AARN packs

[ULWalkingPhil]

Still waiting, I'm beginning to think I've been scammed of $115.00, beware of ebay.

[gayet]

Contact PayPal - they are your protection. 1 week is enough for non-delivery. You should get your money back without problem.

[Wolfix]

Very sad indeed! You will get your money back through PayPal though. I bought a fake pair of FiveFingers and got a refund, no problem. If you contact the seller and notify them of your intent to lodge a claim that might spur them to action (if they're just being lazy.)

Can you post his ebay name so we can look out for him?

[ULWalkingPhil]

I've found the sellers phone number, called him two days ago and he told me that he will put in post yesterday, nothing turned up today, so I sent a email, reminding that a eBay transaction is a contract that he must adhere to. Earlier tonight I received a reply, first reply ive received from him, apologizing and informed me that he will put in post tomorrow, arriving to me on Friday. I'll give him till Friday. Here's hope, that Friday I will receive my Aarn pack I paid for a week and a half ago.

[ULWalkingPhil]

It's been a difficult past week for me to deal with this. Hate, that I have to wait at least another two days, but I'm going to try not to think about it till Friday if I can.

Update: 7 July, I just got of the phone, seller told me he posted it today, first thing this morning, also mentioned that It might be Monday before I receive it in the post, It's overnight from Brisbane to where I live. If posted today it will arrive tomorrow. I guess i'll give him till Monday,

[ULWalkingPhil]

Well I be, Guess what turned up in the post half hour ago?

I am now a owner of one of these fine packs.

Very impressed with the condition of this pack, I don't think it's hardly been used. I certainly picked up a bargain.

My first thoughts, it looks a little complicated, There's straps I don't know what do do with. I've got a basic idea, but not to certain. I might have to pick some of your brains on helping me to set this up. I sent an email to Aarn a few days ago, and he directed me to his website and to follow the video's. But this packs attachments on the front pocket looks different to what's shown on the Website. I think I know what to do, but I'll take some images later on today and post on here, just to confirm I've got this right.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Ok, I've pretty much worked out mostly how to set this pack up. I've adjusted the twin struts to fit my back and adjusted the belt. All appears to be fine there, I do like the adjustments on this pack, very easy to get a comfy fit and that flow mo mentioned on the Aarn website sure is something to see, lot's of freedom in movement with this pack on. Very impressed so far. Everything on this pack just fits so much better than my One Planet pack. Now the front pockets, that's a different story, I've got no idea how set it up correctly.

The front pockets, I don't understand fully how to set them up. I think I have the attachment points figured out, I don't know how to clip the packs together at the top of the front pockets with the pack on.

[ULWalkingPhil]

If someone could lead me in the right direction with the Front Pockets. very much appreciated.

I am guessing the front pockets attach to the points I have shown in the images?

I'm confused with how to attach the top of the front pockets to each other, There's no sternum strap that I can see.

[jose]

So good to hear that you have finally received your pack. I can imagine how frustrating it has been for you.

After looking at your photos I see that your Load Limo model is different from mine. I don't have that red strap coming from the shoulders like you show in the 3rd photo - I have a regular sternum strap for use without pockets but when I attach the pockets then the clip on left sternum strap clips into the clip on the right pocket and vice-versa for the other side - so you have the two straps crossing over the chest. So I don't think I can help you with your model it looks a bit puzzling to me. Aarn's videos would be no help to you either with the different model.

[ULWalkingPhil]

Yeh, very puzzling to me to, till I saw this image. I think I have it sorted out now. What I have on my pack is known as a X Flow strap.

[jose]

That clear diagram was a good find. I'm glad you have it sorted.

[ULWalkingPhil]

That clear diagram was a good find. I'm glad you have it sorted.

Me to, I would never have figured that one out if I didn't find this image. I can see why the seller did not use the front pockets. The straps where not setup correctly on the pack. I've got it all set to the diagram on the image. Will have to pack some weight into it tomorrow and go for a walk.

[Franco]

your connecting points are colour matched.
Blue with blue, burgundy with burgundy.
Franco

[photohiker]

your connecting points are colour matched.
Blue with blue, burgundy with burgundy.

That's correct.

Your pack doesn't match the current model and therefore videos for the pockets - they changed the lower mounting point of the balance pockets closer to the buckle and simplified the attachment setup. The aluminum stay in the pocket extends below the pocket and sits in a holster affair next to the buckle now.

[photohiker]

I have marked up your photos to help clarify:

Not sure what that burgundy strap is doing there...

Pocket.jpg (72.25 KiB) Viewed 27290 times

Hipbelt.jpg (111.6 KiB) Viewed 27290 times

ShoulderStrap.jpg (117.79 KiB) Viewed 27290 times

The Clips are called 'Slick Clips ' or something like that. The shoulder strap attachment is important as it will allow the pocket to be supported by the hipbelt and get the weight off your shoulders. If the pack is being manhandled rather than carried on your back, it's a lot easier to carry with the pockets attached to the upper loops - not so floppy...

