Catoma Switchblade Frameset User manual

Operator’s Manual
SwitchbladeTM Frameset
Setup & Adjustments

PROTECTED BY ONE OR MORE PATENTS:
US 8678258 B1, US 10231534 B1
D815981, D630011, D833749
Learn more about Switchblade System
at www.catoma.com/gear-overview

FRAMESET FITMENT
1 Sizing Guide
COMPONENTS
3 Main Components
5 Attachment Points
MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
7 Overview
8 Frameset Removal
9 Shoulder Straps + Frame Pad
11 Pack Belt
OTHER INFORMATION
13 Wearing the Frameset
14 Care & Maintenance
CONTENTS
SwitchbladeTM Frameset
Setup & Adjustments

1Designing with the mission in mind
In order to begin fitment of your Switchblade Frameset,
you’ll need to measure your body in three areas:
1) neck, 2) torso and 3) waist.
Setting your pack to your correct torso length is crucial
to getting the pack to fit properly. If it is set up too
short, the Pack Belt will ride up your back and not
effectively transfer weight to your hips; too long and
the pack will pull back and not ride close to your body,
creating sway and discomfort.
To determine your torso length, you’ll measure the
distance between your seventh cervical vertebra (C7)
and the crest of your hipbones (L5) using a flexible
tape measure. This length will determine where to
attach the pivot point shoulder strap hardware on the
framesheet.
TO MEASURE: While measuring, be sure to stand
up straight with feet shoulders-width apart. The
process may be easier with a helper, but can be
done by yourself. Hold one end of the measuring
tape by pressing it against the back of your neck at
the most prominent bone at the base of your neck.
Hold in place and proceed. Next, with the tape in your
free hand, use your index finger to locate your lower
measurement in the center of your lower back - this
is typically near your waist line. Stop when your index
finger resting on the crest of your hipbones and record
the measurement your finger is on. On average, the
human torso is between 17”-22” inches long.
Step 1: Determine Torso length
C7
L5
Torso
Length
Average Torso 17-22”
YOUR TORSO LENGTH:
Record this measurement you’ll need it later for
adjusting the frameset - if needed.
Fitment
Sizing Guide - three step Process

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Step 2: Determine Torso width
Step 3: Measure waist Size
Step 4: Disassemble and adjust
your frameset
Neck Circumference
WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE
REGULAR 17”// WIDE 17.5” and Up
YOUR TORSO WIDTH:
Your neck circumference will determine whether you
need to attach the shoulder straps to the framesheet in
the regular or wide position. Having the shoulder straps
set up in the wrong position will cause unnecessary
discomfort and fatigue.
TO MEASURE: Start with the end of the tape measure
held to the center of your throat and measure your
neck’s circumference, with the tape passing just above
the C7 vertebrae on the back of your neck as located
in step 1. The regular width setting is for neck sizes
17” or smaller and wide is for 17.5” and larger.
Use the size chart at the bottom and go by your regular
pant size waist measurement. If you don’t know this,
take a measurement with a flexible tape measure with
the tape next to your skin, around your waist. Measure
the circumference at your hip points. Or, you can
simply try on a hip belt if you have access to both sizes
of belts.
A properly sized hip belt will wrap over your hip bones,
extend past your hip points, and still leave a gap in the
padding at the front. NOTE: Pack Belt is offered in
two sizes, initial issue of the pack will be with a
regular belt - for a large belt see supply or contact
Catoma directly to purchase your own.
Once you’ve reviewed the diagrams and components
on pages 6-9, turn to page 10 to begin disassembling
your Frameset for adjustment.
SIZE WAIST SIZE
Regular 30” to 40”
Large + 40” Up
(Measured by circumference at hip crest)
REGULAR: < 17” WIDE: > 17”

3Designing with the mission in mind
The Switchblade™ is a modular load carriage system. Each unit includes an identical frameset (shown below)
consisting of the following: 1) framesheet, 2) set of shoulder straps, 3) adjustable framepad, 4) adjustable waist
belt, and 5) washers and leashes. Thanks to this framset design, the user then has the capability to configure
additional pack pieces to their needs.
1
22
3
4
5
Main Components of the frameset

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FRAMESHEET
Shoulder Straps
Adjustable FramePad
Pack Belt
pivot pins & Safety leashes
Our carbon fiber frame is designed to fit SwitchbladeTM packs. The upper zone is rigid,
allowing the load lifters to pull the whole load close to your back. The frame can flex but
always returns to it’s original shape - never deforming like aluminum stays frequently
do.
The shoulder straps are contoured to fit the neck and torso in an ergonomic way. Each
strap attaches to the framesheet using pivot point hardware system, and to the pack/
panel of your choice via snap-on buckles. The pivot point hardware allows the straps
to articulate for a more comfortable and active fit.
The two-piece adjustable frame pad allows for custom-fit to any wearer. The Frame Pad
is designed so that it can be moved apart or together to accommodate any user’s torso
length fitting. See Page 13 for instructions on adjusting the Frame Pad. The Frame Pad
can also be removed completely for a better fitment with body armor.
The belt is attached using the same pivot point hardware as the shoulder straps. With
this system, the belt is allowed to pivot with the natural movement of your hips. The
downward contour of the belt allows it to hug the users hips ergonomically for more
efficient load transfer. The belt uses dual-density foam & multi-layer construction.
Each frameset comes with 2 metal safety leashes to completely secure the pivot pins to
the framesheet. Wearing the frameset without the safety leashes can result in a loose
or broken framesheet which can result in personal injury or death.
1
2
3
4
5

5Designing with the mission in mind
12
3
5
6
4
Components
Attachment Points
*Shown with the frameset secured to a Raid pack body.
The attachment points are the same for the Assualt
pack and the Molle Panel Frame.

