BPL is selling the shoulder straps and hipbelt of the Absoraka pack seperately. Unless the 21 dollar price is for one strap (which seems rather unlikely), this is not a bad deal, and a good option for those wanting more than the quite fragile foams usually available to average folks can provide.

By looking at the product page:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/bpl_absaroka_backpack_accessories.html

it's tough to get a good feel for how these would connect. It would be nice to see some pictures of these parts by themselves.

Doesn't seem like a problem to me, just sew them to the backpanel with some grosgrain re-inforcement.

It does appear that they thread over the stay-loop of the pack, but I doubt that'd be an issue for alternate use.


Does seem like a great option for a heavier duty packstrap when you don't feel like mucking with it yourself.

I may have to try that out. I have some Dyneema X and was looking at buying the SMD straps to save some build time:

http://www.sixmoondesigns.com/packs.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage_smd.tpl&product_id=27&category_id=11

The Absaroka straps look like a nice upgrade though.

Thanks.

Using commercial straps is time-cost efficient. When I made this pack (http://vimeo.com/15764558) I seam ripped off the velcro attachment, sewed the straps to some fabric, then sewed the fabric to the pack back.

The dual density foam in the Arc'teryx straps is super nice. Way better than blue mat from Walmart.

Thanks. I was going to get a spare ULA belt to rip apart and install larger pockets, but I might do it with this BPL belt and save $.