What is the Fang?
Developed for mountaineers and climbers for year-round use - the Fang pack from Mountain Equipment is an incredibly rugged, versatile and sleek pack designed to keep up with whatever adventure you have planned. The features can be stripped down to take over 400g off the overall weight for those minimalistic trips into the mountains where weight is paramount.
What is it made of?
The Fang is made using a combination of Mountain Equipment’s M840 and M210 fabrics – M840 in the areas that would see the most abuse (i.e. the base of the pack) and M210 in the main body of the pack. The combination of these two weights of fabric perfectly balances abrasion resistance and durability with weight and flexibility. M840 and M210 are both incredibly strong, double-ripstop Polyamide fabrics that feature a DWR coating to shed the worst of the rain and snow. The entire pack is then given a PU coating on the inside to protect the contents of your pack.
What is the backsystem?
The Fangs backsystem is a thing of beauty! Not only is it super light but it’s also incredibly comfortable and pre-shaped to sit as close to your body as possible. The backsystem comprises of EVA composite shoulder straps and a thermoformed back panel. This back panel not only helps to get that wonderful, snug fit, but it also protects your back against anything that may dig into you. Behind that back panel you get a moulded HDPE framesheet that helps to give rigidity to the pack. This frame sheet can be completely removed to cut down on weight, but also allows the pack to roll up and stuff into larger expedition bags.
What are the features?
As you can imagine, the features list on this pack is pretty extensive! So firstly, let’s take a look at the pocket space. The Fang has one huge generous compartment which has dual stage drawcord closure for weather protection and overstuffing. The lid compartment is huge – it has a very generous zipped pocket in the top of the lid, which is a great place to stash gloves and your headtorch, and it also has a security pocket on the underside of the lid. The entire lid can be detached from the main pack if you don’t need the extra storage space or if you’re trying to cut down on weight. You also get a semi-elasticated side pocket on either side of the pack.
The Fang has been designed specifically for mountaineering, climbing and scrambling, and all of the beautiful techy features really show that. The Fangs optimum capacity is 42 litres but can be overstuffed if you have more kit, or, thanks to the side compression straps, will still work and fit perfectly if you can’t fill it. The hip belt is a 38mm webbing hipbelt with thermo-moulded and bonded hip-fins. These provide crucial support when carrying heavy loads. They only weigh around 70g but can be easily removed if you’re really trying to cut down on the weight.
When you look at the outside of the pack, it’s clear how much love and attention to detail M.E. have put in. The Fang features dual axe retailers with an integrated pick pocket for easy carrying of your ice axes. The retailers are also incredibly easy to use, even with chunky gloves on. Running parallel to each other on the front of the pack, you’ll notice the daisy chain system – these little webbing loops allow you to clip and attach extra gear to the outside of your pack using carabiners or the included Shockcord system. The grab handle on the outside of your pack allows you to manoeuvre your bag easily, and gives your something to grab on to when you need to get in to your pack.
-
42-Litre optimum capacity
-
M840 and M210 fabrics
-
Water resistant
-
Exceptionally durable
-
Fully removable floating lid
-
Dual-stage drawcord closure for weather protection and overstuffing
-
Spacious zipped lid pocket and inner security pocket
-
Semi-elasticated low profile side pockets
-
Side compression straps with thermoplastic buckles
-
EVA composite shoulder straps and thermoformed back panel
-
Removable moulded HDPE framesheet
-
38mm webbing hipbelt with high density EVA hip-fins
-
Dual axe retainers with integrated pick pocket
-
Daisy Chain system
-
Grab handle
-
Supplied with Shockcord System
-
Rope strap system
-
Hydration System compatible
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.