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Does Your Suspension System Support Your Everyday Carry Comfort?

4 Types of comfortable suspension systems for your everyday adventures.
4 Types of comfortable suspension systems for your everyday adventures.

The right suspension is key to your carry comfort.

In short, the suspension system is what connects you to your bag. What anchors you and your pack together are the frame, ventilated mesh back panel, waist belt, load adjusters, stabilizers, and sternum straps. They work together to effectively manage weight distribution, creating a positive experience rather than fighting with your gear. The goal of suspension systems is to promote natural and ergonomic movement while carrying your bag. 

While materials and organization are important, we realized that comfortable carrying of the bag is one of the most important areas to our users. Especially when it comes to larger bags and packs, suspension systems are arguably the most important part. This is why we design comfortable and robust suspension systems for your bags from messengers, to sling bags, and backpacks.

Messenger bag suspension for stability.

Messenger bags don’t have the typically seen suspension systems that use two shoulder straps and a waist belt like backpacks but offer a very convenient single shoulder strap carry option for travel, school, or the office. 

The ENVOY-13 and ENVOY-17 messenger bags are built with everyday organization and comfort in mind, featuring a mild frame sheet and ergonomic adjustable padded shoulder strap for all day carry. 

We also include a stabilizer with our messengers; this allows you to keep the bag in place, managing its movement and saving energy by not having to physically support it as you move.

Convertible sling backpack suspension for versatility.

Designed to fill the hybrid role of a daypack-sized backpack that can be turned into a sling. Convertible sling backpacks give users the ability to choose how they want to access and carry their everyday items like a tablet and tool kits.

KATARA-16 and JAVELIN-18 backpacks have convertible & removable shoulder straps that combine a backpack and a single-shoulder sling design to give you carry and access options. The contoured shoulder straps conform to the body, as opposed to a straight strap design. They come pre-set for backpack carry and can be easily converted into a sling pack using the included sternum strap as a stabilizer and a light-duty frame sheet for load management.

Everyday-size backpack suspension for comfort.

Having a comfortable backpack provides you with more options for carrying and managing your capacity. More room means greater flexibility for your everyday carry items and more weight to handle.

The TRIDENT-21 and TRIDENT-32 backpacks have a class leading suspension system designed to handle your loadout, shared with the IBEX-26. The back panel has a more rigid frame allowing for weight distribution across your back and the rear padding is ventilated mesh with channels for breathability. The shoulder straps are contoured to offer a proper fit on the torso for additional comfort. The waist belts included with the TRIDENT-32 and IBEX-26 backpacks are generously padded to support heavier loads.

Large outdoor backpack suspension for heavy loads.

For your multiple-day travel or backpacking trip, you need the largest backpack that balances capacity, storage organization, and comfort because you'll be relying on it for the next few days or even longer. Larger backpacks like the IBEX-35 and MARKHOR-45 can get a little more technical with additional adjustments: 

The shoulder yoke contours to hug your body, and the yoke height is adjustable, allowing the waist belt to properly sit on your iliac crest (hips). This design transfers the weight off your shoulders to your hips.

The waist belt is constructed with more rigid foam to make weight transfer more efficient. A generously padded lumbar support holds the waist belt, and with the adjustable yoke, it can sit perfectly on your lower back for optimal weight distribution.

These larger backpacks frame sheet is made from polycarbonate and runs from the top of the yoke adjustment to the bottom lumbar pad. The back panel is made of vented mesh with channels to provide breathability and ventilation.

But there's more! The sternum strap connects and keeps the shoulder straps closer for better stability. Load adjusters and side compression straps help bring the weight closer to your body, improving your center of gravity,making the pack more comfortable, and conserving your energy while moving around.

Final thoughts…

In conclusion, a comfortable suspension system is essential for versatile carrying options and efficient load management. Whether it's a messenger bag, sling backpack, or a larger backpack, suspension systems play a crucial role in enhancing comfort and functionality. 

From ergonomic designs to technical adjustments, we've got you covered, ensuring that you're well-prepared for your upcoming adventures with a comfortable setup. Whether you’re running, climbing, or leisurely enjoying a hike, your suspension system has your back!