Rucksack Back Systems

Large Rucksacks

With larger rucksacks and heavier loads, a more sophisticated back system is essential to provide a stable load distribution. The majority of the weight is transferred to the strong muscle groups around the pelvic girdle, reducing strain on the weaker back muscles and spine. To maintain stability however, a proportion of weight has to be carried through the shoulder harness to hold the rucksack on the back. Manufacturers have developed various systems taking these points into consideration.

Rucksack brands include: Lowe Alpine, The North Face, VauDe, Salomon, Berghaus, & Camelbak.

Berghaus Rucksacks

Berghaus Bioflex System contains fluid that responds to the body's natural movement. When you twist, it twists. When you flex, it flexes. When you bend, it bends, thats the simple principle behind the Berghaus innovative Bioflex Rucksack!

What does this mean? Well, most rucksacks have rigidity to them. If you bend over or twist round to look over your shoulder you can feel this rigidity, i.e. the rucksack stays is a straight position. The Bioflex rucksack is designed to mirror the shape of your back. When you bend over the Bioflex rucksack will follow the arch or your back. If you twist round to look over your shoulder, then the Bioflex rucksack will twist round too, through its centralised pivot point. The Bioflex system provides optimum load transfer and keeps the rucksack's centre of gravity in tune with your own, resulting in reduced fatigue and increased comfortable when compared to other rucksacks.

Lowe Alpine Torso Fit Expedition Rucksacks

The acclaimed Torso Fit Expedition (TFX) comfort engineering system was first brought out in 2007 and was modified and improved for 2010. There are five design features that make up the total TFX system and which are all included on large rucksacks. Smaller rucksacks that are used for lighter loads have correspondingly fewer features.

All the TFX back systems incorporate Torso Fit and Torso Motion which enable full adjustment of the rucksack to the user's body shape as well as allowing the rucksack to move with the body's natural motion.

Medium and large rucksacks which have the TFX8 and TFX10 rating both have a supportive air channel which helps keep your back cool.

The fully featured TFX10, which is on the large rucksacks, have adaptive fit harnessess and hipbelts that automatically adjust to the users shape just by tightening them. They also feature rebound foam that returns to original shape even after it has been bent and squashed for long periods of time.

For women, the TFX ND systems allow for shorter back lengths. They also have narrower backs with the lumbar pad, hipbelt and shoulder pads shaped for women. There are three TFX ND systems based on rucksack size, i.e. TFX6 ND, TFX8 ND and TFX10 ND.

Lowe Alpine APS Rucksacks

"Comfort, unbeatable durability and an easily adjusted fit-to-size" - this was the Research and Design brief for the Lowe Alpine APS (Advanced ParaluxSystem) rucksacks.

Customizing: Two aluminum staves within the back of the rucksack play a vital role. Crucially, they transfer a proportion of the load from the shoulders to the hips, while simultaneously flexing to absorb jolts. The staves are pre-shaped in an elongated 'S' to match the average back profile. The alloy is malleable by hand, so your pack can be customized for a precise fit. Once reshaped and refitted, customized staves behave exactly as before.

Strength: The APS frame is tougher than it looks. What you can't see beneath the plastic cover are the eight lines of stitching that secures the that this crucial component can withstand a load in excess of 300kg (660 lb.). You need never worry that the APS harness will fail.

Comfort: Special bi-laminate foams are used in APS waistbelts and back pads. because pads should support as well as soften. The closed-cell layer provides shape and firm support, while the open-cell layer ensures contact comfort. Lowe Alpine bi-laminate foams 'memorize' their original form, and so retain shape and resilience even after prolonged use. The APS Series 9 uses 3-dimensional Spacer mesh in body contact areas, allowing breathability and airflow.

Reliability: Part of the beauty of the APS is its simplicity. There's no complex machinery in there. Lowe Alpine is the only quality backpack manufacturer still insisting on stitched construction throughout. With no riveted metal or plastic parts to break, all Lowe Alpine packs can be maintained in the field simply by using needle and thread. The APS has been designed for no-fuss customization. Adjusting the back length takes just 30 seconds. That done, all other fine tuning adjustments - such as to redistribute the load between the shoulders and hips - can be made while you are on the move.

Vaude Rucksacks

When looking to save weight, simple is better. The VauDe Tergoform Vario rucksack suspension system is testimony to that theory. A sheet of lean polyethylene is combined with an adjustable aluminium A frame. This is attached to a thickly padded back that features a central air channel and a soft hydrophobic (water repellant) fabric cover. A die-cut anatomically curved shoulder harness is added - this can be adjusted up or down using the ingeniously simple Vario latch. The system is completed with a removable dual-density foam hip belt.

Vango Rucksacks

	The Quick Adjust back system is easily adjustable and has extra stabilising through a "uni-rigger" base stabiliser. It is ideal for backpackers or trekkers going for a trip round Europe or for a week in the Alps. It offers the perfect combination of comfort and fast, easy adjustment.
	The Self Adjust back system guarantees excellent comfort and ventilation. The simplicity of the 4 option adjustable back length combined with the padded hipbelt and harness ensures perfect comfort and equal weight distribution when in use.
	The Air Force back system is simple with effective back breathability. A continual flow of air is circulated between your back and the rucksack, preventing any moisture accumulating.

The North Face Rucksacks

The North Face E-VAP back system technology, used in shoulder straps and hip belts, features perforated foam panels. In addition to reducing weight, these panels allow air to circulate through airflow channels, which are embedded in the foam. This allows for improved breathability and moisture evapouration that keeps the wearer dryer and more comfortable.