Owner`s Manual

Quick Start
• Have a pen, paper, and measuring tape handy and follow all the
measurement procedures found from page 3-5. Write them down
as you take them and then compare your measurements to the
tables at the bottom of page 5 and follow instructions for adjustments or exchanging.
• For completely dismantling pack see pages 10-12.
• For steps to put on and take off pack see page 13.
• For frequently asked questions see page 15.
Owner’s Manual
top of l e x
FRAME TECHNOLOGY
3D
The Topoflex 3D Framesheet
INNOVATION BY DESIGN
FRAMESHEET The Topoflex 3D frame
follows both the vertical and horizontal
contours of your back, allowing for a
more consistent load distribution. That
means better blood circulation and less
fatigue in your back muscles.
Topoflex 3D frames are engineered to
flex like your back but never “wash out.”
Unlike a system with aluminum stays
that can only flex evenly from top to
bottom, our Topoflex 3D framesheet is
engineered with three distinct zones of
flexibility. The lumbar zone is downright
springy, absorbing the shock of each
step. The mid-back zone is semi-rigid,
transferring weight evenly downward
toward the belt while allowing the perfect amount of torsional flex. The upper
zone is rigid, allowing the load lifters
to pull the whole load close to your
back. The Topoflex 3D frame can flex
but always returns to its original shape
- never deforming like aluminum stays
frequently do.
BACK PAD Many modern packs use
back pads that feature a lot of loose
pads, even “grippy” fabrics. That’s to
compensate for a poorly fitting frame.
We take a different approach. Our back
pad is smooth, like your back, so all you
feel is the cush of our dual density foam
pad evenly across the whole length of
where the pack is in contact. Our new
advective technology back pad features
gaps to allow air flow across your back,
while still transferring the load effectively
to the hips.
The foam pad is covered using a softshell stretch woven nylon fabric. This
amazingly durable, breathable stretch
fabric is the perfect “interface” between
you and your pack. The surface is
smooth and wrinkle free. The fabric is
water resistant so the foam underneath
doesn’t get soaked with moisture. The
shell fabric dries within minutes of taking
off your pack.
SHOULDER STRAPS The shoulder
straps are 3D shaped to fit the contours
around your neck and torso, as well as
the contour over your shoulder. Each
strap attaches using our Pivot Point
hardware. The Pivot Point allows the
straps to naturally cant and fit the exact
angle of your shoulder. The foam padding is not too stiff, not too soft. The
strap is constructed by stuffing the foam
inside a sewn sleeve. This method of
construction takes a bit more time than
die cutting and taping around the edge,
but we wind up with a strap that has
a really cushy edge, something you’ll
appreciate if you’ve ever suffered from
“strap rash.” The inside fabric is the
same as our back pad for all the same
reasons. Sizing and selection instructions follow.
BELTS The belt is attached using our
exclusive Pivot Point stainless steel
hardware. With this system our belts
are allowed to pivot with the natural
movement of your hips. A belt that
moves with you means it doesn’t move
against you! All of our belts except
those used on our Ultralight Packs have
a plastic exoskeleton. This rigid plastic
exoskeleton, when fitted properly, forms
a cup over your hip bone and does
a great job of transferring the load to
your hips. Our belts feature dual-density
foam and the same stuffed construction
as our shoulder straps. Check out how
our belts form a continuous wrap that
hugs your hips without leaving gaps.
Beware of a one size fits all adjustable
belt: they “fit” but not well. Read on to
get the scoop on belt sizing for men
and women.
COMPARE
If you have found this
owner’s manual while shopping, don’t
take our word on it, the best thing you
can do is a side-by-side, fully loaded
comparison of several packs at your
local dealer. You’ll be amazed at the
differences!
STEP #1. Determine Your Torso Length
To determine your torso length, measure the distance between your seventh cervical vertebra and the crest of your hipbones, using a flexible tape measure. You can
also visit your nearest Granite Gear dealer for torso sizing. Your torso length will
determine which size pack to buy: Short Torso or Regular Torso.
•
•
Stand up straight with your feet
shoulders-width apart.
Tilt your head forward and place
your hands on your hips, thumbs
to the back.
Note: Hold the line between the tip
of your index fingers and thumbs
parallel to the ground, with the
tip of your index fingers resting
on the crest of your hipbones,
and your thumbs near the center of your back.
With a flexible tape, have someone measure from the most
prominent bone at the base of
your neck to an imaginary line
drawn to connect your thumbs.