Hope that helps

[ULWalkingPhil]

That red strap on the back of the front pockets, connects to the red attachment point on the shoulder straps.

I've just tried the pack with some weight in it, the pack feels very comfortable, I have no problems with viewing my feet as I walk, the front pockets could be a bit closer to the centre, as I found some restrictions on my arms if I swung them forward. It's not to bad, if I swing my arms a bit wider from my body, I have plenty of room. I guess this is probably the reason why they have redesigned the attachments points on the newer model closer to the buckle. I don't see this being a problem.

[photohiker]

That red strap on the back of the front pockets, connects to the red attachment point on the shoulder straps.

Where that red strap is attached to the pocket, there is a Slick Clip - I marked it 'A' above. That Slick Clip should be clipped to the black webbing on the shoulder strap when hiking so that the pocket is located by, but its weight not supported by, the shoulder strap. It slides up and down a little on the black webbing with your body motion as you walk. With the red strap attached to that point as it is in your photo, this is not possible, I think.

When the pack has to be manhandled for transport etc, the slick clip is detached from the black webbing and re-attached to the burgundy loop at the top of the black webbing.

I think those red straps are for the daypack conversion of the pockets...

You may have this right, but it is not clear from your post, just thought I'd clarify.

[ULWalkingPhil]

That red strap on the back of the front pockets, connects to the red attachment point on the shoulder straps.

Where that red strap is attached to the pocket, there is a Slick Clip - I marked it 'A' above. That Slick Clip should be clipped to the black webbing on the shoulder strap when hiking so that the pocket is located by, but its weight not supported by, the shoulder strap. It slides up and down a little on the black webbing with your body motion as you walk. With the red strap attached to that point as it is in your photo, this is not possible, I think.

When the pack has to be manhandled for transport etc, the slick clip is detached from the black webbing and re-attached to the burgundy loop at the top of the black webbing.

I think those red straps are for the daypack conversion of the pockets...

You may have this right, but it is not clear from your post, just thought I'd clarify.

I attached the red strap with the Slick Clip onto the red tag on the shoulder strap. Theres another Slick Clip near the red strap where it attaches to the front pocket, I've attached that onto the black webbing on the shoulder strap so it slides up and down. I make sure the red strap is not taught, and hanging loose so it does not support any weight. The diagram I uploaded yesterday, shows in greater detail. I followed exactly what's shown in the diagram. I'm going to test it out with some weight this afternoon.

There are two Slick Clips in the image I have showing the red strap on the front pockets. You can only see the one in the photo, but there is another, just under the one you can see in image.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I think your correct Photohiker, after thinking about it more and studying that diagram, that red strap connects to the black strap on shoulder strap while hiking. I apologize

I got confused when I saw the other Slick Clip

[photohiker]

I think your correct Photohiker, after thinking about it more and studying that diagram, that red strap connects to the black strap on shoulder strap while hiking. I apologize

I got confused when I saw the other Slick Clip

No, I think you had it right, one on the black webbing and one on the red. Loosen the red strap when hiking. I've checked mine, and one set of pockets has the red strap and one doesn't, so it must have been another changing feature on the packs. Sorry for the confusion!

When tensioning the shoulder straps be sure that the under load support (5) in your diagram, is centred under the pack. You should be able to feel this sliding through the sleeve in the bottom the pack allowing your shoulders to move freely.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I think your correct Photohiker, after thinking about it more and studying that diagram, that red strap connects to the black strap on shoulder strap while hiking. I apologize

I got confused when I saw the other Slick Clip

In saying this, I think I like my modified version of attaching the top of front pocket to the shoulder straps using both Slick Clips on the front pocket, it appears to give more support to the pockets and holds them closer to me, and it saves having to change the clips when I'm not hiking. I will try both methods with more weight later today and report back, which I find best for me.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I think your correct Photohiker, after thinking about it more and studying that diagram, that red strap connects to the black strap on shoulder strap while hiking. I apologize

I got confused when I saw the other Slick Clip

No, I think you had it right, one on the black webbing and one on the red. Loosen the red strap when hiking. I've checked mine, and one set of pockets has the red strap and one doesn't, so it must have been another changing feature on the packs. Sorry for the confusion!

When tensioning the shoulder straps be sure that the under load support (5) in your diagram, is centred under the pack. You should be able to feel this sliding through the sleeve in the bottom the pack allowing your shoulders to move freely.

