Ten Tips About Ultralight Packs:
Ultralight Fabrics and Durability
- Do not pack a backpack beyond its recommended weight limit.
- Do not consistently overstuff a backpack with the roll top collar filled to capacity. The roll top collar is intended to make a backpack more waterproof. If the pack is continuously filled to the brink of the collar, another backpack with more volume is needed and should be purchased.
- Do not pack sharp objects near the fabric so they are applying pressure onto the fabric.
- Do not place objects tightly near the outside of the pack; they are obviously stretching the fabric. It is easier to rip the fabric because it is already weaker from being stretched out.
- Most backpacks are intended to be able to stand up on the bottom when set down. The bottom of the backpack is the strongest fabric on the pack. When the pack is on the ground, that fabric is the intended area to take the wear. Do not sit on a backpack when it is on the ground. The fabric rubs against rocks on the ground and abrades it.
- Do not force backpack zippers closed. If the zipper doesn’t zip easily, readjust the contents of the backpack to allow the zipper to close smoothly.
- Do not pack a backpack so there is anything protruding into the path of the zipper. If an item creates an abnormal kink in the zipper, then it is putting added stress onto the zipper and will make it easier for the zipper to fail.
- Do not cross-load webbing straps with heavy weighted objects. This will pull at the seams where the webbing is sewn in and will create unnecessary stress on the seams.
- If bushwhacking, do not lead with the backpack. The backpack is not designed to be the first line of attack in shielding or protecting a backpacker from invasive materials.
- There is no need to use excessive force when tightening down the compression straps. This just creates unnecessary stress on the seams. Loosely tightening the straps will not make a difference in the performance of the pack and will not shift or dislodge any packed items. By using loose, yet secure methods in tightening the compression straps on a backpack, the seams last longer and wear much less over time.