4
Pack Features in Detail
The following features are found on all ArcLight™ packs with a few exceptions.
HipLid™
A HipLid™ is a large-capacity hipsac cre-
ated by combining the pack’s hipbelt and lid.
To create the HipLid™, remove the lid
and hipbelt from the pack. As you do
this, make a mental note on the path
the lid straps follow as they pass
through the buckles. Orient the belt so it
“smiles” — so the ends of the belt curve
upward. Now, with the pocket zipper
facing
up
, insert the hipbelt behind the
lumbar pad on the bottom side of the
lid. Be sure the hipbelt is at
the bottom of the slot behind
the lid’s lumbar pad. Engage
the hook-and-loop fastener,
then thread the hipbelt trim
straps through the ladder-
lock buckles on the sides of
the lid. These straps compress
the load and pull the HipLid™
into your back for a stable,
comfortable ride. When you
reassemble your pack, be sure
that the ends of the hipbelt
curve upward and the hipbelt
is positioned at the bottom
of the slot behind the pack’s
lumbar pad. It’s easiest to rethread the buckles connecting the lid to the pack if
the lid is held in the “flipped open” position, as if you had opened the lid to
gain access to the main compartment. (see fig. A)
Internal Load-Control Strap
The internal load-control strap is the strap with a yellow buckle found in-
side the main compartment near the top. When passed over your load and
cinched down tight, it improves your balance by compressing and stabilizing
the load while pulling it toward your body. Before loading the pack, place the
male end of the yellow internal load-control strap buckle through the top loop
of the daisy chain. This will prevent the buckle from getting tangled in the
load as you pack. It also holds the shroud open and reminds you to buckle the
strap when you’re done. Once the strap is buckled and tightened, you can throw
an item that you want to reach quickly, like a fleece jacket, on top. Close the
shroud, fasten the lid and you’re ready to go.
The assembled HipLid™.
Fig. A — Reattaching/removing the HipLid™.
