How to Upgrade Your Arc’teryx Courier 15 with a Quick Adjust Strap

When they’re not geeking out about bags and coming up with cool mods, Anne and Ivan are the husband and wife team behind Dog + Bone, a Colorado-based company making some really high-quality dog gear. You may have noticed their recent collaboration with Filson or spotted their gear in the wild. And to help you get into the modding game, they’ve kindly shared a how-to on upgrading the now cult Arc’teryx LEAF Courier Bag 15 below.

Parts list:

2″ Cordura Nylon Webbing (2 yards)

1″ Cordura Nylon Webbing (1 yard)

ITW Nexus GT Cobra Loop Body 2″

ITW Nexus GT Cobra Slider Latch 2″

ITW Nexus 2″-1″ Reducer

Duraflex Common Loop Acetal 2″

Duraflex Double Bar D-Ring Acetal 1″

Duraflex Quik-Slip Keeper 2″

Other things you’ll need:

Sewing machine that can sew through multiple layers of nylon webbing

Bic lighter

T-70 nylon thread

Heavy-duty scissors

Thread snips

Instructions:

1. Start by cutting 3 strips of nylon webbing using very sharp, heavy-duty scissors. The first strip will use the 2″ webbing and should be cut 18″ long. The second strip will also use the 2″ webbing and should be cut 40″ long. The final strip uses 1″ webbing and should be cut to 9″ long. Be sure to make straight cuts and use the lighter to carefully melt the ends of the nylon webbing so that they do not fray. Be sure not to overdo it with the lighter. You just need to melt any loose threads on the very edge. Also, always use proper ventilation when burning nylon webbing.

2. Take the 18″ long piece of nylon webbing and fold the end over about 3/4″ twice so that the cut end of the webbing is inside of the fold. Sew the fold so that it cannot unroll. We used 2 parallel stitches, but you could also use a bartack depending on your machine. This will be the end of the strap that you attach to the bag.

3. Sew the GT Cobra Loop Body to the other end of the 18″ long strip using a similar 3/4″ fold, but this time fold the webbing in the opposite direction as before so that the fold holding the buckle is hidden when you are wearing the bag.

4. Add the Quick-Slip Keeper to the 18″ long strap with its opening facing up and set the strap aside for now.

5. Using the 40″ long strip this time, create another 3/4″ end fold treatment just like you did before.

6. Weave the opposite end of the 40″ long strip through the GT Cobra Slider Latch as shown in the photo, making sure to also weave the 2″-1″ Reducer through the loop created on the front of the buckle. This will be the “pull” for your quick release.

7. Sew the Common Loop onto the end, making sure to fold the webbing in the opposite direction you used for the other end.

8. Thread your 1″ webbing strip through the 2″-1″ Reducer and thread on the Double Bar D-Ring to the other end, folding the webbing and sewing so that it matches the photo.

9. Remove the stock strap from the 2 tri-glides at both top corners of the bag. The easiest way to do this is to open up the Velcro and fold the webbing at a 45-degree angle so that the fasteners are parallel and in line with the webbing. It also helps to have some slack in the webbing before you begin this step. It can be SUPER frustrating because everything is so tight, but it will work and after you’ve done it once, it seems easier.

10. Remove the shoulder pad from the stock strap by sliding it carefully toward the end and then slide it onto the 18″ long strap you just made, making sure that you keep the same orientation.

11. While looking at the back of the bag, weave the 18″ long strap onto the top right tri-glide and weave the 40″ long strap onto the top left tri-glide. Move the optional stabilizer strap over to your new strap, buckle up, adjust, and you’re ready to go!

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And if you’re keen for another great upgrade, you can check out this Fidlock buckle upgrade from our friends at Loaded Pocketz too.