6
Compression Straps
Compression straps are the two horizontal straps located on each side of
the pack bag. They are used to compress any size load, reduce the pack’s vol-
ume when carrying a small load and attach skis, tent poles, fishing rods, etc.
Keep the compression straps snugged tight at all times to compress and immo-
bilize your load. For tips on using compression straps to lash on skis and other
long objects, see
Packing For Comfort
, page 8.
Daisy Chain
A daisy chain is a vertically oriented piece of webbing bar-tacked at two-
inch intervals to form a series of small loops. You can use the daisy chain to
strap on gear such as a sleeping pad or tripod. It can also be used in conjunc-
tion with an ice-axe loop to attach an ice axe.
Sleeping-Pad Straps
Sleeping-pad straps are a pair of vertically oriented straps which buckle at
the top of the sleeping-bag compartment. As the name implies, they’re nor-
mally used to attach a sleeping pad. They can also be used to relieve the ten-
sion on the sleeping-bag compartment zipper when zipping the compartment
closed after stuffing a large sleeping bag inside. Be sure the sleeping-pad
straps are tight even if you don’t use them to lash on gear; loose straps snag
easily on brush.
Sleeping-Bag Compartment Divider
The sleeping-bag compartment divider is a panel inside the pack bag which
separates the sleeping-bag compartment from the main compartment. Its pri-
mary purpose is to help keep the pack bag slim, so the load rides closer to your
back for better balance and comfort. By loosening the divider’s straps, you can
increase the sleeping-bag compartment’s volume to accommodate a very large
sleeping bag. It’s also possible to detach these straps completely to form a
single-compartment pack bag, which maximizes the pack’s volume.