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Be sure to connect all
6 Attachment Buckles
TOP LOAD LIFTERS
(SNAP-ON LOOPS)
shoulder straps
Pack Belt Stabilizer Straps
Fully Secured PACK To frameset
1
3
5
2
4
6

7Designing with the mission in mind
The following page will show you how to disassemble your frameset so you can make fine-tuned adjustments.
Below are a few things you need to know before beginning the adjustment process. If your pack is configured
properly and no adjustments are needed you are all set. See page 16 for wearing and removing the pack.
No Tools NEEDED
an empty Pack is
recommended
Disconnecting
Frameset is
required.
Making Adjustments
Overview of custom fitment

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Pull Out Framesheet from packPull Out Framesheet from pack
x2
Unclip Shoulder STrapsUnclip Shoulder STraps
5
4
3
26
1
x2
x2
NOTE: Removing and inserting the frameset
is much easier when the pack is completely
empty. To do any sizing adjustments or part
replacements, you’ll need to disconnect the
frameset harness. When removing the frameset
leave the shoulder straps and belt attached to
the framesheet until it is removed to simplify the
process.
INSTALLING FRAMESET: Reverse the steps
above. Be sure to install the frameset with a
weightless pack / panel.
Unclip Pack BeltUnclip Pack Belt
Pull Webbing at bottom of Pull Webbing at bottom of
Framesheet to release framesetFramesheet to release frameset
Unclip Load Lifter BucklesUnclip Load Lifter Buckles
Two parts are now separateTwo parts are now separate
STEP-BY-STEP Instructions
Frameset Removal

9Designing with the mission in mind
LEss than 17” Neck circumference
22”
21”
20”
19”
Regular Width
Torso LENGTH
The sizing component of the frameset is the framesheet, and it is designed with several fitment points for a
fine-tuned fit for the end user, made possible by removing and relocating the shoulder straps and frame pad
(see page 13). Each framesheet has torso adjustment settings spaced vertically in one inch increments and
horizontally in two intervals (See illustration below).
Adjusting torso length AND WIDTH
Refer to your size measurements that you recorded on pages 4. and 5. Find your measurements on the
illustration below, then follow the steps on page 13 to remove and relocate your shoulder straps and frame pad
to the holes that correspond with your measurements.
Wide Width
Greater than 17” Neck circumference
Be sure you do not use one outer and one inner hole
when fitting your shoulder straps as this will cause
the center of gravity to be shifted slightly left or right,
possibly causing discomfort and inefficiency when
carrying.
Making Adjustments
Shoulder Straps & Frame Pad Fitment

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4
5
6
8
7
3
2Remove PIVOT PINS ON FRAMESHEETRemove PIVOT PINS ON FRAMESHEET
Note Location of LEFT vs. Right Note Location of LEFT vs. Right
Shoulder STrap for reassemblyShoulder STrap for reassembly
DO NOT SKIP THIS STEPDO NOT SKIP THIS STEP
Pinch pivot pins TO RELEASEPinch pivot pins TO RELEASE
Line Up Grommets on Frame pad Line Up Grommets on Frame pad
to your desired fitto your desired fit
NOTE: To adjust the shoulder straps, you will need to disconnect the frameset from the pack, see page 8 for
removal instructions. Be sure to complete sizing guide at the beginning of this manual before completing the
following steps. Your measurements are crucial for proper fitment.
NOTE: The Frame Pad is Adjustable and made up of two pieces. The Frame Pad is secured together by hook and
loop (velcro) you can adjust this if needed.
1Pull Out framesetPull Out frameset Push Pivot Pin into Frame PadPush Pivot Pin into Frame Pad
Push Pivot Pin through Push Pivot Pin through
FramesheetFramesheet
Secure Safety Leash to pivot Secure Safety Leash to pivot
pins and frame padpins and frame pad
Shoulder Straps should curve Shoulder Straps should curve
outward when installedoutward when installed
Pin located on shoulder strapPin located on shoulder strap

11 Designing with the mission in mind
Depending on your body type, you may find it beneficial to remove the frame pad from the frameset in order for
the pack to sit more flush against your rear armor plates. It is necessary to remove the frameset from the pack
(shown on page 8) in order to disassemble it and remove the frame pad.
For better fitment with body armor
BODY ARMOR COMPATIBILITY: Frame Pad REMOVAL
Frameset for use
without Armor
Frameset for use
with Armor

