Light Hiking Gear
Universal Balance Bags - Fits Any Pack Brand! - Light Hiking Gear
Universal Balance Bags allow users of all backpack brands to experience a naturally balanced load without having to purchase an Aarn Pack. The bags offer increased energy efficiency, strain relief and convenient access.
- Improved Load Distribution: The Aarn Universal Balance Bag is worn on the front of your body, creating a counterbalance to the weight on your back. This helps distribute the load evenly between your front and back, reducing strain on your shoulders and back. It can help prevent discomfort and fatigue associated with a traditional backpack.
- Enhanced Balance and Stability: The front-worn bag promotes better balance and stability while hiking. It can help you maintain a more upright posture, reducing the risk of tripping and falling, especially on uneven or rugged terrain.
- Quick and Easy Access: The balance bag provides quick and easy access to essential items, such as snacks, maps, a camera, or other gear you need on the trail. You don't have to remove your main backpack to access these items, making your hike more convenient.
- Reduction in Back Sweating: By moving some of the load from your back to the front, the Aarn Balance Bag can reduce the amount of sweating on your back. This can be especially beneficial in hot and humid conditions or during strenuous activities.
- Customizable and Adjustable: Aarn offers different sizes and models of balance bags to accommodate various body types and gear needs. They are designed to be adjustable, so you can fine-tune the fit for maximum comfort.
- Versatility: The Aarn Universal Balance Bag can be used in conjunction with various Aarn backpacks or as a standalone bag, making it versatile for different types of outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, and travel.
- Load Transfer: The balance bag is designed to transfer some of the load from your back to your hips, helping to reduce the strain on your shoulders and upper body. This can be especially beneficial during long hikes or when carrying heavy loads.
- Safety: The front position of the balance bag allows you to keep a closer eye on your gear and valuables, reducing the risk of theft or loss while on the trail.
* Energy savings from a balanced load makes up for extra weight of bags when total load carried (pack and bags) is greater than 7kg. * Fits any brand of kiddy carrier or backpack (that has a hipbelt & sternum straps) * See-your-feet forward visibility for wilderness walking * Suspended mesh back for excellent ventilation
* Twin pockets, 4 mesh exterior pockets & bottle neck holder * Zip flaps flip up for easy access, down for rain * 2 waterproof Dri-liners * Universal attachment system * Top handle and clip-on shoulder strap for use as a travel bag
* Reflective triangles for night safety * 500D Kodura, 210D, 40D & ripstop nylon Color Grey
How to Attach to Any Pack Brand
Specifications
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Liters |
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Volume |
Regular: 12L + 2L (exterior mesh pockets) Small: 10L +1L (exterior mesh pockets) | |
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Inches |
Centimeters |
Dimensions |
Height: 13 Width: 15 Depth (front-back): 6.7 | Height: 33 Width: 38 Depth (front-back): 17 |
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Ounces |
Grams |
Weight |
Bag only: 16 Dri-Liners: 2.68 Shoulder Strap: 1.48 |
Bag only: 454 Dri-Liners: 76 Shoulder Strap: 42 |
Testimonial
The Universal Balance Bags were tested with Macpac Vamoose child carriers and with a medium size hiking backpack. All four of us were instantly convinced of the benefits of the UBB's. Even the two people who had not been previously exposed to the balance concept totally "got it", feeling the difference right away. Everyone said they clearly see the difference they will make to carrying capacity with a child carrier and the reduced strain on the body due to the superior ergonomics. Hiking parents probably have a higher need for and awareness of ergonomic improvements than hikers without children. I would decidedly NOT have enjoyed the quarry hike with 40kg's without the UBB's. It was hard walking due to the weight, but in an ergonomically correct position it was healthy and something I will repeat. Big difference in back and shoulder strain. Matthias Thies, Christchurch, NZProduct information
Stay Ready Outdoors — Return & Refund Policy
Last Updated: September 22, 2025
At Stay Ready Outdoors, we stand behind the quality of our products and want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If you need to return an item, please review our policy below.