This will be your torso length.
TORSO LENGTH
•
NOTE: Follow the contours of
your back with a flexible tape to
accurately determine your torso
measurement.
•Short Torso Fits 14” to 18”
35 to 46cm
•Regular Torso Fits 18” to 22”
46 to 56cm
NOTE: Each framesheet has fine adjustment settings spaced in one inch increments to further finetune your fit. If you are an 18” torso try the short torso
first. If you measure out as a short torso, buy a short torso pack, if
you measure out as a regular torso, buy a regular torso pack. The
short torso frame will not fit in a regular torso pack body.
3
STEP #2. Measure Chest
to Determine Shoulder
Strap Length
Shoulder straps are available in four
sizes which vary in length. To avoid
bottoming out or riding up of the shoulder strap you need to measure the
circumference of your chest. The measurement should be taken just under
your arms and across your shoulder
blades. Take this measurement and
reference it to the sizing below. NOTE:
For women this measurement is measured above the fullest point of the
breast.
shoulders. Too narrow and they can rub
on your neck. All of our short torso packs
and women’s packs come setup with the
Pivot Point Bar set at the narrowest position. Regular Torso packs are setup in
the widest position for broader shoulders
and larger necks.
To determine
the width that
shoulder straps
should be set at
we recommend
you measure the
circumference of
your neck.
Shoulder Strap Width
Setting:
Narrow Wide Neck Size: <15” - <38cm
>15” - >38cm
Shoulder Strap Sizing
Men’s & Women’s
STEP #4. Determine Your
Hip Belt Size
Size:
Small Medium Large X-Large Use the size chart on page 5 and
go by your regular pant size waist
measurement. If you don’t know
this, take a measurement with a
flexible tape measure with the tape
next to your skin, around your waist.
Measure the circumference at your
hip points. Or, you can simply try on
a hip belt in the store; just be certain
to remove bulky clothing or wear
clothing suited for backpacking. A
properly sized hip belt will wrap over
your hip bones and still leave a gap
in the padding at the front.
Fits Chest Size: 27”-33” 68-84cm
34”-40” 86-102cm
40”-46” 102-117cm
46”-52” 117-132cm
STEP #3. Measure Neck to
Determine Shoulder Strap
Width (see page 9 for more details)
To help you further customize your pack
all of our Nimbus framed packs come
with our dual width pivot point attachment system. The adjustable bracket
allows you to widen or narrow your
shoulder straps. Shoulder straps set too
wide tend to pull to the outside of your
Men’s & Women’s Belts:
Belts are available in four sizes
for men and four sizes for women.
Women’s belts fit those with a higher
degree of angle in their hips, while
men’s belts fit people with very little
angle in their hips. There are times
when men’s belts fit some women
better and women’s belts fit some
men better. It all depends on the
degree of angle in the hips.
Hip Belt Sizing
Men’s & Women’s
Size:
Small Medium Large X-Large Hip
26”
30”
34”
38”
Size: to 30” 66
to 34” 76
to 38” 86
to 42” 97
men’s
to
to
to
to
76cm
86cm
97cm
107cm
women’s
What now?
Compare your recorded measurements and correlating sizes to
what is listed in both tables below.
If you need a different size belt or
shoulder strap you will have to follow the instructions for removal.
See form on back cover for return
instructions. If your torso length
or shoulder strap sizing doesn’t
match the information below follow the instructions on the pages
listed to modify for a custom fit.
• Shoulder Strap Removal to
Exchange pg.6-7
• Torso Length Adjustment pg.6-7
• Shoulder Strap Width Setting
pg.6-7
• Belt Removal to Exchange
pg.8-9
Standard Shoulder Strap Setup (What we install and ship from factory):
Pack Style
Torso
Setting
StrapSize
Pivot Point
Nimbus
Short
16”
Medium
Narrow
Nimbus
Regular
20”
Medium
Wide
Nimbus Ki (women’s)
Short
16”
Medium
Narrow
Nimbus Ki (women’s)
Regular
20”
Medium
Narrow
Standard Belt Setup (What we install and ship from factory):
Pack Style
Torso
Belt
Size
Nimbus
Short
Women’s
Medium
Nimbus
Regular
Men’s
Medium
Nimbus Ki (women’s)
Short
Women’s
Medium
Nimbus Ki (women’s)
Regular
Women’s
Large
Swapping Components and
Fine-Tuning the Fit
SWAPPING AND/OR ADJUSTING
SHOULDER STRAPS
1
Our frame cutouts allow easy access to the
shoulder strap mounting hardware. You will
need a wide flat head screwdriver on the
hardware. This process is a lot easier with
an empty pack. To adjust the torso length
only, skip to step 3. To remove the shoulder
straps, simply follow the photos below to
access the mounting hardware. See the
diagrams on the next page for adjustment
details.
