What is the Trion Nordwand?
The Trion is an ultra-tough, versatile, feature-packed rucksack designed for virtually all technical mountain activities, from scrambling to alpine climbing. It's had valuable, extensive input from Mammut's athletes to ensure it's as capable and reliable as possible.
What is it made of?
It's made using a tough 100D Cordura nylon throughout the main body and a highly abrasion-resistant 210D nylon on the base. Both of these fabrics are designed to take repeated abuse and feature a durable water repellent coating to withstand light rain and snow.
Which backsystem does it use?
It uses a fairly simple backsystem, mostly comprising of snow-shedding foam with a cutout in the centre to maximise ventilation. The hipbelt and shoulder straps are both anatomically shaped, padded and lined with a soft yet durable material to allow them to grip to your clothing effectively. An elasticated chest strap stops the shoulder straps falling outwards and provides extra security. Overall, a very simple yet almost failproof system for those who are hard on their kit.
What are its features?
Starting with entry into the pack, you've got a traditional top lid opening with a roll-top closure underneath; this closure provides greater weather-resistance than standard drawcord designs and also allows the storage to be expanded. Simply loosen the lid, unroll the closure a bit and you've got a few litres extra. The lid has one internal and one external pocket for essentials, while a large mesh pocket on the shoulder strap gives you quick access to extra bits of kit. While we're on storage options, you've also got a water-repellent external zipped pocket, a reinforced side ski attachment, two tough ice axe attachment points, a trekking pole carrying system and a rope fixing strap under the lid.
Other features include detachable compression straps which can be tensioned at the side and front, a hydration sleeve for a water bladder, and Mammut's Connect which allows you to scan the bag to extend the warranty to 5 years. You can also find out some more information on your new piece of kit using their app.
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MAMMUT CONNECT inside
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Elasticated chest strap for optimum comfort and a perfect fit
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Large mesh pockets on the shoulder strap
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Height-adjustable flap with internal and external pockets
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Roll-top closure
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Water-repellent external zipper pocket
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Reinforced side ski attachment
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2 strong ice axe attachments
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Trekking pole carrier
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Hydration system-compatible
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Rope fixing strap under the flap
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Detachable compression straps which can be tensioned at side and front
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Forward-pull hip belt adjustment
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Comfortable thanks to the anatomically shaped, soft padded hip belt and shoulder straps
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.