Putting a rucksack on
 |
Never raise rucksack from the ground and then onto the shoulder
when your knees are extended. First raise the rucksack with the
carrying grip, and slip into one shoulder strap and then into the
other. If you can't raise the rucksack, you can lift it onto your
thigh and then bring it into carrying position.
|
Fitting a rucksack
  
To properly fit a rucksack, it must be loaded and all the straps must
initially be loosened. The order in which the belts and straps are
tightened is important: (2) Always start with the hip belt, then the
shoulder straps, and then the positioning adjustment straps. Approximately
the middle of the hip belt should close around the hip bones. (3)
Then tighten the shoulder straps. The padding should be snug against
the shoulders. But do not make them too tight as this shifts the load
too far away from the hips and onto the shoulders. (4) The position
adjustment straps (on the shoulder straps) must be attached in the
area of the collar bone. By slightly tightening them, the rucksack
is positioned on the back. Make sure the shoulder straps lay clean
and snug to the shoulders. The length of the back is correct if the
position adjustment straps are adjusted between 20° and 30°
to the horizontal. For anything less than 20° you should select
a longer back and for anything more than 30° a shorter back. (5)
The sternum strap between the shoulder straps relieves the shoulder
joints of loads (important when climbing, skiing and hiking).
Packing
The closer heavy objects are to the body, the easier it is to put
a rucksack on and to balance it while carrying. Heavy objects should
be placed over lighter objects at shoulder height. Only the basic
necessities should be carried on the outside, but a variety of our
rucksacks provide practical attachment possibilities for attaching
things to the side, such as tent poles. A sleeping bag belongs in
the bottom compartment. Stuff sacks keep everything organized for
stowing in the main compartment or side pockets.
Sternum strap
The anatomically-designed S-shaped shoulder straps from TATONKA provide
improved freedom of movement and thus relieve neck muscles. The height-adjustable
sternum strap on TATONKA rucksacks improve freedom of movement; for
example while skiing or climbing, the sternum strap stabilizes the
shoulder straps and prevents the rucksack from slipping from the shoulders.
Adjusting the shoulder straps
 
 
You can regulate the length of the shoulder straps by adjusting them on the back carrying system. When doing so, it is important that the S-shaped contour of the straps relieve loads to the neck muscels. You can remove the shoulder straps from the rucksack by opening the outer Velcro straps and the inner wooly strap. Then both straps must be completely unthreaded from the guide system. When you do this, first note their top position. The shoulder straps are lengthened by placing them higher up, and shortened by placing them at a lower position. Then establish the new higher position and thread the wooly strap through the guide system. Thread in the three cross straps beneath the Velcro strap. Now engage the shoulder straps in the correct position. Finally, close the wooly strap and the Velcro strap and try out the new shoulder strap position.
Rain cover
On its rucksacks, TATONKA uses water-resistant coated quality materials,
chiefly Cordura® , in order to provide protection for the contents
in case of cloudbursts. However, in case of longer heavy rains an
additional rain cover is required (and is available as an accessory
from the TATONKA range of products). These rain covers are available
for any rucksack size and also protect your rucksack from dirt as
well as wear-and-tear.
Cleaning rucksacks
Because of their PU padding and other materials used in rucksack construction,
rucksacks cannot be washed in a washing machine. To clean a rucksack,
dry-brush it and wipe clean with a moist cloth. Do not use caustic
detergents.
Replacement parts
Buckles are critical elements of a rucksack. If you decide not to
take along TATONKA's Outdoor Repair Kit, you should take replacement
buckles for the shoulder straps and hip belt.
|