Pack Technology and Design
Load-Shelf
A Load-Shelf is integrated into all of our frames, allowing the user to expand the bag off the frame to pack gear or meat in between the bag and the frame. This eliminates the need to put meat inside the bag and keeps the heaviest of loads more stable and closer to your back for increased comfort.
Selecting a Belt Size
Belt sizes align with average pant waist sizes. If you are on the break between sizes, we suggest ordering the larger of the two sizes. All belts will fit larger waist sizes, but not smaller than the advertised range. Below is our waist belt sizing chart for reference:
WAIST BELT SIZES
Small 28" - 30"
Medium 31"- 36"
Large 37" +>
Interchangeable bags and Frames
All past and current Stone Glacier bags and frames are interchangeable. This allows you to swap bags on and off your frame for different hunts you may have without requiring the purchase of a whole new bag and frame system. Many Stone Glacier customers own one frame with a smaller day bag, and a larger expedition-sized bag to have a system for day hunts and backpack hunts. When viewing our packs on the website, you will notice a "bag only" purchase option if this is something you are considering.
Materials
The overall goal was to build a durable load carrying pack, an ultralight pack without using ultralight materials. Stone Glacier packs are constructed of 500 denier Cordura fabric, X-Pac textiles and heavy duty webbing and buckles. X-Pac is a waterproof, USA manufactured fabric technology that has a tear strength double the military requirements for Cordura 500d and is used in the high stress, high wear areas. Cordura 500d is utilized for the main bag due to its balance of strength, flexibility, and noise reduction. All thread is heavy-duty, military-grade, and UV-resistant. Buckles are Duraflex Berry Compliant heavy-duty military hardware. In every aspect, the most durable, technical, heavy duty materials were selected.
Load-Rating
We spent over 3 years of design and field testing with loads from 70 to 150 pounds without any structural issues to accomplish our goal. Here's how we tried to break the frame...Starting with 1-inch steel plates 13” by 25”, we worked our way up to four plates in the pack. Each plate weighed about 85 pounds, 40 pounds per square foot. When it was time to add the third and fourth plate, we welded the plates together, lifted them with a crane, wrapped the Solo 3300 around the plates, and set it back down on the edge of the welding bench where we could get it on our back. The final load weight was 340 pounds with no damage, failure, or signs of stress. While the goal of testing to failure was not accomplished, the load test did prove the 150 pound plus load rating structurally conservative.
Frame Suspension
Hydrophobic foam, X-Pac fabric, Cordura 500d fabric and industrial hook and loop combine to provide a suspension with infinite adjustment and comfort. Using hook and loop for the shoulder harness attachment allows the user to not only dial in the exact height of the harness but change the angle each shoulder strap leaves the frame. The ultimate in adjustability and strength. The unique "X", carbon composite, four stay design transfers load evenly to the hip belt while offering optimum load lifter angles. The load is supported by 12 connection points to the frame via 1" webbing. Our frame systems have revolutionized the standard of pack frame comfort and fitting ability.
Hydration
All Stone Glacier packs have two ¾” tri-slides to hang our Hydro Sleeve on the inside back panel. The Hydro Sleeve can hold up to a 3-liter water bladder. Once the Hydro Sleeve is installed, simply insert your water bladder into the Hydro sleeve and run the hose out the top. Hydration hoses can then be run through the hydration port found at the top of all Stone Glacier bags and routed down either the left or right shoulder strap.
Made in the USA
All Stone Glacier packs and accessories are proudly made in the USA. Not only do we manufacture our products in the United States but where applicable we also use materials and components that are Made in the USA. Our Head Quarters shop is located in Bozeman, MT where all Stone Glacier products are assembled, inspected, packaged and shipped by Stone Glacier employees.
Need Help?
If you still have questions, please feel free to contact Stone Glacier Customer Service at 406.404.0641 or by email at info@stoneglacier.com. Our office hours are 8 am - 4 pm Monday - Friday. You can also stop by our showroom located at 608 W Griffin Dr., Unit A, Bozeman, MT 59715.