Stiff Straps

[psyculman]

I have a couple of aging GoLite packs, and the hip straps and others are very stiff, like they are dried out. Is there any way to regain flexibility. Thanks

 

[Andrew]

I have had this problem. Figured it was all the salt from sweat and a good measure of forest debris dust. Ran them under soapy hot water while kneading the straps until they loosened some.

 

[peakbagger]

As Andrew point out it could be external contaminants. It also could be UV damage of the plastic which is not fixable. Most of the GO Lite gear except early on was manufactured offshore and they had a lot of durability issues. Plastic filaments used to make webbing have plasticizers in the blend, and once they are depleted the plastic will break down and things made with it will break down, this is accelerated by storage at high temps like in an attic so best to store gear in cool dry place. Then again if the fabric is good, webbing is cheap so time to get you sewing skills in practice and replace the straps.