Catoma Switchblade Frameset Manuale utente
Operator’s Manual
SwitchbladeTM Frameset
Setup & Adjustments
PROTECTED BY ONE OR MORE PATENTS:
US 8678258 B1, US 10231534 B1
D815981, D630011, D833749
Learn more about Switchblade System
at www.catoma.com/gear-overview
FRAMESET FITMENT
1 Sizing Guide
COMPONENTS
3 Main Components
5 Attachment Points
MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
7 Overview
8 Frameset Removal
9 Shoulder Straps + Frame Pad
11 Pack Belt
OTHER INFORMATION
13 Wearing the Frameset
14 Care & Maintenance
CONTENTS
SwitchbladeTM Frameset
Setup & Adjustments
1Designing with the mission in mind
In order to begin fitment of your Switchblade Frameset,
you’ll need to measure your body in three areas:
1) neck, 2) torso and 3) waist.
Setting your pack to your correct torso length is crucial
to getting the pack to fit properly. If it is set up too
short, the Pack Belt will ride up your back and not
effectively transfer weight to your hips; too long and
the pack will pull back and not ride close to your body,
creating sway and discomfort.
To determine your torso length, you’ll measure the
distance between your seventh cervical vertebra (C7)
and the crest of your hipbones (L5) using a flexible
tape measure. This length will determine where to
attach the pivot point shoulder strap hardware on the
framesheet.
TO MEASURE: While measuring, be sure to stand
up straight with feet shoulders-width apart. The
process may be easier with a helper, but can be
done by yourself. Hold one end of the measuring
tape by pressing it against the back of your neck at
the most prominent bone at the base of your neck.
Hold in place and proceed. Next, with the tape in your
free hand, use your index finger to locate your lower
measurement in the center of your lower back - this
is typically near your waist line. Stop when your index
finger resting on the crest of your hipbones and record
the measurement your finger is on. On average, the
human torso is between 17”-22” inches long.
Step 1: Determine Torso length
C7
L5
Torso
Length
Average Torso 17-22”
YOUR TORSO LENGTH:
Record this measurement you’ll need it later for
adjusting the frameset - if needed.
Fitment
Sizing Guide - three step Process
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Step 2: Determine Torso width
Step 3: Measure waist Size
Step 4: Disassemble and adjust
your frameset
Neck Circumference
WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE
REGULAR 17”// WIDE 17.5” and Up
YOUR TORSO WIDTH:
Your neck circumference will determine whether you
need to attach the shoulder straps to the framesheet in
the regular or wide position. Having the shoulder straps
set up in the wrong position will cause unnecessary
discomfort and fatigue.
TO MEASURE: Start with the end of the tape measure
held to the center of your throat and measure your
neck’s circumference, with the tape passing just above
the C7 vertebrae on the back of your neck as located
in step 1. The regular width setting is for neck sizes
17” or smaller and wide is for 17.5” and larger.
Use the size chart at the bottom and go by your regular
pant size waist measurement. If you don’t know this,
take a measurement with a flexible tape measure with
the tape next to your skin, around your waist. Measure
the circumference at your hip points. Or, you can
simply try on a hip belt if you have access to both sizes
of belts.
A properly sized hip belt will wrap over your hip bones,
extend past your hip points, and still leave a gap in the
padding at the front. NOTE: Pack Belt is offered in
two sizes, initial issue of the pack will be with a
regular belt - for a large belt see supply or contact
Catoma directly to purchase your own.
Once you’ve reviewed the diagrams and components
on pages 6-9, turn to page 10 to begin disassembling
your Frameset for adjustment.
SIZE WAIST SIZE
Regular 30” to 40”
Large + 40” Up
(Measured by circumference at hip crest)
REGULAR: < 17” WIDE: > 17”
3Designing with the mission in mind
The Switchblade™ is a modular load carriage system. Each unit includes an identical frameset (shown below)
consisting of the following: 1) framesheet, 2) set of shoulder straps, 3) adjustable framepad, 4) adjustable waist
belt, and 5) washers and leashes. Thanks to this framset design, the user then has the capability to configure
additional pack pieces to their needs.
1
22
3
4
5
Main Components of the frameset
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FRAMESHEET
Shoulder Straps
Adjustable FramePad
Pack Belt
pivot pins & Safety leashes
Our carbon fiber frame is designed to fit SwitchbladeTM packs. The upper zone is rigid,
allowing the load lifters to pull the whole load close to your back. The frame can flex but
always returns to it’s original shape - never deforming like aluminum stays frequently
do.
The shoulder straps are contoured to fit the neck and torso in an ergonomic way. Each
strap attaches to the framesheet using pivot point hardware system, and to the pack/
panel of your choice via snap-on buckles. The pivot point hardware allows the straps
to articulate for a more comfortable and active fit.
The two-piece adjustable frame pad allows for custom-fit to any wearer. The Frame Pad
is designed so that it can be moved apart or together to accommodate any user’s torso
length fitting. See Page 13 for instructions on adjusting the Frame Pad. The Frame Pad
can also be removed completely for a better fitment with body armor.
The belt is attached using the same pivot point hardware as the shoulder straps. With
this system, the belt is allowed to pivot with the natural movement of your hips. The
downward contour of the belt allows it to hug the users hips ergonomically for more
efficient load transfer. The belt uses dual-density foam & multi-layer construction.
Each frameset comes with 2 metal safety leashes to completely secure the pivot pins to
the framesheet. Wearing the frameset without the safety leashes can result in a loose
or broken framesheet which can result in personal injury or death.
1
2
3
4
5
5Designing with the mission in mind
12
3
5
6
4
Components
Attachment Points
*Shown with the frameset secured to a Raid pack body.
The attachment points are the same for the Assualt
pack and the Molle Panel Frame.
6
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Be sure to connect all
6 Attachment Buckles
TOP LOAD LIFTERS
(SNAP-ON LOOPS)
shoulder straps
Pack Belt Stabilizer Straps
Fully Secured PACK To frameset
1
3
5
2
4
6
7Designing with the mission in mind
The following page will show you how to disassemble your frameset so you can make fine-tuned adjustments.
Below are a few things you need to know before beginning the adjustment process. If your pack is configured
properly and no adjustments are needed you are all set. See page 16 for wearing and removing the pack.
No Tools NEEDED
an empty Pack is
recommended
Disconnecting
Frameset is
required.
Making Adjustments
Overview of custom fitment
Indice
