MANUFACTURING
Stone Glacier backpacks and backpack accessories are proudly Made in the USA. Not only are the products manufactured in the USA, but all USA produced fabrics and hardware are used where available.
Other Stone Glacier products such as lifestyle gear, tents, and accessories are manufactured in various international locations carefully selected for there specific expertise in technical manufacturing.
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. The thread is a heavy duty, military grade UV resistant #92 thread. Buckles are Duraflex Berry Compliant heavy-duty military hardware. In every aspect, the most durable, technical, heavy duty materials were selected.
LOAD RATING
Stone Glacier spent over 3 years of design and field testing with loads from 70 to 150 pounds without any structural issues to accomplish their goal. Here is how they tried to break the frame...Starting with 1-inch steel plates 13 inch by 25 inch, they worked their 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, they 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 they could get it on their 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
Nitrogen infused 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. This industrial hook and loop is rated at 17 pounds per square inch, 25% greater than standard velcro. Each shoulder strap has 24 square inches of contact, for a shear strength of 408 pounds per shoulder strap equalling over 800 pounds shear strength for both shoulder straps. The ultimate in adjustability and strength. The unique X, carbon and titanium 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 inch webbing. The frame systems have revolutionized the standard of pack frame comfort and fitting ability.
