What is the Bergtagen 30?
Little brother to the Bergtagen 38, the 30 retains almost all of the same features but is designed specifically for shorter, more technical routes in mountainous environments. Despite this, it's more than comfortable enough to be worn for an entire day in the mountains; whether you're scrambling, climbing or tackling via ferrata routes.
What is it made of?
If you were to handle the pack, you'd be unaware that this uses a different fabric to Fjallraven's already brilliant G-1000; however Fjallraven have worked their magic and have produced a fabric which feels tough and flexible, yet completely waterproof. This incredible 400 denier fabric is made using 31% recycled nylon and features a durable water repellent coating to avoid moisture soaking into the fabric when covered in snow. Also unlike many alternatives, Fjallraven have constructed it in such a way which allows the fabric to feature the same tear strength in all 4 different directions. Bergshell is one of the most durable, abrasion resistant fabrics currently featured on any pack, making it ideal for abusive mountainous environments.
What is the backsystem?
Although simple, the backsystem is designed that way to reduce the weight of the pack and to allow it to repel snow and moisture. The backpanel uses a snow-shedding foam with a moulded back plate behind to add stiffness and support. The hipbelt can be customised depending on what you're doing; for longer approaches, stick on the pads and enjoy the comfort, for short, technical routes where you just need the pack to stay still rather than the weight sit on your hips, you can remove the pads and the weight will transfer to the shoulder straps.
What are the features?
A floating top-lid can be raised to store rope, crampons or other gear, while a zipped lid pocket is a good place to stash things you need to get to quickly. Tough steel hooks secure the lid down and won't freeze in cold conditions, yet are easy to use with chunky gloves and have reflective graphics to make them easier to find. Extra gear can be stashed on the outer of the back via the daisy chain loops, while removable side compression straps double up as ski holders. You've also got handy attachment points for your axes when not in use. Inside, you've got a hydration sleeve, another sleeve pocket with gear loops and a zipped security pocket.
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Waterproof outer fabric
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Steel hooks
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Reflective graphics
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Snow-shedding backpanel
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Axe and ski attachment points
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Padded and protective base
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Internal hydration sleeve
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Removable compression straps
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Floating lid
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.