MOTHER™ '08 Web Site FAQs

Q: How do I properly put one of your packs on?

A: Most Americans come out of the womb thinking that they instinctively know how to paddle a canoe or kayak, throw a fly or shoot a shotgun, when in fact nothing could be farther from the truth. The first thing that most people do when they put on a pack - any pack - is to crank the shoulder straps down. That is sooooo not correct.

Start with all straps perfectly loose. Position the hip harness so that the top and bottom straps wrap around the bony part of your hip - your iliac crest. Then tighten the hip harness. Then adjust the shoulder straps. Then adjust the sternum strap high on your chest.

Q: What materials are your packs made of?

A: We tend towards higher tech. If you are used to the waxed cotton thing, we are the evil anti fabric of that. Most packs use Cordura branded 500D polyesters and 420 ripstop polyesters. We also use a special dying procedure that helps prevent the fading of bright colors.

Q: How do I know if my pack will fit?

A: If you are not happy, we are not happy, so you can order with total confidence. The vast majority of the public will fit into a size regular. It typically fits most people from 5'6" to 6'2", unless your legs are freakishly long or short. Thinking about buying a size up so that it fits over a heavy coat? Don't do it. Sizing is based on torso length and unless your coat is going to make you 4 inches taller you will be doing yourself a disservice.

Q: I hunt with a dog. How can I carry a transmitter?

A: We use a special split tactical webbing on our shoulder straps for just this reason, and it is on all MOTHER™ packs. It is a great place to attach transmitters, GPSs and radios. We simply use zip ties. We have a whole drawer full of holster designs for carrying communications equipment for our tactical line. But the bottom line is that nothing works better than a transmitter zip tied to your non shooting shoulder. So save yourself $20.00, use $0.02 zip ties and buy your dog an ice cream cone with the money you saved and put the rest in your tank.

Q: How come my compass is trashed after being in your shell pockets?

A: The rare earth magnets in our shell pockets are powerful enough to keep shells in place as you run through brush chasing birds. They are also powerful enough to trash your compass.

Q: How come I can't reach the game bag?

A: See "How do I properly put one of your packs on?"

Q: How does the hydration reservoir load?

A: On the harness side of most MOTHER™ packs you will find an air mesh panel that rests against your back. Towards the top is a Velcro flap. Drop the reservoir in that slot with the tube coming up from the bottom and the fill-hole facing away from your back. Feed the tube out through your non-shooting side shoulder strap. Tuck it into the split webbing to keep it secure.