THE JET PACK™ and STEALTH PACK™

CONGRATULATIONS on purchasing one of the sleekest, body hugging climbing packs ever made. We have designed The Jet Pack and Stealth Pack to be worn while climbing at or near your "standard" allowing you to go fast , climb hard and save precious time while making Grade V's (or VI's) in a day possible. Both packs are great for other activities too - like skiing, mountain biking, trail running and ultra-light fast packing. Of course, you will want to be seen with your JET PACK at the crags as well.

FITTING YOUR MOUNTAIN TOOLS JET PACK™

As with any "soft" pack, fitting is very important. This is why we make the JET and STEALTH in two different back lengths. For best performance, your selection of either a regular r tall JET or STEALTH should be based primarily on the length of your back (or height) and the amount f gear you intend to carry. The regular has a back panel length of 20" and the large has a length of 21 1/2". Generally climbers who are taller than 5'8" should choose the "tall" JET PACK or STEALTH PACK for all around use and those under 5'8" will climb their best with the "regular" size.

PACKING YOUR JET and STEALTH PACKS

Your JET PACK needs to be packed a bit differently than "top loading crag sacks" in order obtain maximum performance. To help matters of access and organization, we have provided special purpose internal compartments. The small upper pocket is intended for keys, wallet, sunscreen and other personal items. You can carry your topo here, but it is much more instantly accessible if stuffed into one of your socks. The larger, lower pocket is sized to hold your wind shirt or rain gear, balacava and fingerless gloves. Soft items here help pad the pack (and its contents) so you won't need to slow down in chimneys - like on the NW Face on Half Dome or the Steck-Salathe on Sentinel. If your cragging, this pocket is perfect for your guide book - you can slip it in and out without dumping out all your hardware.

Inside the STEALTH there is a center divider that maintains the packs low profile and controls the load, yet can be easily zipped out to cram most of your gear in for the descent. Along the top edge of the divider is a quick draw pocket for energy bars or a pair of sunglasses. Pack in the reverse order of your anticipated need - micro headlight and bivy matches on the bottom. Most everything is accessible via the long curved zip... try saving time by having your partner fish out gear at the belay rather than take the STEALTH off. Repeat.

Climber's and other athletes can't perform well without regular hydration. Sipping a little bit every few minutes while moving is more efficient for keeping your energy up and retaining fluids rather than guzzling at the belay and needing to "look for a bush" moments later. We recommend inserting a Platypus or Camelbak water bag into the pack flat against your back, close to your center of gravity. In the winter, your body heat will keep it from freezing (make sure you use an insulated delivery tube). Up to a gallon can be carried this way in the JET and 2 quarts in the STEALTH with plenty room for your essentials.

The main compartment can be used for the balance of your rain gear, food, (energy bars) "off pitch" hardware, etc. It best packed, while the pack is lying flat (rather than upright). After all the contents are in, you can adjust the compression straps gently to shape the pack and reduce it's volume. Over tightening the compression straps will distort the shape of the pack and compromise the fit. If your cragging, lining the bottom of the pack with a sweater or runners before dumping your rack in will give the pack a more conforming soft profile and a better carry.

For long approaches the rope can be lashed to the top of the pack and held in place with the upper compression straps. Harnesses, boots and other stuff can be clipped to the daisy chain strips on the rear of the pack. Obviously this stuff will be removed before you start climbing.

ADJUSTMENTS

After putting your JET or STEALTH PACK on, adjust the shoulder straps so that the top edge of the pack rides comfortably on the curve of your shoulder. The stabilizing belt should be used all the time, because it helps the pack "wrap" around your bod. It should be positioned above your harness so you have access to your belay/rappel device. (we don't usually take our JET off at belays - lead in "blocks" for speed and concentration). The sternum strap helps your shoulders from being pulled backwards and should be used as much as possible. It adjusts up and down for your comfort.

The gear rack positioning is more of a personal preference. Mounting the racks higher in the rear make them feel more like regular "over-the-shoulder" slings. For steep ice I prefer them mounted lower, so that the hardware hangs more to the rear, out of the way. These are easily removed for hiking and mountain biking and can be stashed in the lower pocket.

Please contact us if you need assistance in fitting your pack, have any questions or product input. As always your thoughts and ideas are important to us.


MOUNTAIN TOOLS
PO BOX 22788 CARMEL, CA 93922 831 620-0911