What is the AirZone Pro?
The AirZone Pro has had a complete overhaul, including a redesigned backsystem, a more versatile pocket layout and a host of buckles and attachments for your various mountain accessories. These upgrades have cemented it as one of the most versatile packs we stock, proving itself capable for virtually any mountain activity, all the way down to gentle countryside walking.
What is it made of?
The main bulk of the bag is made from a super tough yet lightweight 210D ripstop nylon with a HydroShield water resistant coating. This fabric provides high levels of abrasion resistance without weighing you down like canvas rucksacks of old, plus includes a water resistant coating from the factory to deal with light showers. For heavier showers, it includes a raincover.
What is the backsystem?
The main update comes in the form of a fully redesigned backsystem. The AirZone Pro uses a fully suspended system which creates a gap between your bag and the pack itself, allowing constant airflow during use. The fabric which sits against your back is knitted to provide optimum comfort by forming to the shape of your back. As this fabric is knitted, there are no seams or stitch points, massively reducing the chance of rubbing over long distances. Cleverly, it also features a looser stitch in areas which require greater comfort and a tighter stitch in areas which require higher levels of durability. The lumbar pad has also had an overhaul, making it a little softer than previous generations for long-term comfort.
No technical rucksack would be complete without plenty of adjustability, and the AirZone is no different. Rather than the traditional method of adjustment which is via the outer of the pack, the AirZone Pro's backsystem is adjusted from the inside. Simply access the main compartment of the bag, undo the velcro and adjust up and down to your desired length. No forcing your hand between two pieces of velcro or wrestling with fiddly buckles, just nice and easy! And of course, the hipbelt and shoulder straps are both adjustable to obtain the perfect fit.
What are the features?
Entry into the pack is achieved via the top lid or through the side of the bag, allowing you to access items at the bottom without emptying everything out. Pockets wise, you've got large stretchy mesh side pockets, a larger zipped side pocket, two zipped hipbelt pockets, two lid pockets and although not technically a pocket, a SpiderPlate bungee system to attach extra bits and bobs to the front of the pack. Other useful features include a HeadLocker axe attachment system and TipGripper walking pole attachment points.
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Zipped side entry allows main body access while keeping carry system clean
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Featuring FormKnit technology
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Internally adjustable back-length
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Breathable harness and hipbelt
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HeadLocker axe attachment system
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Secure TipGripper walking pole attachments
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Updated SpiderPlate bungee system with integrated adjuster
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Large stretch mesh side pockets
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Zipped side pocket
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Forward pull hipbelt adjustment with zipped hipbelt pockets
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Rain cover
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.