What is the Keb 72?
The Keb 72 is Fjallraven's latest offering to the world of trekkers, ski tourers and backpackers. Featuring a birch wood frame, a mix of G-1000 and Bergshell fabrics and a supportive, comfortable back system to carry up to 72 litres in comfort, you can literally take your home wherever you go!
What is the Keb 72 made from?
Unlike previous generations of Fjallraven packs, the Keb is now made using a mix of waterproof and non-waterproof fabrics. The majority of the pack is made using Fjallraven's ultra tough, reliable and adaptable G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco S. This is their most durable fabric and surpasses just about everything out there in terms of longevity, however it isn't the most weather resistant fabric. The Keb therefore features a completely waterproof 400D Bergshell fabric on the base and sides, protecting your gear from sudden changes in weather conditions. We would still always recommend using drybags to store kit, but this fabric just adds another layer of protection. All fabrics, including the padding on the backsystem, are snow-repellent and won't soak up moisture during heavy rainfall.
What is the backsystem?
The backsystem is arguably the most impressively unique aspect of the Keb. Featuring Fjallraven's award winning Birch Wood frame, the Keb is one of the most supportive and comfortable rucksacks available for carrying large amounts of weight over long distances. If you turn the bag around to see the backsystem, the birch wood struts are clearly visible and are used to adjust the length of the bag to suit different users. If you need to shorten the length of the pack, simply slide the padding to the desired length along the frame using the buckle at the top of the bag. The large, pre-shaped and highly padded hipbelt comfortably takes the majority of the pack's weight without stress. All contact points on the Keb are also now smooth, this is to reduce damage to your clothing over extended periods of time. Breathability was also a prime concern, therefore the Keb features padding only on the upper and lower of the pack, leaving the middle virtually empty to allow air to pass freely behind. The women's version of the Keb is designed for the female anatomy, with a supportive hipbelt and shaped shoulder straps.
What are the Keb's features?
Get ready for a long read, as the Keb is jam-packed with Scandi tech. All zips, buckles and toggles are designed with large gloves or mitts in mind, so they feature long straps and large zip pulls to make life as easy as possible. Pockets wise, you get two zipped pockets in the lid of the pack, two more on the outer of the hipbelt, two more either side to store bottles, a massive zipped U-shaped pocket on the front of the pack for a tent flysheet and a large main compartment with a snowlock closure. The main compartment can either be accessed via the lid at the top or via a zipped entry on the base of the pack. The U-shaped front pocket features a drainage hole in the bottom to allow water from a soaked tent flysheet to drain out. Inside, you get a sleeve to store a hydration bladder and a raincover for heavy, persistent rain. Multiple compression straps situated around the pack pull the weight closer to your back when loaded up. Topping this feature packed rucksack off are attachment points for trekking poles, ice axes and ski's.
Summary
The Keb includes just about every feature you could ask for when it comes to heading out for a week, a month or even a few years with your life on your back. Ultra tough fabrics along with Fjallraven's award winning backsystem ensures a lifetime of reliable, comfortable use.
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Attachment for poles, skis and axes
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Waterproof base and sides
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G-1000 Heavy Duty main fabric
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Raincover included
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Birch wood frame
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Designed for the female anatomy with supportive hipbelt and shaped shoulder straps
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Narrow shape
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Snow-repellent fabrics
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Top & bottom entry
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Hydration system compatible
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Compression straps
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Ultra comfortable backsystem
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Adjustable length
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.