What is the Archeon 28?The Archeon 28 is an incredibly tough, comfortable, good-looking pack featuring recycled canvas fabrics, high-quality metallic details and Osprey's legendary AirScape backsystem. If you're the sort of person who likes to just buy once and get it over with, the Archeon is the bag for you.
What is it made of?It's made using an incredibly tough 1880D Recycled Nylon Canvas. This feels a lot like those old trusty canvas bags that refused to die but is better for the environment and looks a bit nicer, too. This fabric is also Bluesign-approved, meaning the people that make the fabric work in healthy conditions and the fabric itself is sustainable. To top it off, a PFC-free durable water repellent coating is applied to the fabric to repel light rain and snow.
Which backsystem does it use?The Archeon features Osprey's AirScape backpanel, a breathable, comfortable system made primarily with a mixture of soft foam and grippy mesh. The foam itself has cut-outs in various areas to increase ventilation, while the mesh grips securely to clothing and limits unnecessary movement. This backpanel is height adjustable, meaning it'll fit a wide range of different users. The shoulder straps follow a very similar theme, while a lightweight webbing belt with padded fins keeps the pack close to you when you're on the move.
What are its features?Starting at the top of the pack, the Archeon features a traditional lid entry with high-quality metal hooks to keep it shut. Storage-wise, you've got a zipped pocket under the lid, internal organisation pockets to separate out your kit, stretchy side pockets for bottles, a hydration sleeve for use with a bladder (not included) and an internal padded laptop/tablet sleeve.
Other useful features include lash loops on the lid to attach additional gear, an internal clip to pop your keys on and an emergency whistle on the sternum strap.
- AirScape ventilated back panel
- Adjustable torso length
- Padded shoulder straps
- Sternum strap with safety whistle
- Padded hip-fins
- Removable webbing hip belt
- Top lid access
- Lash loops on lid
- Zipped pocket under lid
- Dual metal buckles
- Internal padded laptop sleeve
- Internal organisation pockets
- Internal key clip
- Hydration bladder compatible
- Stretchy side pockets
- Grab handle
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.