The “ two‑track ventilated suspension system ” is HANCHOR’s primary carrying design for outdoor packs. It features integrated shoulder straps extending along two tracks down the back, a waist belt through the lower end of the tracks, and three removable aluminum stays—two vertical and one horizontal. These stays are sewn into the main back panel to create a lightweight yet sturdy system that rotates naturally with your torso.
The vertical and horizontal stays are removable, allowing you to customize or adjust the bend before use to better fit your body—significantly improving carrying comfort. If you haven’t shaped your pack’s aluminum stays yet, follow this guide to do it yourself:
(1) Remove the stays
Pull out the two vertical and one horizontal aluminum stays from inside the pack.
If your pack has the two‑track system, you’ll find a flap inside (demonstrated here with the XENO River Climbing Backpack ) under which the stays are stored.
Peel open the Velcro holding the stays and pull them out using firm, steady force. The seams at the webbing openings are reinforced, so durability is sufficient.
After peeling, the two vertical stays will appear—just pull them out.
Once the vertical stays are removed, detach the horizontal one, which is Velcro‑secured.
(2) Bend the stays
Shape the stays to fit your torso’s natural curve.
The horizontal stay is simple: bend it to match the arc of your upper back (as shown in the top‑right illustration).
The vertical stays require more personalization—bend them slowly and test‑fit repeatedly to find the ideal curve.
The aluminum offers strong support yet remains flexible enough for fine adjustments (but avoid folding it sharply).
After shaping the first vertical stay, use it as a reference to bend the second to the same shape.
Result: stays form a gentle, micro‑S shape matching the small of your back and torso curve.
(3) Reinstall the stays
Replace in reverse of removal: reinstall the horizontal stay first, then the vertical stays.
The curved horizontal stay should be Velcro‑secured first on both sides, then press the middle section into place with one hand from behind the pack.
Next, slide the vertical stays back into their webbing channels, ensuring the curved shape matches your back—otherwise your shaping effort is wasted.
As you close the internal flap, make sure the stays also pass through the small webbing tunnel in the flap—this prevents them from shifting or poking through under load.
Finally, press down evenly to secure the flap and complete your customized suspension system—ready for a perfectly fitting outdoor pack!
Three Key Reminders:
1. Ensure each stay passes fully through its channel.
2. Do not reverse the stays’ orientation.
3. Avoid sitting on the pack—it may alter the stays’ bend.