3
2
Unclip the Load Lifter straps one each side.
4
6
Unthread Lower Shoulder
Strap Ladderloc - one each
side. Flip shoulder straps up.
Unthread the Arch cinch strap
from the buckle between the
shoulder straps.
5
Peel the back pad down
to expose grommets and
hardware.
Use a wide flat head screwdriver to remove hardware.
Short Torso
Regular Torso
18
22
17
21
16
20
15
19
14
18
6
7
Place SHOULDER STRAP
MOUNTING BAR under the
proper holes.
NOTE: Bar goes in from the
Match up your torso
length measurement
to the corresponding
pair of holes on this
chart.
backside of the framesheet.
Move it by grasping it
through the arrow shaped
cutout.
NOTE: Keep the foam piece
between the mounting bar and the
frame. It allows for a quieter ride.
SHOULDER STRAP MOUNTING BAR
Narrow
Simply slide into position.
Choose Width Setting
Setting:
Narrow Wide 8
Neck Size: <15” - <38cm
>15” - >38cm
Wide
Place the shoulder strap grommet hole over the shoulder strap
mounting bar post sticking through
the framesheet. Mount shoulder
strap screws into the threaded
studs. Note: Be sure the lift handle between the shoulder straps
is not twisted. There is a left and
right strap. Be sure they match
the diagram when mounted.
7
Hip Belt Features and Compatibility
ULTRALIGHT BELT
The Ultralight Belt is standard equipment on our award winning Ultralight packs.
This belt is a “soft” belt, it has no plastic exoskeleton like our other belts. It is
lighter and more comfortable when carrying smaller loads of 40 pounds or less.
Although it is our simplest interchangeable belt, it still boasts the Pivot Point connection, hip stabilizers, dual density foam and Stretch Woven Fabric. The Ultralight
Belt is compatible with any Nimbus pack for those opting for more flexibility and
lighter loads.
LIGHT BELT
All the features of the Ultralight Pack Belt plus a Plastic exoskeleton that adds
load bearing support. The high density plastic forms a wishbone shape that cups
around your hip bone. When fit properly this exoskeleton helps to keep the belt
positioned right where it needs to be to transfer the weight to your hips. This
belt is standard equipment on all the Light Packs including the Nimbus Access
FZ 3800, the Stratus Latitude and the Nimbus Latitude Ki, as well as our deluxe
portage pack, the Nimbus Great Northern. It is also compatible with any other
Nimbus packs.
Swapping Components and Fine-Tuning the Fit
SWAPPING THE HIP BELT
It is not necessary to remove the framesheet from the pack to swap the hip belt.
This process is a lot easier with an empty pack. Our Power Hook system allows
easy access to the mounting hardware. You will use a wide flat head screwdriver on
the hardware. When remounting the hip belt make sure it is right side up and arcing
upward.
1
Undo Hip Stabilizer
straps from sides of
belt. One each side.
8
2
3
4
With Hip Stabilizer straps undone you can now slide the belt out
on one side to access the pivot point bolt.
Use a wide flat head screwdriver to remove mounting screw.
With screw removed you can now slide belt out of pack
body.
The belt should now be free of the
pack. Be sure to thread the screw
back into frame for safekeeping if
you are sending your belt out for an
exchange.
NOTE: Follow steps 1-4 in reverse,
4-1 after belt is swapped to reattach
hipbelt.
9
Removing The Framesheet
From Pack Body
You should not remove the framesheet
from the pack for size adjusting, componet swapping or under normal circumstances. You may want to remove it for
cleaning or repairs.
NOTE: Removing the framesheet is
much easier when the pack is completely empty. Leave the shoulder straps
attached to the framesheet until it is
removed.
10
1
Undo Hip Stabilizer straps from
sides of belt. One each side.
2
With Hip Stabilizer straps undone you can now slide the belt out on
one side and flip the pack over to access the pivot point screw.
3
Use a wide flat head screwdriver to remove mounting screw. With
screw removed you can now slide belt out of pack body.
