FL40 side compression straps

I started using the FL40 from Arc’teryx and was wondering how other users are attaching compression straps or attaching gear.  Thanks

I prefer the pack without side strips for climbing but got 2 set of these in the pack most of the time just in case if I need them. Although they are usually too long, they work.

I wonder about this all the time too. The webbing loops on the FL40 are set up in a diagonal/off set fashion, and the ones in the pack's "front" (opposite the back panel) have the cord for the crampons/ice tool going through them - so it seems extremely cluttered. Additionally, the highest two loops on the front are split into two tiny openings by a middle tack so no way is a webbing strap going to fit. If anyone can show me an actual photo of how they just simply put those webbing straps through I'd like to see it.

I really like this pack but I still don't understand why they wasted time on the loops for compression straps when I can't figure out actually how to use them. 

The side lash points were designed to attached things to the pack like ropes and skis and work really well with urethane ski straps such as the ones from Arc'teryx Alpha SK straps, G3, Titan Straps, Volie, etc. and as Y Tsim mentioned they work with most 3/4" / 20mm wide flat webbing with ladder lock buckles. These were not intended to be used as compression but if that is the need then use an elastic cord just like they have on the front of the pack. Hope this helps!

Thanks

When the FL40 was my primary pack, I did sometimes use accessory straps on the sides. They didn’t work too nice for compression, and for storage they were just okay. Overall I thought it was a messy solution. I usually preferred not having them on tbh 

If I wanted to give it another shot, I’d probably try shock chord similar to what’s on the front of the pack. 

Chris C wrote:

When the FL40 was my primary pack, I did sometimes use accessory straps on the sides. They didn’t work too nice for compression, and for storage they were just okay. Overall I thought it was a messy solution. I usually preferred not having them on tbh 

If I wanted to give it another shot, I’d probably try shock chord similar to what’s on the front of the pack. 

Just out of curiosity, what is your new primary? I found myself keep looking for something to replace the FL 40. Something like mhw al50, if it is not in white color only

Y Tsim wrote:

Just out of curiosity, what is your new primary? I found myself keep looking for something to replace the FL 40. Something like mhw al50, if it is not in white color only

If you hate the white, you’re gunna hate the pack I’m about to recommend! I’ve been using the HMG Prism and really liking it. Light, durable, carries well, and just enough features that keeps me from trying to add stuff onto the pack haha. I usually use it without the lid. Highly recommended! 

I also switched from the FL 40 and tried a Cilo, Blue Ice, Alpha AR and landed on https://www.apocalypse-equipment.com/. I had the Acrux before the FL and that was a darn good pack but so far the Apocalypse is the best pack I have used 

Alpha FL lash points are best used with cord as a zig zag just use a double fisherman's for adjusting the length. 

Seb's answer is the only one that makes sense to me, because there is only one lash point on the front (the middle of the three) that is wide enough to fit a strap.

The upper and lower ones are tacked in the middle so a strap won't fit:

I added cord (in addition to separate tool handle holders) to accept a Voile strap:

Without doing this, you get to use one strap per side, going through the middle lash point, which is useless for skis:

Here is what the elastic cord option looks like, which is only good for lighter things like foam pads or keeping the rope from flopping around:

My best guess is that the Dead Bird designers intended one to zig zag a skinny sling to tend the rope, but I feel this is another example where they designed out a little two much and about 8 more grams in useable lash points would have made this a much better pack.