Backstay pocket blow-out: Osprey Finesse

[sobo]

Sooooooo, the little pocket thingie where the end of the backstay hoop inserts blew out on me last month. It looks to be a PITA to try and fix at home (disassembly/reassembly of backstay looks complicated, material too thick to stitch, etc.).

 

Is this a typical failure for this pack? Anybody else have it happen, and if so, what did you do to fix it?

 

To clarify, it's the big hoop that goes around the outside rear of the pack sack proper and threads thru a bunch of webbing loops, not the stay inside the pack. And I've had the pack for about 4 or 5 years, with regular use, if that makes a difference.

[OlympicMtnBoy]

Hmm, I had that same thing happen on my Flyte. It's about 8 years old and has seen a lot of use though, including two trips back to Osprey (when I tore a shoulder strap off and blew a couple buckles). Mine blew in Kyrgyzstan after a 20km ride on a donkey. I temporarily fixed it with a bunch of ducktape stitched into place. The backstay hoop on mine is removable through the inside of the pack, only took a few mins, a bit harder to put back in but manageable. It was a lot of work to stitch through that stuff but it can be done, a speedy stitcher would probably work well. I just haven't had enough time since I got back in August to get it fixed as I have other packs. I don't know if I could convince Osprey to do it on warranty again.

[sobo]

So you're saying that if I send it back to them, there's a good chance they'll fix it, this being my first time they will be repairing it?

[Figger_Eight]

I've seen that happen to a few of their older packs. Send it back (or take it to a retailer that deals with them) and Osprey will take care of it - and probably reinforce the other side as well.

[marylou]

It's of value for the mfrs to see how their gear fail, so I'm guessing they would fix it no problemmo, 'specially if it's a current item for them. I tried to look on the Osprey website but did not see it. I was curious if your pack is similar in frame design to the Mountainsmith Ghost, because I have seen a Ghost with the exact type of blowout you describe.

[foolscongress]

they should fix it. call them for an RA number so they'll know what to expect. they've always been very helpful to me, though i should say i've had few problems with their gear.

[Tyler]

Definitely send it back... Those packs have a lifetime warranty. They're good folks (do they still have the same owners???), and they should take care of it...

[marylou]

Yes they still have the same owners.

[sobo]

Was looking for something else and I came upon this old thread of mine. I sent the pack back via the local dealer in Crackima (Hyperspud Sports). Osprey fixed it up lickety split, all nice and super-reinforced and stuff, and they did the same to the side that hadn't blown out yet. All for only 9 clams (the price of shipping it to them - free return shipping). I thought it was well done work, and good customer service. Hats off to John at the 'spud for helping me "git 'er done" and to the folks at Osprey.

 

PS: allison, regarding your reply about how manufacturers like to see how their gear fails: I see where they don't make this pocket thingie like mine anymore. The newer versions have it set up with a different system to reduce stress at the end of the backstay hoop. So someone must have brought this type of failure to their attention a while ago, and it took a little while longer for mine to go kaput. Mebbe it means I need to get out more....