What is the Halcyon?
The Halcyon is an extremely tough, versatile pack for summer climbing, ski touring, scrambling and just about any mountain activity you can think of. A clever extendable lid offers 5 litres of extra storage for lightweight winter use.
What is it made of?
The Halcyon is made from a mix of two fabrics, a 330D Ripstop nylon with a Hydroshield Dura water resistant coating and an almost indestructible 840D Ballistic Nylon with a Hydroshield water resistant coating. Needless to say, these fabrics are equipped to deal with the worst you can throw at them. Although not technically waterproof, these fabrics will resist snow and light rain for hours before it begins to seep through.
What is the backsystem?
The backsystem is nice and simple. Starting at the bottom, you get a pre-curved, supportive hipbelt to take a little weight off your shoulders when out for a whole day; this can be folded back and clipped out of the way when scrambling or tackling more technical routes or removed entirely. The backpanel itself uses a snow-shedding foam to add a little comfort without adding excess weight. The shoulder straps are nicely padded and spread the load evenly when you've got a little weight in there.
What are the features?
Although deceivingly simple from the outside, the Halcyon is one of the most feature-packed rucksacks we stock. Inside, you'll find a frame sheet which adds stiffness and support to the pack when fully loaded; this can be removed when not necassary to strip down the overall weight. A grab handle on the top of the bag allows you to lift it onto your shoulders safely or to haul it up a steep gully.
When making your way into the pack, you'll notice the traditional buckle has been substituted for a LoadLocker; this is not only a tougher variant but won't become unusable in freezing conditions once covered in ice. As well as access via the top lid, there's also a large zip on the side so you're able to reach items lower down in the bag without emptying everything out.
Pockets wise, you've got one zipped top pocket for storing small items such as a phone, keys or a wallet, a side pocket for skiis to slide into and lastly the main compartment itself. Other useful features include a compression system under the lid to, unsurprisingly, compress the bag down when not full, two axe-attachment points to keep them safe when not in use and a hydration sleeve if you'd rather not use a bottle.
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Hydration compatible
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Top zipped pocket
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Two axe attachment points
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Extendable lid
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Stiffened weather flap/compression system
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Zipped side entry
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Reinforced ski slots
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Single lid closure with LoadLocker
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Rope compression system
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Padded hipbelt
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Removable frame
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Removable hipbelt
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Snow-shedding backpanel
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.