I was playing about with that setting last night, you mention (5) in diagram, it's remarkable how much freedom there is in arm movements. The Aarn packs does not limit body movements like my OnePlanet McMillan does. I thought my Oneplanet pack was the best, till I tried this Aarn pack. I am very impressed with what I see so far, I can't wait for my next hike.

[jose]

Don't let go of your One Planet pack though. I have a McMillan also and it is much better for the trackless walks where you need to get through thick scrub. My Load Limo is great for open or on track walks but I took it sea spurge weeding along the SW Coast and it was inclined to catch much more on the scrub than my McMillan pack. I don't think it would last many trips in some of the vegetation we had to get through.

Does anyone use the front pockets for a day pack? I tried it once and didn't find it very comfortable at all, I'd rather use one of those light nylon daypacks like Tatonka put out. Saves emptying the heavy stuff you don't need out the pockets as well.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I'm debating if I should keep the one planet pack. I really don't see myself using it again, the Aarn pack in my opinion is just so much better. It fits me a lot better, molds to my back after adjusting the stays and a lot more comfy to wear.

I was under the impression that the Load Limo is made of stronger material to withstand damage from the environment.

I'm curious how you all find the best way to lift and put on the pack. I see it has a strap similar to my one planet pack for lifting, which is not a problem for me to use to lift the pack unto my knees with my left leg bent, but than how do you swing the pack onto your back from there, my arms are not strong enough to lift the pack onto my back using the strap on the top of pack. I find I have to lift pack from my knee using the shoulder straps on my oneplanet pack. Can the Aarn Load Limo support the pack weight if I use the shoulder straps for that last effort from knee to back?

Currently my pack weight is apx 17 to 18 kg. I'm working on getting this weight below 15kg.

[Wolfix]

It's about the only way you can get it on your back. It's hard to begin with because of the balance pockets but you'll find a method that works for you. I use a wall, tree or rock if I need to. Sometimes a friend. Sometimes none of these aids are available and I have to put it on sitting down then get up if it's really heavy. Mostly I just swing it on using the shoulder straps and a knee.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I can get the pack onto my back using the shoulder straps to lift, this is how I get the oneplanet McMillan on my back.
I was not sure if the Aarn packs shoulder straps are strong enough to do this.

I've sent a email of to Aarn and asked him the same question earlier today, waiting on his reply.

But your suggestion of sitting down, is not a bad idea to fit the pack on.

How do you Aarn pack owners deal with the DWR Finnish on the packs? Do you reproof? If so with what product, the only product I have to hand is Granger's XT Proofer, I don't know if this product can be used on the packs.

Sorry about all the questions, it's just that there's not a lot of info out there on the care and use of the Aarn Packs, apart from here on the forums.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I do look after all my gear, to the best I can, my last backpacking tent has last me over 15 years, and if you look at it, you would think it's still new, apart from the coating on the tarp, it's gone all sticky, still useable, weighs a ton though. Even my Hilleberg Nammatj 2GT is lighter. I am in the market foe a new ultra light one man tent, seriously considering a Aarn Pacer 1.

[wazzawalkin]

I do look after all my gear, to the best I can, my last backpacking tent has last me over 15 years, and if you look at it, you would think it's still new, apart from the coating on the tarp, it's gone all sticky, still useable, weighs a ton though. Even my Hilleberg Nammatj 2GT is lighter. I am in the market foe a new ultra light one man tent, seriously considering a Aarn Pacer 1.

FWIW, there is an AARN Pacer 1 tent on EBay, if you are brave enough to have another go on EBay

Cheers
W.

[north-north-west]

I usually remove the balance pockets if there isn't a suitable tree/rock to rest the pack on while donning it. They're easy to clip on once you're used to the set-up. But even with my Load Limo packed to the gunwhales with enough gear and food for two weeks, the straps are plenty strong enough to sling it around.

The only drawback is that if you're into scrambling the balance pockets get in the way.

[ULWalkingPhil]

I do look after all my gear, to the best I can, my last backpacking tent has last me over 15 years, and if you look at it, you would think it's still new, apart from the coating on the tarp, it's gone all sticky, still useable, weighs a ton though. Even my Hilleberg Nammatj 2GT is lighter. I am in the market foe a new ultra light one man tent, seriously considering a Aarn Pacer 1.

FWIW, there is an AARN Pacer 1 tent on EBay, if you are brave enough to have another go on EBay

Cheers
W.

Had my eye on that tent for the past few days, Put a good bid in thinking I should be safe, Got outbid with only 6 seconds left. You sure do have to be quick. Was prepared to pay more for the tent, but didn't think I would have been outbid so close to auction ending, by the time I saw the higher bid, it was to late. I should have put in a higher bid earlier on.

Oh well, probably a blessing in disguise, I think I will go back to my plans of purchasing a Hammock and Fly from the States, It will be a lot lighter than the tent and more comfy.