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4
5
6
8
7
3
2Remove PIVOT PINS ON FRAMESHEETRemove PIVOT PINS ON FRAMESHEET
Note Location of LEFT vs. Right Note Location of LEFT vs. Right
Shoulder STrap for reassemblyShoulder STrap for reassembly
Pinch pivot pins TO RELEASEPinch pivot pins TO RELEASE
Separate shoulder straps from Separate shoulder straps from
frame pad and remove upper padframe pad and remove upper pad
1Pull Out frameset (PAGE 8)Pull Out frameset (PAGE 8) return Shoulder straps to return Shoulder straps to
framset (PAge 10)framset (PAge 10)
Remove Belt from Frameset Remove Belt from Frameset
(Page 14)(Page 14)
Slide Frame Pad Down and Off Slide Frame Pad Down and Off
the Framesheetthe Framesheet
Re-attach Belt and return Re-attach Belt and return
frameset to packframeset to pack

13 Designing with the mission in mind
Connector PIN
Belt Adjustment straps
Pack Belt Stabilizer Straps
TOP OF BELT
The Switchblade belt is adjustable from waist sizes 30”-40” by simply extending or tightening the adjustment
straps at its front. However, if a larger belt is needed, the standard belt can be removed and replaced with our
large belt.
Note the raised section
Making Adjustments
Pack Belt Fitment

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Pack Stabilizer Straps
1
2
Loosen webbing securing the Loosen webbing securing the
pack to bottom of framesheetpack to bottom of framesheet
Disconnect the pack belt Disconnect the pack belt
buckles on both sides of packbuckles on both sides of pack
NOTE: It is not necessary to completely remove the framset from the pack to swap the pack belt. However, we
highly recommend starting this process with an empty pack to make the swap much easier. When re-mounting the
pack belt make sure it is right side up and the raised section is arcing upward (see illustration to left for reference).
5Pinch pivot pins TO RELEASEPinch pivot pins TO RELEASE
3Remove PIVOT PIN and safety Remove PIVOT PIN and safety
leash ON lower FRAMESHEETleash ON lower FRAMESHEET
4disconnect pivot pin to Remove disconnect pivot pin to Remove
and Replace pack beltand Replace pack belt
x2
NOTE: Installation of the pack belt is reverse of
the steps above.To be sure you have it installed in
the correct orientation, mount it so that the pack
belt is flat on the bottom and the raised portion is
at the top. (See illustration on opposite page for
reference)
The pack stabilizer straps attach your pack or
panel to the waist belt and prevent load sway.
These straps also limit the amount of pivot your
belt is allowed. When the stabilizer straps are
tight, load sway is minimized, but movement is
more restricted. When the pack stabilizer straps
are loose, your waistbelt will offer more pivot and
freedom of movement, but may allow your load to
sway more. Use your judgment on how tight to set
these straps when fine tuning your fitment.

15 Designing with the mission in mind
Normal Pack removal / non-emergency
EMERGENCY USE TO QUICKLY SHED THE PACK FROM THE WEARER
»Slightly loosen the load stabilizer straps.
»Slightly loosen hip stabilizer straps.
»Unclip sternum strap IF IN USE.
»Slightly loosen shoulder straps.
»Unclip pack belt.
»While kneeling, Remove right or left arm from under shoulder strap and
slide pack around to your front and on to the opposing knee.
»Grab hold of the haul loop located between the shoulder straps to lower
the pack to the ground.
»Unclip Sternum Strap if in use.
»Unclip pack belt.
»Unclip lower Shoulder Strap attachment points. Be Sure to do this only
after you have uncliped the sternum strap - or severe injury could result.
»Grab hold of the haul loop located between the shoulder straps to drag
the pack if needed.
We’ve put together steps to highlight the importance of safely removing the pack. It’s best to follow these
guidelines so that they become a habit and can be performed in an emergency. Incorrect removal of the pack
can result in severe injury or even death.
Other Information
Wearing the Frameset

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REPLACEMENT PARTS
SWITCHBLADE LOAD CARRIAGE SYSTEM
The Switchblade is a truly modular load carriage system. Each user gets the same frameset, consisting of a
carbon fiber framesheet (Patent #US 8,678,258 B1), shoulder straps, waistbelt, and frame pads. The fitment
of a pack’s frameset is critical to reducing fatigue, enabling the warfighter to carry more, and travel further.
Once the frameset of the Switchblade is fitted to the user, additional pieces can be stacked and combined
to increase the warfighter’s carrying capability, or reduced and skeletonized to minimize weight and bulk as
the mission demands.
CARE & MAINTENANCE
Maintenance
The pack bag and framesheet do not require special maintenance. Try to keep the framesheet free of oils which
may cause squeaking. DO NOT APPLY ARMORALL or any other oil-based solution to the framesheet. KEEP away
from open flames. The pack’s nylon fabric can get singed or melted.
If you have feedback using our gear and would like to buy it for yourself, visit www.catoma.com and be sure to take
advantage of our military / law enforcement discount.
If something breaks and you need a replacement part contact us by phone at 800.826.0446 or online at
www.catoma.com.
FEEDBACK

17 Designing with the mission in mind
NOTES