5
4
Unthread Lower Shoulder
Strap Ladderloc - one each
side. Flip shoulder straps up.
6
Unclip the Load Lifter straps one each side.
7
Unthread the Arch cinch strap
from the buckle between the
shoulder straps.
For packs with lids unclip the
lid from the framesheet - one
each side.
8
It is easier to remove the
frame if you slide the tail out
of the bottom a little.
9
10
Slide the other corner of the
frame out. Now, you should
be able to pull the frame and
straps from the pack body.
11
With the tail of the frame out
sliding the top of the frame
out is much easier.
Frame removed from
pack body.If you cannot remove frame be
sure you disconnected
all of the straps listed.
11
Inserting The Framesheet Back Into The Pack
1
Reinserting the framesheet in the pack body is much easier
when the pack is completely empty.
Slide the frame into the pack
body with straps facing out.
Push the tail out of the bottom of the pack.
With the tail of the frame out
sliding the top of the frame
into it’s sleeve is easier.
2
Make sure the framesheet is fully inserted into pack body. The top of
the frame should be in the headroom sleeve.Turn over pack so it’s
resting on the harness (shoulder straps). Now reattach the hipbelt.
3
With framesheet inserted and hipbelt reattached you can now reattach
all straps. See steps 1 and 4-7 on the previous page.
How Do I Put On & Take Off My Loaded Pack?
PUTTING THE PACK ON
Step 1 - Grab the HAUL LOOP between the shoulder straps with your palm up.
Step 2 - Lift pack up onto your knee.
Step 3 - With knees bent, slide one arm through a SHOULDER STRAP and glide
the pack onto your back using your other arm to lift on bottom of pack.
PROCESS FOR TIGHTENING ALL STRAPS
Tighten all straps in the order below.
NOTE: Get to know these straps well. It will make this process second nature.
Step 1 - Buckle HIP BELT.
Step 2 - Buckle STERNUM STRAP and don’t cinch too tight.
Step 3 - Tighten up HIP BELT until it is good and snug around hips.
Step 4 - Snug down the webbing that goes through the ladderlocs at the lower part
of the SHOULDER STRAPS.
Step 5 - Snug down STERNUM STRAP (do not over tighten; shoulder strap should
curve slightly around outside of breast).
Step 6 - Reach up with both hands over shoulders. Grab LOAD LIFTER straps and
pull down to snug them up.
Step 7 - Snug down HIP STABILIZER STRAPS.
NOTE: When you want your HIP BELT to pivot more easily to allow for your hips to rotate (such as
they do when climbing a steep grade), loosen the HIP STABILIZER STRAPS slightly.
TAKING THE PACK OFF
Step 1 - Slightly loosen LOAD LIFTER STRAPS.
Step 2 - Slightly loosen HIP STABILIZER STRAPS.
Step 3 - Slightly loosen SHOULDER STRAPS.
Step 4 - Undo HIP BELT.
Step 5 - Remove right or left arm from under SHOULDER STRAP and slide pack
around to your front and on to the opposing knee. Grab hold of the HAUL LOOP
located between the SHOULDER STRAPS to lower the pack to the ground.
NOTE: Be sure to loosen all straps (as noted above) when you take off your pack. The next time
you put on your pack, follow the process for tightening all straps. Following this process for strap
tightening will ensure a proper fit each time. It is important to keep the load lifters loose, until the
final step when they are snugged down to stabilize the pack.
How Should My Pack Feel When Properly Fitted?
What you will notice immediately with our packs is amazing comfort. The load is
evenly distributed over your back and onto your hips. You have plenty of room to
tilt your head back and look up. The fit feels like it was made custom for your
body. The ride is very well cushioned and stable. The pack feels in tune with
your natural body motion and shape. And finally, the ride is stable; no swaying or
sagging, and you can totally control the load. After you’ve been on the trail for a
day, you will appreciate this pack even more! Your back muscles should still feel
good, you shouldn’t have any hot spots, and you should have a minimum amount
of hipbone fatigue.
13
Backpack Accessories
To help you further customize and expand the options of your pack, we offer a complete
line of backpack specific accessories to tailor to your needs. We also provide a thorough
line of packing systems to organize the contents of your pack.To find more details about
these products visit us online at www.granitegear.com
Shoulder Strap
Pockets
Keep those goodies close by. The
shoulder strap pocket
is ideal for GPS
units, iPods, or some
snacks. Adjustablility
allows flexible fitting.
