What is the Bergtagen 38?
The Bergtagen 38 is a mountaineering pack like no other. Unlike the vast majority of technical mountain packs which are extremely minimalist yet bombproof, the Bergtagen is bombproof yet customisable. Want a supportive, comfortable pack for long approaches? No problem. Need to strip it right back to the bare essentialls for a lightweight, flexible experience when tacking steep summits? Easy.
What is the Bergtagen 38 made from?
If you were to handle the pack, you'd be unaware that this uses a different fabric to Fjallraven's already brilliant G-1000; however Fjallraven have worked their magic and have produced a fabric which feels tough and flexible, yet completely waterproof. This incredible 400 denier fabric is made using 100% recycled nylon and features a durable water repellent coating to avoid moisture soaking into the fabric when covered in snow. Also unlike many alternatives, Fjallraven have constructed it in such a way which allows the fabric to feature the same tear strength in all 4 different directions. Bergshell is one of the most durable, abrasion resistant fabrics currently featured on any pack, making it ideal for abusive mountainous environments.
What is the backsystem?
This is where the Bergtagen pack really differs! The backsystem is simple enough to pull the weight of the pack as close to your back as possible during fast ascents, yet comfortable and supportive enough for long approaches. Two Birch wood wooden stays are positioned on the outer of the backsystem to provide structure to the pack, yet can be removed on fast ascents if you need to strip the weight back. Above and below these wooden stays are lightweight pads to increase comfort and to avoid sharp objects jabbing you in the back; these pads are snow-repellent and won't soak up moisture.
What are the features?
Along with the wooden stays, the Bergtagen is fully adaptable and can be stripped back to an impressive 1kg (from 1.6kg) by removing the stays, top lid, hipbelt and majority of the straps on the outer of the bag. This not only strips it right back in terms of weight, but is less likely to catch on sharp rocks and equipment thanks to the lack of straps. If you do choose to remove the top lid, the pack closes like a drybag and will still keep your kit dry; this also means you can store a rope with the attachment clip without having to fold the lid over the top. All hooks on the bag are made from steel and are a simple hook shape for easy clipping and unclipping, even when frozen, while the bottom of the bag features added padding to protect gear inside. When it comes to adding further kit, attachment points on the outer of the pack store ice axes and ski's, while daisy chain webbing stores extra gear.
Pockets wise, you get two zipped pockets in the lid, a zipped pocket in the hipbelt, an internal zipped pocket, an internal hydration sleeve and (technically not a pocket) internal loops to store an avalanche probe.
Summary
The Bergtagen is highly technical yet simple, bombproof yet flexible, classic yet modern. Like all Fjallraven products, it's designed to last and is adaptable depending on personal preference, making it ideal for the mountaineer looking for a little 'more' out of their climbing, scrambling, mountainous pack.
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Waterproof Bergshell fabric
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Drybag closure
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Birch wood frame
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1kg weight when stripped back
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Removable hipbelt, lid, straps
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Strong steel hooks
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Padded protective base
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Attachment for ice axes and skis
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Supportive hipbelt
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Water repellent padding
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Daisy chains for attaching gear
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.