What is the Singi 48?
The Singi may not be the lightest, but it's easily one of the most durable, reliable rucksacks in existence. Made using Fjallraven's toughest fabric, G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco S, the Singi is designed to withstand years of regular use and abuse.
What is it made of?
We touched on it above, but this fabric really is brilliant for those who are hard on their kit. G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco S is Fjallraven's most durable fabric and is made from 65% recycled polyester and 35% organic cotton, making it highly abrasion resistant yet environmentally friendly. Greenland Wax is then applied to the outer of this fabric to repel moisture if you happen to get caught out. The 'S' at the end of the fabric name means it's given a smooth texture, by the way. Lastly, an even more durable 500D nylon is used on the base of the bag to deal with general scuffs and scrapes.
What is the backsystem?
In 1960, Fjallraven revolutionised trekking backpacks by switching from wooden frames to aluminium ones. Skip forward a few decades and the wooden frame is back! This wooden frame features the same strength rating as their old aluminium counterparts, yet reduces its carbon footprint by 90%. This birch wood frame is FSC-Certified, grown using responsible foresting methods and coated in an environmentally-friendly lineseed oil to prolong its life. Attached to the wooden frame are thick sections of padding to offer comfort when the pack is loaded with some weight. These sections of padding can be moved up and down the frame to customise the length of the bag relative to your back length.
What are the features?
Having looked at the picture above, you'd be right in assuming this pack is crammed with features! Starting at the top, you get a large lid with two pockets built in, side compression straps to pull the weight closer to your back, webbing loops over the lid and down the sides of the bag to thread webbing through if you prefer to store extra kit to the outer of the pack, two pockets on the hipbelt for quick to hand items, elastic webbing on the front of the pack which can be used for crampons or wet waterproofs, a massive zipped compartment in the base of the pack to store a sleeping bag and an internal hydration sleeve for a water bladder. Other useful features include a waterproof base, an included raincover and some nice leather Fjallraven badges. You can also attach Fjallraven's own Gear Holder to the side of the pack to extend the capacity even further.
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Hardwearing fabrics
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Waterproof base
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Birch wood frame
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Zipped hipbelt pockets
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Two lid pockets
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Hydration sleeve
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Large base compartment
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Side compression straps
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Daisy chain webbing to attach extra gear
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Included raincover
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.