FOG HORN

CamelBaks Linchpin- An
Outstanding Assault Pack & Hydration System.

2012
Twobirds Flying Publication

By: Sal Palma The process begins by placing the lumbar pad at the small of your back.

If youre looking for a light, self-organizing, comfortable pack with an integrated hydration system, look no further than CamelBaks latest addition to their military line of backpacks, the Linchpin. CambelBaks Linchpin features the Futura Harness by Mystery Ranch, and it will let you load up a 1 bedroom apartment yet feel like youre carrying a change of underwear. Although compartmentalization is important for organizing your load, what makes the Linchpin such a stellar performer is Mystery Ranchs adjustable yoke system, which makes it possible to customize the packs fit to any body type with or without armor plate carrier. It takes a small amount of time, and help from a team member to adjust it properly but its time well spent.

With the lumbar pad resting in the small of your back, your next step is to adjust the Futura Yoke. This is a fine-tuning that varies with body type and with armor or without. The Futura Yoke consists of the harness and yoke attachment; the entire assembly telescopes in or out of the pack. Its secured to the pack with hook and loop fasteners found in the Yoke pocket. To make the adjustment, you need to use the frame sheet adjuster. This is a polymer sheet stored in a dedicated pocket on the Yoke assembly.

Copyright 2012, Towbirds Flying Publication. All Rights Reserved.

CamelBak Linchpin

2012
the lowest point of the bag, which is where you want them for accessibility and weight distribution on to the hips.

Sliding the frame sheet adjuster between the Yoke and the pack will defeat the hook and loop attachment points and allow you to easily move the Yoke in or out to properly fit the pack to your back. If youve done all this correctly, the point on the harness where the shoulder pad attaches to the yoke will be at the top of your shoulders. Next tighten the shoulder straps. Your final step in the process is to tighten the load lifters so that the pack comes into the back youre done! CamelBak and Mystery Ranch recommend that fitting of the pack be done with a load. I tried it with and without a load and found it a non-issue. The fit worked equally well. I cant say enough good things about this loadbearing system in terms of flexibility and how well it distributes the load along your back. I ended up loading the pack, including a full hydration bladder, to roughly 30 lbs. The pack remained stable with no back stress. Weight was very well distributed along the back with no noticeable pressure points. If youre out there pounding the weeds youll love it! CamelBak designed the Linchpin as an assault pack so there are two 3 x 30 M4 magazine pouches port and starboard for a total of six magazines. These sit outboard at

The Linchpin has an advertised cargo space of 1800 cubic inches laid out with a main cargo compartment and a number of other pockets.

The main compartment is quite large and will accommodate all sorts of equipment including communications gear. CamelBak included antenna ports on both sides of the compartment as well as tie down points to secure any equipment carried.

Copyright 2012, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

CamelBak Linchpin

2012

Moving down the pack, there is a smaller outer pocket for medical supplies, goggles or any items you may need to access quickly.

The organizer pocket is something to love. Speaking strictly in the vernacular it will keep your shit straight. You can organize maps, Write-In-The-Rain pads, pens, pencils, calculators, smartphone right there where you can find them. CamelBak incorporated a 102oz (3.1L) reservoir with an easy to fill and clean widemouth OMEGA opening. Other features include Big Bite Valve, HydroLink Exit Port and Drink Port, and the HydroLock one-handed flow control.

CamelBak has included a large, open, overflow pocket that you can use for your ACH, tablet PC or additional communications gear.

Copyright 2012, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved

CamelBak Linchpin

2012

Last but not least and especially important in military application, the pack is neat with no lose ends allowed. You wont have webbing flapping around in the breeze and if your pack is not quite full, you can use side compression straps to keep everything close to your body and secure. The superb loadbearing system, compartmentalization, hydration, features and quality of construction make CamelBaks Linchpin must have kit. Absolutely nothing has been left to chance.

-SP

Manufacturer Specifications Hydration Capacity: 102 oz (3.1 L) Cargo Volume: 1800 cu in (29.5 L) Total Volume: 1984 cu in (32.5 L) CamelBak Got Your Bak Guarantee: If we built it, we'll Bak it with our lifetime guarantee Reservoir Features: Easy-to-fill and clean wide-mouth OMEGA opening, rugged and durable Water Beast material, leak-proof screw-cap, insulated PureFlow tube, patented Big Bite Valve, HydroLink Exit Port and Drink Port, HydroLock one-handed flow control Additional Features: Futura Harness by Mystery Ranch provides a custom fit, External side pockets carry three M16 magazines each, Radio equipment compatible with two lash points and dual antennae ports, Overflow compartment provides easy access to gear, Lightweight, durable 500D Cordura Fabric Designed to Carry: Ammunition, Radio equipment

Copyright 2012, Twobirds Flying Publication, All Rights Reserved