Backpack side straps

While I do like easy-to-operate side straps to effectively keep the load close to my body, I have always felt that a Jam/Pinnacle packed to the brim is already at its maximum comfort load (or above that). Plus, I think it makes more sense to use a large enough backpack in the first place. The only thing I ever strap outside is a bulky foam pad, but I rarely bring those anymore…

I was thinking about this, too, when I was talking to Joe at ZPacks about potential Arc Haul customizations. I really like the side straps on my Golite Jam 35, but that's mainly because I use it as an everyday bag and carry my CCF pad around to take naps. ;) For my Arc Haul, I'm still deciding what the benefits are for me, if any, over the stock dyneema cord compression.

I had Ron at Mountain Laurel Designs add side straps to my Burn and it's been great. Using side straps is a convenience factor for me, it doesn't mean I overload my pack. I like my sit pad to be easily accessible and my fly rod tube is perfect on the side of my pack. When not in use, they work really well as compression straps (I had Ron put 3 straps on each side). I can also stretch my load to 7 days in the Burn by off-loading my tent to the outside of the pack (more room for food inside the pack). In the image below, I have my sit pad and my tent poles strapped to the side of my pack.

For my Arc Haul, I'm still deciding what the benefits are for me, if any, over the stock dyneema cord compression. With 60l capacity there isn't a whole lot of stuff that won't fit inside the pack. I never used the side compression straps on my Arc Blast so I removed them. I'm leaving them on the Arc Haul because they actually are needed to reduce volume (keeping the load closer to my back), and in my preliminary test packing and test walks the stock set-up works plenty well for me. I use a wider CCF pad in the winter and plan to use the front-panel shock cords to attach it vertically so it doesn't snag on tree limbs. But looking at that first photo, I agree with the observation that perhaps a larger pack is needed if that much stuff must be strapped to the outside.

More expensive. More likely to break (male end). Longer which makes for less compression distance in same space (rarely relevant for pure backpacking).

Thanks, Bob. You're just a well of knowledge concerning the Arc Haul. My specific situation is that I plan on using a "Solar Paper" solar panel charger I picked up on Kickstarter (4 oz for a solar charger that will charge my iPhone, on a clear day, as fast as a wall outlet) and have that hang off the front/top of my bag. That being the case, I don't think strapping my CCF pad to the front will work for me. Maybe I'll try stuffing it into the main body compartment itself? Hard to say without the bag in front of me! :p Edit: I'm moving off topic, so don't mind me. I just saw David's post about less compression in the same space and that's a perspective I didn't realize!

"Plus, I think it makes more sense to use a large enough backpack in the first place. The only thing I ever strap outside is a bulky foam pad, but I rarely bring those anymore…" A packraft inside a pack is undesirable, since it tends to be dripping wet and dirty. Same for PFD and paddles. The CCF pad of course is another example (handy to have on the outside).

"I use a wider CCF pad in the winter and plan to use the front-panel shock cords to attach it vertically so it doesn't snag on tree limbs." I used to do the same, before I had the Jam 50 :) It works, but it's a hassle. Why not just have unclippable side straps (functional) instead of cord (I don't think I ever really compress a pack). There's always something to hang on the outside. No point in posting pictures, but on pure backpacking trips I often carry a substantial tripod under the side straps. Much easier to get in and out if the straps disconnect fully.

I guess the answer we get from this thread so far is that it depends on the person's usage and needs. It's interesting to see everyone's perspectives on this because we all backpack differently (as in our methodology and garnered experiences) and have found certain qualities to work better in a bag than others!

I'd like to have them on any pack that I might be packing snowshoes, one on each side is the best way I've found to carry snowshoes- I carried them on the front of the pack for the Bob Open last year and didn't like the way they carried.