loop. You can now
adjust the torso length, the distance between the
shoulder pads and the angle at which the pads
exit the back panel. At the shortest possible
torso length, the shoulder pads will just about
touch the top of the pack’s back panel. At the
longest possible torso length, the hook-and-
loop on the Stretch Adjusters should still be
hidden behind the back panel. If you have
hook-and-loop showing above the back panel,
you need a larger size pack. If you
almost
have hook-
and-loop showing, you should consider trying on a
larger size. When you think you’ve got the right con-
figuration, double-check that the right-hand Stretch
Adjuster is in the same position as the left, then press the hook-and-loop back
together. Note that there is a horizontal strap near the top end of the shoulder
pads that connects the Stretch Adjusters. On rare occasions, it may be neces-
sary to adjust this strap to an appropriate length to keep the shoulder pads a
comfortable distance apart. The sliding buckle where the lift strap exits the
shoulder pad should be at the top of your shoulder.
Now try the pack on again. You can readjust it as many times as you need
until it rides comfortably.
