What is the Brize 25?
Arc'teryx has always made outstanding...well, everything, but in this case their packs. However they're not that widely known for packs, hopefully, the Brize will make you change your mind! The Brize is a fully featured trekking and travel pack featuring a hydrophobic Aeroform back panel, SwiftClip bungee cords for attaching equipment and a section inside the main compartment to store a hydration bladder.
What is the brize made of?
The Brize is made from a super tough 420D Nylon outer face fabric that is not only exceptionally tough but offers excellent abrasion and weather resistance.
What is the Back System?
This fully featured pack includes a multitude of design tweaks that make it a brilliant walking, trekking and travel bag capable of carrying a heavy load efficiently and comfortably. This starts with their Aeroform back panel; a hydrophobic (water resistant) thermoformed panel which is designed to increase airflow and breathability, increase comfort and allow s the weight to sit close to your back without digging in. The padded shoulder straps increase the comfort even further and the sternum strap keeps the shoulder straps in place. A waist belt with thick straps carries most of the load and feels durable enough to take years of abuse.
What are the features?
Moving to the front of the pack, dual daisy chains with SwiftClip bungee straps (elastic loops with drawcords in English) allow you to fasten walking poles and other bits of equipment to the front of the pack. Underneath this either side are two side pockets designed to carry water bottles if you're not a hydration bladder kind of person or folded up trekking poles for more technical terrain. Two more pockets in the top-loading lid store small items such as a compass or snacks, while an internal security pocket is useful for a wallet or keys while travelling. Lastly, a sleeve inside the pack houses a hydration bladder with a tube passage that allows you to thread it through the pack and down the straps. An internal clip stops your water sloshing through the bag.
Summary
No matter the terrain, no matter your adventure, the Brize will have your back through it all and will offer you reliable durability and exceptional comfort no matter where you choose to take it.
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Super-tough 420D nylon outer fabric
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Hydration compatible
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Daisy chain bungee straps hold walking poles and equipment
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Quick access side pockets
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Zipped pocket in the front
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Two pockets in the lid
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One security pocket
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Compression straps
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Padded shoulder straps and hip belt
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Sternum strap
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Hydrophobic back panel
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.