One Planet and Aarn, a match made in heaven?

[axel]

Hi all, a year or so back I decided that my One Planet Tasman was a bit ridiculous for hiking and that a smaller, lighter and less complicated pack was required. I looked at all the usual suspects, Macpac, Black Wolf, Crapmandu etc, etc but I just couldn't go past the quality of another O/P, the Mungo in this case. I stopped into Backpacking Light in Melbourne and saw the Aarn packs and was pretty impressed by the concept, but not so much the execution. I felt that the construction of the packs was nowhere near that of O/P and there were straps EVERYWHERE. I suppose I was in hindsight a bit weirded out by the feeling of the FloMo shoulder straps too. However, I did keep thinking about those balance pockets...

So I decided to buy a couple of the Expedition balance pockets as the guys had an older style Aarn waistbelt buckle with the slots for the pocket prongs that would fit straight onto my Mungo. When I got home and fitted the two together I realised that with my 60L pack the 18L Expedition pockets were too much and the smaller Sport pockets would be more suitable.

I have found that the addition of the balance pockets have the following advantages:

1. The first is the noticeable change in centre of gravity, leading to a more relaxed and upright walking position. I find I spend more time looking at the scenery, glancing down to the track to see where I am going, rather than the other way around.

2. The convenience of having not only water and snacks immediately accessible, but having a spot for gloves and hat, sunscreen, camera, compass etc, etc etc.

3. Once at camp, the balance pockets can be detached and connected together with some basic shoulder straps (included when you buy them) to make a really useful daypack.

The pockets do not in any way impede my movement or vision and sit away from the body for airflow. I have noticed some questions on on other threads about suitability for women who are well endowed in the chest area, I can only say that the frame in the pockets is bendable to suit your shape as per a normal pack's integral frame.

Please see the following snaps taken on my girlfriend's mannequin. Please note that the pack is a long back length and mannequins do not actually have human proportions, that's why the pack looks a little ill-fitting.

[axel]

A few more details:

The balance pockets frames drop into the 'holsters' each side of the hip belt buckle:

The bottom of the pocket's frames:

The top of the pockets attach natively to the standard webbing of the shoulder straps, ensure you attach the clip ABOVE the original sternum strap so the pockets can move when you bend forward:

Crossing the sternum straps in an X gives a better control of movement:

So the pockets stay where they should and don't obstruct the view of your feet, shock cord holdbacks are connected to the side of the hip belt. I found a couple of small hooks at Backpacking Light, but a couple of dodgy carabiners will do:

[Macca81]

Im a bit weirded out by that mannequin...


Otherwise, great idea and it look great!

[ULWalkingPhil]

Great job on the front pockets.

I think you need a bit of sun, then I realized when I clicked on image it's a mannequin.

[andrewbish]

Hi Axel

Interesting.

Are you getting a total of 18lt from the two bags?

How much do they weigh?

What was the $$?

[ILUVSWTAS]

Where did you get that mannequin?

[axel]

The Aarn pockets are the 6L (each) Sport versions not the 9L Exped pockets. I originally bought the Expeds but they just had too much capacity for what I needed. Price-wise, I think I bought them on sale at Backpacking Light at about $70 from memory but that was a while ago. Weight I couldn't tell you exactly, but it's negligible in my opinion. The Aarn website would have that info. As for the mannequin, my girlfriend bought it on ebay, do you want it ILUVSWTAS?

I also have a few more pics from another O/P pack, the Umbra that I bought to setup with the system that I'll put up a bit later if you guys are interested.

Here are a couple of pics of the Mungo/Aarn in action:

[ULWalkingPhil]

They make excellent arm rests.

[ILUVSWTAS]

As for the mannequin, my girlfriend bought it on ebay, do you want it ILUVSWTAS?

Haha my ex has wanted one for years!!

[Gusto]

Looks great.

I hope to do something similar soon with my WE pack. I have the expedition pockets (18L). They won't be too big when paired with the size of my pack.(100L!!!)

[Greenie]

What a great idea!

Gusto what WE pack did you have? I would like to do the same with the Photo pockets

[axel]

118L, are you doing 6 months at a time Gusto?!!

Here are a couple more with a smaller 45L One Planet Umbra with the same setup. I will be selling this pack in the classified section.

[andrewbish]

I might be interested....if you include the mannequin

[Bluegum Mic]

Hmm. I have the OP shadow and would really like to give this a go. My local store has aarn packs and the front backs. Is there a difference between the older buckle and a new one. Im hoping they can order me one. I might pop by the store this arvo.

[axel]

Bluegum Mic, Aarn has quite a few designs and ways of doing the connections. Unfortunately because they change so frequently, I couldn't comment on how they are different. One option that I don't believe would cost too much would be to go and see a local tarp maker or sail maker and get a couple of the little holsters made and attached to your existing OP buckle. Or contact Aarn directly and ask if he has any spare ones floating about.

Good luck with it,

Axel.

[Nuts]

OK, i take it back, I agree Phil, they can look 'funny' lol.. Makes sense for heavier packing though.