What is the Ducan 30?The Ducan is a super-lightweight yet feature-rich rucksack designed primarily for hiking but will work just as well for fastpacking and minimalist overnight excursions. The suspended backsystem makes it one of the most breathable and comfortable options in Mammut's range.
What is it made of?The Ducan 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.
Which backsystem does it use?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 is a lightweight mesh panel and highly breathable shoulder harness and hipbelt. 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. Lumbar and scapular pads keep the weight balanced and central and are connected by a mesh panel to further increase ventilation. When wearing the pack, it almost feels like it wraps around you, spreading the weight more evenly through your hips. The shoulder straps are also far wider than the average and feel more like a running pack.
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 30 is via a traditional lid secured by two webbing straps and quick-release buckles. The Ducan Spine is fitted with 2 trekking pole/ice axe holders, an integrated and detachable raincover, an internal hydration sleeve and twin side compression straps help to control the load.
Storage-wise you get a zipped lid pocket that features a secure key-clip, an under-lid zipped mesh pocket, 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. The shoulder straps have two small stretch mesh pockets and also feature one of the best sternum straps we’ve come across. It is easy to adjust and is super stretchy to allow full freedom of movement whilst maintaining control.
It’s fair to say that this lightweight and breathable 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.
- Anatomically shaped hipbelt
- Integrated metal frame
- Suspended backsystem
- 2 trekking pole holders
- Mesh side pockets
- Hydration compatible
- Mammut Connect inside
- Elasticated chest strap
- Zipped hipbelt pockets
- Shoulder strap pocket
- Tough nylon fabrics
- Super lightweight (920g)
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.