basic harness /waist slots on plate

[Water Science]

Most basic harness instructions suggest threading the harness back through the inner waist slot (body side) and then forward through the outer slot of the plate.

On my 30 year old+ plastic backback the harness has always been threaded through the outer slot (body side) first and then back through the inner slot. Obviously it is personal preference but is there a reason most plates are threaded in the former direction. Doing it the latter way allows me to cinch it up.

I am waiting on a freedom plate and am planning on threading my way unless I might die. Do others have a preferred method and why. Maybe Eric can chime in.

 

[Eric Sedletzky]

CJ,
On the Freedom Plate the waist slots are at two different angles, the inside slot is at a 30 degree angle and the outer slot is verticle. It's designed to lace the webbing through the inside slot first and then out through the outer slot and around your waist.

However, one thing different about the Freedom Plate from other plates is even though the shoulder strap has to come into the inside slot first, you can reverse the side that it comes in on, either on the inside or outside. Some people like the inside method because in feels snugger for skinny people , and some like the outside method because it lets more of the plate hug your back. Either way has it benefits.
Both methods allow the webbing to slide if you want an adjustable style harness. If you like to keep the webbing locked in one spot then I recommend the inside method of lacing up the webbing and a keeper can be placed on the webbing between the slots. The keeper will then be on the backside of the plate and won't dig into your back and interfere with comfort.

BTW, I'm getting out into the shop today to tool up more plates so they'll be ready here soon.