The Keb Hike is a tough, reliable, comfortable and feature packed daypack for walking, trekking and everyday use. Unlike most modern daypacks, the Keb Hike sticks to good ol' fashioned canvas-style G-1000. Fjallraven's G-1000 fabric is constructed from a mix of recycled polyester and organic cotton, then coated with a layer of Fjallraven's own Greenland Wax to provide a high level of water resistancy. The Keb Hike, however, uses a variation of G-1000 called Heavy Duty Eco S - essentially, it's the thickest, toughest, most eco-friendly yet surprisingly smooth fabric Fjallraven make; so if you're sick of rucksacks having such a short lifespan, the Keb Hike should be at the top of your kit list. A completely waterproof 500D nylon is then used on the base to ensure your kit stays bone dry.
It isn't just the durability of this bag that we love; we're also big fans of the way this pack carries its weight. Low profile, sweat wicking shoulder straps feel comfortable and secure when on, while the flexible hipbelt takes the majority of the bag's weight off your back and onto your hips, increasing comfort and decreasing the chance of injury. This hipbelt can also be detached if you're not using it, for example when scrambling or while using it day to day. The hipbelt features straps which allow you to increase or decrease the flexibility of the belt itself. For example, if you're scrambling and require more stability, pull the straps in to increase stiffness; if you're heading out for a gentle walk in the countryside, then loosen the straps and the belt will flex and move with you. All of the straps that are used throughout the bag have also been designed to work seamlessly with thick gloves and mitts.
The backsystem is simple, effective and hassle-free. There are no fancy suspension systems, large blocks of padding or space-age materials, just a simple pre-curved foam panel which won't soak up water, yet breathes excellently and provides enough comfort for all day use.
Storage wise, you get 30 litres of total capacity, around the perfect amount for a days walking in the mountains. This storage is then compartmentalised into the main zippered storage comparment, another zippered compartment on the front for spare layers, a head torch or quick to access items, a small security pocket on the top of the bag for a phone or keys, and lastly a side pocket for a bottle. Other useful features include attachment points for walking poles, skiis and walking axes and a hydration sleeve.
The Keb Hike combines the perfect amount of techy features with the bombproof durability that we've come to associate with Fjallraven. It's the perfect pack if you value durability, yet require features to accompany you when your activity changes.
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Durable G-1000 Heavy Duty Eco Smooth fabric
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Pre-waxed for water resistancy
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Waterproof nylon base
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Supportive hipbelt (removable)
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Comfortable, low profile hipbelt/shoulder straps
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Walking pole/axe holders
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Zipped security pocket
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Roomy zippered main pocket
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Hydration system compatible
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All features designed to work with thick gloves
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Raincover included
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.