I Was Talking With a Friend of Mine

[trophyhill]

And he asked me out of the blue, "how long does it take to break a pack in?" So I've been thinking about that.

My first couple bookbags with logos on them had no break in time. There's nothing to adjust on a Badlands 2200 or 2800.

Then I bought a Kifaru back in '13 or '14 I think it was. And after many hunts I had it dialed in. Not that it wasn't doing the job, but I think it's human nature to tweak things always trying to make that pack in or pack out a little easier.

The reason I got to thinking about that when asked, is because I've ordered a new frame to attach my DT1 to. I emailed Alex a pic of my pack at his request after I ordered the Duplex Light, and after some discussion, proper fit could be achieved easier with the Tactical frame, without compromising what I'm looking for. Which is preserving and prolonging the life of my DT1 bag which I love so much.

So this is where I think a break in period comes in. We break in our hunting boots right? When breaking those in, I'm always adjusting or tweaking boot laces until I get that feel that I like. And putting some miles on them. With and without weight and different terrain and climate variables. Damn i love these Meindl's.

Which brings me back to my recent order on my pack. Subconsciously I knew I couldn't wait until the last minute to order a new frame. That would suggest indecision or inexperience on my part. Kinda like the first time bowhunter who buys a bow a week before elk season and expects to kill one. Not saying it hasn't happened. But you get my drift.

So when I get my frame in a week or 2, the break in period will begin. Which means putting on miles with multiple variable conditions over the next 6 months to find that sweet spot before archery elk.

Do y'all consider a break in period for a new pack? Is it important?

 

[elkduds]

I Was Talking With a Friend of Mine, said a woman done hurt his pride.
Told him that she loved him so, turned around and let him go. RIP Tom Petty.

To the topic @ hand. Once I get the adjustments dialed to the loads and my body, I don't see much break in. My hunting packs all serve as training packs in the summer, so I get lots of chance to adjust them.

 

[trophyhill]

I Was Talking With a Friend of Mine, said a woman done hurt his pride.
Told him that she loved him so, turned around and let him go. RIP Tom Petty.

To the topic @ hand. Once I get the adjustments dialed to the loads and my body, I don't see much break in. My hunting packs all serve as training packs in the summer, so I get lots of chance to adjust them.

Indeed elkduds indeed. RIP TP.

 

[tdot]

There is definitely an adjustment period to get the pack set to your body. But I wouldnt call it a break-in period. "Breaking-in" boots actually involves a semi-permanent change to the boot, that can only happen with time & miles.

Adjusting a backpack simply involves adjusting a number of settings on the pack, that are designed to be adjusted. They can be returned to a factory setting.

The shoulder straps and lumbar pad may break-in slightly as the foam softens. But that's about it.

I'd certainly allow a number of hikes, with a variety terrain and weights to get the pack adjusted fully.

 

[5MilesBack]

For me, the boots either feel good at the start or they don't. If they do, they get worn for years. If they don't, I don't buy them.

It's very similar for a pack for me. I'll load it up with 60-80lbs and see what it feels like. Adjust as necessary and get it as good as it will get and then make my decision. It also needs to feel good with only 15-20lbs in it as well as that will be the carry weight most the time. I don't think I want it "breaking in" or changing after I've got it set up the way I want it.

 

[LJ Buck]

Once you know how packs fit your body and what you like with heavy loads then breakin/adjustments is minimal IMO.

 

[tdhanses]

I have to agree, there is no break in just an adjustment fitting period.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I believe Aron Snyder talked about it on here before and he basically said the breaking in part is about the stitching stretching in and or webbing just getting stretched a bit and it happened pretty quickly, within the first few weighted hikes.

 

[trophyhill]

I believe Aron Snyder talked about it on here before and he basically said the breaking in part is about the stitching stretching in and or webbing just getting stretched a bit and it happened pretty quickly, within the first few weighted hikes.

I was thinking anything that is sewn, is going to stretch and flex a little. My break in period will consist of getting into my hunting areas and scouting probably starting in late April. Which means humping 35-50lbs for weekend stays in the backcountry and daytripping out from camp on a ridge somewhere. If I have to pack water in, the weight will be 50+ lbs hiking in. With multiple trips, and I'm hoping at least a dozen, I should have the frame and pack adjusted by the time September rolls around.

There's a possibility I may be working in southern CO starting this summer, so I might actually get to do some Backcountry hiking and exploring up there in lieu of scouting while breaking in the pack.

 

[trophyhill]

Got my frame and attached the DT1. It was a quick seamless retrofit. Can't wait to get it loaded up and get out next month. Initially it fits and feels good. 26" frame. Adjusting is a snap and so much easier. I have an 18" torso, so I ordered for 18" and longer. Not sure what the advantage or disadvantage is here vs the 18" and shorter frame.

The belt feels great! I didn't know what I was missing honestly. Cinching tight is easy. The Bikini belt never seemed to hold tight with heavy loads for long periods. Can't wait for that first heavy load.

I know it's a stiff frame compared to the Bikini. That'll take some getting used to. But again, I'm excited to have something easy to adjust and support my DT-1. I'm gonna just say that I wish Kifaru would bring back the DT-1. Not ever having any other Kifaru bags previously, I can't say whether or not it's the best bag Kifaru has ever made or not, but I can say it's the best bag I've ever owned.