What is the Fast Alpine 40?
The Fast Alpine 40 is a technical climbing and mountaineering pack. It was made in collaboration with feedback from Montane athletes and leading British Mountain guides to create a great mountain pack with all the features you’d expect from a mountaineering and climbing focussed pack.
What is the Fast Alpine 40 made of?
The materials used on the Fast Alpine 40 have been chosen specifically for their durability due to the expected conditions of use. The main body is Raptor Ripstop 420D, a PU coated nylon with enhanced abrasion and water resistance, perfect for bouncing off pointy boulders when out in the mountains. To go along with this, the base of the rucksack features Raptor Endurance 420D, a slightly different high-denier nylon used to protect the base of the rucksack, usually the area most prone to damage. Whilst all this Raptor fabric is fantastic for the main body of the pack and the base, for the harness Montane have made use of Contact Alpine Fabric, a blend of nylon and elastane which helps ensure a comfortable fit and helps prevent abrasion of waterproof shell fabrics when wearing waterproof jackets with the pack.
What is the backsystem?
The backsystem on the Fast Alpine is very adaptable depending on the conditions the bag is expected to be used in. The back length is fixed, so most adjustment comes from repositioning the shoulder straps. The back panel has been designed specifically with snow shedding in mind, but also acts as both a comfortable support and the air gaps allow for ventilation. Internally there is the Montane Alpine Mat which can be removed should the end user want a lighter pack and less rigidity in the back system. The waist belt is a fixed webbing affair that has been designed to be easy to operate whilst wearing gloves. Along with this, the padded hip belt is held in place with metal toggles, and can be completely removed if required. Montane’s off-centre Click and Go chest harness help stabilise the load and is easy to operate one handed in gloves.
What are the features?
The pack has a plethora of features, most with alpinism and climbing in mind. Starting at the top, the lid is both extendable to add capacity or to store a rope under, and can also be completely removed if the entire capacity of the pack isn’t needed and a cleaner overall pack is the order of the day. Low profile wand pockets offer quick access to essentials. All of the compression straps and buckles are designed to be mitt-friendly, great news for cold conditions use. A multitude of gear loops, ski, axe and rope attachment points make this pack a true mountain workhorse.
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RAPTOR RS 420 Denier main fabric
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CONTACT Alpine fabric on harness
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RAPTOR Endurance 420 Denier reinforcement panels
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Weight - (approx): 1,247g
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Stripped weight - 748g
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Montane Comfort Climb snow shedding back pads
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Removable VertErgo Climb lightweight back system including Montane Alpine Mat
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Asymmetric bivi opening with Cord Lord quick release adjustment and bivi flap
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Extendible and removable lid
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Low profile wand pockets
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Mitt friendly buckles
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Montane off-centre Click and Go chest harness
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Fixed webbing waist belt with metal quick release system
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Removable body curve, padded hip belt
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Gear loops and ski, axe, rope attachment points
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.