What is the Ducan Spine 50-60?Developed alongside the Institute of Science in Vienna, the Ducan Spine is a technically advanced rucksack featuring Mammut's innovative Active Spine Technology, a lightweight wireframe and an anatomically shaped hipbelt and backsystem. It is ideal as a lightweight multi-day pack, or for when you need to carry that extra kit for longer days in the mountains.
What is it made of?The Spine is made from a mixture of fabrics to ensure that it’s tough where it needs to be and lightweight everywhere else. A 100D ripstop nylon makes up most of the bag and features a durable water repellent coating for added protection if you happen to get caught out in the rain or snow. The base is made from a durable and abrasion-resistant 210D nylon to deal with the extra wear and tear experienced by that part of the pack; it also features the same water repellent coating.
What is the backsystem?This is where most of the exciting tech takes place! Designed alongside the Institute of Science in Vienna, the Ducan features Mammut's brand new Active Spine Technology.
Supporting the whole pack is a lightweight alloy sprung frame that creates an airgap between your back and the carrying harness. Suspended from that frame, the shoulder harness and hipbelt are connected via a flexible 'spine' and pivot independently to allow a natural movement whilst providing support and load transfer. When you walk your shoulders and hips move in opposite directions and this new SPINE technology mimics that movement to give a supremely comfortable and natural feeling carry; it's one of those features that you really have to try for yourself to feel the incredible benefits.
The shoulder straps and hip-belt are anatomically shaped to follow the shape of your body and feature lightweight mesh fabrics over die-cut foam to increase ventilation and comfort. Large lumbar and scapular pad keeps the weight balanced and central and they are connected by a narrow strip of fabric to further increase ventilation.
The back length is fixed, but thanks to the low take-off point of the shoulder straps and the well-placed top-tensioner straps, the Ducan Spine will fit a broad range of torso sizes.
What are the features?Access into the Ducan Spine is through a roll-top closure with a zipped entry. Simply unclip the two side buckles and un-roll the fabric to expose the zip. Whilst this type of closure is most commonly found on waterproof canoe-bags; the Ducan Spine is not 100% waterproof! However, this type of entry does afford improved weather resistance and allows quick and easy access to the main compartment. This roll-top closure also allows the main compartment to expand by an extra 10 litres, hence the 50-60 in the name, simply unroll the closure to easily enlarge the main compartment.
If you just can’t be bothered to un-clip, un-roll and un-zip to get into the pack, there’s a massive zip running up the front of the pack to provide instant access to the contents.
This larger pack also features a base compartment that can be accessed from the outside via a wrap-around zip. There’s also an internal divider that can be removed to create one large main compartment.
The Ducan Spine is fitted with 2 trekking pole/ice axe holders, an integrated and detachable raincover and an internal hydration sleeve. Side compression straps help to control the load and there is an external cord/bungee system to keep the load balanced and to add versatile storage options for wet or bulky kit. On the base of the pack are two extra straps, handy for a bulky roll mat or tent fly-sheet.
Storage wise you get a small zipped pocket at the top of the back system that features a secure key-clip, two easy-access stretch mesh side pockets, angled to make bottle retrieval super-easy, and a zipped mesh pocket on the LHS hip fin. The RHS hip fin features a clever bungee system that is designed to carry foldable walking poles. A superb storage feature is the separate and hugely versatile water-resistant pocket that can be attached to hip-belt, the shoulder harness or internally, depending on your preference. The shoulder straps have two small stretch mesh pockets and they also feature one the best sternum straps we’ve come across. It is easy to adjust and is very stretchy to allow full freedom of movement whilst maintaining control. There’s also a handy clip to stop your hydration hose from flapping around.
It’s fair to say that this superb technical pack is absolutely packed with useful and innovative features.
Another clever feature of this pack is the integration of Mammut Connect. Simply download the app, scan the Connect logo on the bag and the warranty will be extended to 5 years, along with a page which gives you an overview of the technology in your new piece of kit. You can also use the APP to log your adventures and share them with friends.
- Lightweight (1520g)
- Anatomically shaped shoulder straps
- Integrated metal frame
- Separate base compartment
- Forward pull hipbelt
- Zipped valuables pocket
- 2 trekking pole holders
- Integrated raincover
- 2 mesh side pockets
- Hydration compatible
- Zipped hipbelt pocket
- Active Spine Technology
- Mammut Connect inside
- Water repellent pocket
- Elastic chest strap
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.