Returns
We offer a 30-day return policy, meaning you have 30 days from the date you receive your item to request a return.
Return Eligibility
To qualify for a return, your item must be in like-new condition, meeting the following criteria:
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Unworn, unwashed, and with all original tags and stickers still attached.
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Free of any scents like perfume, cologne, or smoke.
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Free of any marks, stains, or pet hair.
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In its original packaging, including all accessories.
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Must include proof of purchase (receipt or order number).
How to Start a Return
To initiate a return, email us at crquarto@stayreadyoutdoors.com with your order details. Once approved, you’ll receive return instructions and a prepaid shipping label. The cost of return shipping will be deducted from your final refund.
Important: Items sent back without prior approval will not be accepted.
Return Address:
Stay Ready Outdoors
ATTN: Returns
15236 Las Flores Ave
La Mirada, CA 90638
Damaged, Defective, or Incorrect Items
Please inspect your order upon arrival. If your item is damaged, defective, or incorrect, contact us at crquarto@stayreadyoutdoors.com within 7 days so we can evaluate and resolve the issue promptly.
Non-Returnable Items & Exceptions
Some items are non-returnable, including:
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Briefs (due to hygiene reasons)
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Sale items (these sales are final)
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Gift cards
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Engraved or customized items
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Perishable goods (e.g., food)
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Personal care items (e.g., hygiene or beauty products)
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Hazardous materials (e.g., flammable liquids or gases)
Food or Drink Products – All Sales Final
Due to the nature of long-term food storage, all sales on food or drink products are final. We do not accept returns or exchanges on food or drink products for any reason including incorrect order, change of mind, or shipping delays. Replacements will only be issued in the event of a verified manufacturing defect or shipping damage, which must be reported within 5 days of delivery with supporting photo documentation.
Products Fulfilled via Shopify Collective
Some items sold by Stay Ready Outdoors are fulfilled by third-party vendors through Shopify Collective. These items follow slightly different return procedures:
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Return Window – Returns must be initiated within 30 days of the purchase date.
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Who Handles the Return – Returns and exchanges for these products are handled directly by the business from which the product originated. However, please do not hesitate to contact Stay Ready Outdoors at crquarto@stayreadyoutdoors.com if you need help facilitating a return or exchange — we’re happy to assist.
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Customer Responsibility for Shipping Costs – Shipping cost responsibility for returns and exchanges varies by vendor. Some vendors offer free returns or exchanges, while others may require customers to pay return shipping.
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Size Exchanges – If a return is for a size exchange only, the replacement item will be shipped back to the customer once the original is received and inspected, following the vendor’s policy.
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Refunds – If a refund is due after inspection, the originating business will notify Stay Ready Outdoors and the refund will be processed back to the customer’s original payment method.
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Price Changes – Prices for products fulfilled via Shopify Collective are subject to change without notice.
Vendor-Specific Note:
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The Buffalo Wool Company – Items fulfilled by The Buffalo Wool Company through Shopify Collective follow the same return procedures listed above. Customers are responsible for the cost of shipping items back for return or exchange.
All other eligibility requirements and non-returnable item restrictions in our standard policy still apply unless otherwise stated above.
Exchanges
The fastest way to exchange an item is to initiate a return for the original item and, once the return is accepted, place a new, separate order for the item you want.
European Union Customers – 14-Day Cooling-Off Period
If your order was shipped to the European Union, you have the right to cancel or return it within 14 days of delivery, for any reason. To be eligible, items must be unused, with original tags and packaging, and include proof of purchase.
Refunds
Once we receive and inspect your return, we will notify you of its approval. If approved, we will issue a refund to your original payment method within 10 business days, less the cost of return shipping.
Please Note:
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It may take additional time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund.
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If you haven’t received your refund within 15 business days of our approval, please contact us at crquarto@stayreadyoutdoors.com.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about your return or refund, we’re here to help:
📧 Email: crquarto@stayreadyoutdoors.com