Pack Pockets
Just can’t seem to get everything you need
in your pack? Perhaps there are some essentials you need handy external to your
pack. Add volume and stay organized with
these external pack pockets.
Cloud Cover
An ultralight pack fly in smaller sizes for
ultralight packs and day packs. Made from
30-D Sil Cordura® Nylon Ripstop.
14
Belt Pockets
The belt pocket is
great to keep your
small digital camera,
GPS, or other
essential goodies
nearby.
Armored Pockets
Armored Pockets also allow you to lash
your gear externally but provide better protection with a layer of foam padding. Add
volume and protect fragile items with these
external armored pockets.
Storm Cell Rain Cover
We chose a light 70 denier Rip-Stop nylon
fabric for our rain covers and designed
them to securely attach to the pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning a Granite Gear Product
The care for all of our sewn items is
basically the same: hand wash in cool
water with a mild detergent, rinse really
well and air dry in a shaded location.
Remove the framesheet, belt and shoulder straps from internal frame packs before washing. Sacks and packs will dry
quicker if you turn them inside out part
way through the drying process.
Decals
We’ll be happy to send you a couple
of our logo decals for your water bottle, bumper, helmet, etc. Just send a
stamped, self addressed envelope to
the address below and we’ll mail some
out:
Granite Gear Sticker Request
PO Box 278
Two Harbors, MN 55616
Finding a Granite Gear Retailer
If you are in the US or Canada, our dealer locator function (available online) will
help you find someone that stocks the
items you’re interested in. Simply visit
the webpage of the product and click on
the “where to buy” button. Enter your zip
or postal code on the next screen and a
list of nearby dealers who have ordered
the product from us recently will appear.
Information about some of our online retailers will also be listed.
Pack Components
We make a variety of men’s and women’s hipbelts for our backpacks and
several shoulder strap options. Pack
dealers who stock different sizes in
pack components can be identified by
the “Gold Star Pack Dealer” designation
on our website. If you can’t find a dealer
near you who has the components you
need, we will trade out your unused belt
or shoulder straps with you. Use the
form on the back of manual for swapping components.
Warranty Returns and Repairs
If you believe you have a product that
is defective in materials or workmanship, you can return it to us for warranty
evaluation. We will repair or replace it,
or, if we find that the item is not defective, provide estimate of the repair cost.
It is not necessary to provide proof of
purchase.
Repairs of items with problems due to
normal wear and tear, damage from accidents or misuse will be repaired at a
reasonable cost.
Please send your product to us in a
clean condition (see cleaning instructions). It should go to this address:
Granite Gear Returns Department
PO Box 278
2312 - 10th Street
Two Harbors, MN 55616
We strongly encourage you to use a
shipping method that provides delivery
confirmation and\or tracking.
Enclose this information:
•Your name
•Shipping address
•Phone number at which you can be
reached during the day
•Email address
•Brief description of the problem and
how it occurred.
15
GRANITE GEAR COMPONENT EXCHANGE FORM
Many Granite Gear pack dealers stock
various sizes of belts and shoulder straps
or can special order them. Please check
with your local dealer to get the right
belt or shoulder strap. If a dealer is not
available, you can exchange your unused
components with us directly. Please
use the form below. Allow 2-3 weeks for
processing. Instructions:
1) Send the components to us with this
completed form enclosed, prepaid. - Granite Gear will not accept COD shipments.
Send components to:
Granite Gear
2312 10th St., PO Box 278
Two Harbors, MN. 55616
2) On the outside of
the package, please write “belt/strap
exchange”.
3) Include a Credit Card number or a
check payable to Granite Gear in the
amount of $9.00 to cover return shipping.
(Shoulder Strap Mounting Bar shipped
alone $4.00)
Name
Street
City
State
Zip
Daytime Phone
Credit Card #
Visa, Mastercard or American Experss
Exp. Date
E-mail
My Pack Model Name:
What I’m Sending Granite Gear: (circle all that apply)
Men’s Hip Belt
SM
MD
LG
XL
Women’s Hip Belt
SM
MD
LG
XL
Shoulder Straps
SM
MD
LG
XL
What I would like Granite Gear to send me: (circle all that apply)
Men’s Hip Belt
SM
MD
LG
XL*
Women’s Hip Belt
SM
MD
LG
XL*
Shoulder Straps
SM
MD
LG
XL*