The photo at left shows the Macpac Cascade with the model's hand to show the thickness of the shoulder strap padding. The Cascade features a contoured harness, padded backpanel, adjustable torso length, and a reinforced hipbelt. Torsion Bars at the bottom of the pack attach to the sides of the hipbelt to improve load transfer. The torso length of the pack can be changed to fit different users by adjusting two straps at the bottom of the pack.

For additional photos of the Macpac Cascade suspension, click here.

The Macpac Cascade features a large floating lid with two zippered pockets and four attachment buckles which can be used to fasten additional gear to the outside of the lid. The front of the pack has two ice axe loops and holders, one of which is adjustable to fit smaller diameter items. Two compression straps on each side of the Cascade help to cinch down the pack, and can also be used to secure gear to the outside of the main compartment.

For additional photos of the Macpac Cascade exterior features, click here.

The Macpac Cascade features a lid with two zippered pockets, a large main compartment, and a front panel pocket with a compression strap. The larger lid pocket has a key clip (shown by red arrow in photo at left). The main compartment includes a zippered divider that can be used to separate the lower sleeping bag compartment if desired.

For additional photos of the Macpac Cascade compartments, click here.

• Twin compartment sac
• Extendable lid
• Three exterior pockets
• Base compression straps
• Base pockets combine with side straps to carry tent poles
• Ice axe / walking pole loop

Your spine is made up of two curves that form an S shape. These two curves bend and flex like a spring to absorb shock and help you move and balance. When you place a heavy pack on your back the weight pulls you backward, changing your center of balance. To counteract this backward pull you bend forward to correct your center of balance. As you bend forward, the S shape in your spine changes to a less efficient crane shape. As a result:

• Your muscles now need to work harder to absorb shock
• You tire more quickly
• You find it difficult to balance as you walk
• You're susceptible to injury

By transferring the load weight from your spine to the front of your hips you correct your center of balance and place the weight on a more efficient load-bearing surface. You will now be able to stand upright and maintain the ideal S shape in your spine, while taking pressure off your back and shoulder muscles.

All of Macpac's medium to large packs use frame bars to transfer the weight from the top to the base of your spine, where it is then dispersed through the hip belt over your entire hip area. When your pack gets very heavy (44lbs+), transferring the weight needs to be handled differently to achieve comfort. The Quantum Harness uses a combination of unique design structures to achieve effective weight transfer when your pack load is very heavy (44lbs+).