Pack Adjustment Help - 2015 Mystery Ranch Marshall

[Hunter Sargent]

Hi rokers,

I have been training with 50lbs in this pack, and it carries that load great. But, today I went on a 2 mile hike with a buddy and we were each carrying 100lbs. It wasn't terrible, but I could tell I was leaning forward a bit because the pack was trying to pull me over backwards. When we got back to the truck I tried by buddy's pack and was able to stand and walk much more upright, and thus more comfortably.

Is this an adjustment issue, or just the nature of this particular pack? I originally adjusted the torso length per MR's instructional video, as well as the yoke and load lifters. I wasn't horrible, but could be better and I have a hot spot on my lower back, which could be a problem in the backcountry.

Thanks!

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Do you have the lifter extension installed? I notice that not only unloads the shoulders but also reduces the load pulling backwards. Also cinching the load/bag (that is a big bag) against the frame as much as possible will help.

 

[elkyinzer]

It could be adjustment, but my bet it is the loading technique itself. You'll just have to troubleshoot to get it right.

Use the straps to play around with the weight distribution, where you are lashing the load onto the frame. Me/my MR NICE frame like the weight centered a bit lower on the frame than many experts recommend, about 1/3 of the way up seems perfect. If the center of gravity gets too high it really tends to hunch me over and loads up the shoulder straps.

 

[Hunter Sargent]

Do you have the lifter extension installed? I notice that not only unloads the shoulders but also reduces the load pulling backwards. Also cinching the load/bag (that is a big bag) against the frame as much as possible will help.

Is that the load lifters? If so this pack comes with them already installed. I have the load (2 - 50 lb sacks of corn) cinched up to the frame really tight. I have tried putting both bags of corn in the main bag, as well as putting one in the load sling/shelf and one in the main bag...doesn't seem to make a difference.

Thanks!

 

[Hunter Sargent]

It could be adjustment, but my bet it is the loading technique itself. You'll just have to troubleshoot to get it right.

Use the straps to play around with the weight distribution, where you are lashing the load onto the frame. Me/my MR NICE frame like the weight centered a bit lower on the frame than many experts recommend, about 1/3 of the way up seems perfect. If the center of gravity gets too high it really tends to hunch me over and loads up the shoulder straps.

I have tried quite a few different loading configurations, but will keep experimenting. I'll try lowering the load, thanks for the tip!

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Yeah those, I tuck them down when running my daypack so they aren't behind my head and I've noticed if I don't pull them back up and have a heavier load in the pack it wants to pull me backwards more than when they are extended up.

 

[blackovis]

I have tried quite a few different loading configurations, but will keep experimenting. I'll try lowering the load, thanks for the tip!

Have you tried adjusting the yoke (torso length) on your Marshall? There is generally going to be a sweet spot in the adjustment for 50 lbs which it sounds like you found it, 100 lbs could require some minor adjustment to that in my experience. I had the same problem, felt great at 50-60 lbs but when I started training with 100 I started feeling like I was getting hunched over. Some tweaking with the yoke adjustment on my pack and it felt a ton better.

Bottom line is 100+ lbs always sucks, but there is always a way to make it suck less.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[bcimport]

The Marshall has plenty of frame height to get that weight adjusted to fit you well. First I suggest you watch the MR tutorials on adjusting the yoke and strap tightening sequence to make sure that is dialed in. Most likely though the weight is just too low in the pack. The best way to keep it where you want in that pack is to pinch off the bottom third of that bag. To do this use a strap across the bottom portion of the pack rather than just trying to suck it up with the compression straps. Lay the pack out frame down and slide the weight in then suck up the middle and top compression straps and you should be golden.

 

[IanF.]

Two things
1. Make sure the ends of the load lifter straps are in the right place on your shoulders, just behind the curve if your shoulder.
2. All 100lbs are not the same, try carrying 2 50lb barbel weights, compared to the bulky corn, you'll see a big difference. Seriously, for 100lbs try sand or dirt and try to get it the same size and shape as your intended load.

Also,call MR, there is a fellow there named Lance who been wonderful helping me out

Ian