TREKKING
Product 2020
Woman, Man

MAMMUT DUCAN SPINE 50-60

FIRST

Mammut is a renowned and honorable Swiss outdoor equipment brand (since 1862), mountaineering, climbing, hiking, skiing, etc. with an undeniable reputation for the quality of its products; Swiss expertise. For this 2020 season, the brand is releasing a new lightweight backpack, with a fairly innovative concept for a type of product where innovation is the slightest zip variation for weight/comfort ratio. So we went to test this sleek new-look bag on long day hikes, with a “comfortable” weight, 8/10 kg maximum, but on difficult terrain, steep slopes, small climbs … and even in a thunderstorm.

First observation, the Mammut Ducan Spine’s volume is adjustable from 50 to 60 liters thanks to the roll-top, in other words there’s no top flap pocket. The pack is like one massive pocket, with a wide opening, which can be filled as needed. Then, you roll the top to adjust the container to the contents (like waterproof bags), you fix it down with the two side clips, and you have a perfectly adapted pack to its content. Another advantage of the roll-top system: maximum volume optimization under full load. At 60 liters, we really have 60 liters.

 

A “spider web” drawstring, comes on top to compact it all. The cord is a little thin in diameter, it squeezes like a sausage more than it compresses, but it does the job. It is also a bit too long, especially when the volume is small. Then you have to store the excess cord in the small pocket at the top of the pack to prevent it from flopping around. Once the pack volume is “fixed” with the roll-top, you can easily and directly access the entire pack’s interior via a large central zip, very practical when looking for the famous pair of gloves that is always at the bottom of the pack.

The pack’s volume is divided into two compartments, large at the top and a box at the bottom, separate or not as needed. It is also accessible from the outside via a large zip, very practical to quickly grab items such as a first aid kit, lamp, etc. The pack is shaped like an inverted pyramid, wider at the top, narrowing at the bottom. It is therefore necessary to distribute the different loads according to their weight, the heaviest at the bottom in a compacted volume, close to the center of gravity around the hips, for good balance especially on steep terrain. And the lightest at the top to avoid the tipping effects.

 

Weighing in at 1520g for a 60L maximum volume, it is a lightweight pack, but it hasn’t sacrificed comfort. An integrated metal frame enables load distribution to different points of the pack, and Mammut’s Active Spine technology uses a mechanical system to uniform distribution between the pack and the body in movement.

The Mammut Ducan Spine remains immobile in action, freeing up shoulder and hip movement, really comfortable. Your back feels less tired and tense at the end of the day. For back ventilation there’s a nice space between the back and the pack, enabling good natural ventilation. The pack’s side adjustment, elastic chest strap, abdominal belt and the suspenders are precise, fluid, and remain well-locked, the settings don’t slide over time. The whole set-up is very comfortable and allows you to have a pack perfectly fitted to the body, which doesn’t move around and cause friction rubbing anywhere. A noticeable detail, once you’ve adjusted the pack you don’t have loose strap ends flapping around, all the ends are  counter-attached.

 

Regarding the accessories, two independent pole attachments are on the top, and especially a quick pole attachment (for two poles) on the abdominal belt, really very practical when you need to free-up your hands (climbing). You attach the poles in no time, and above all they are easily accessible, within reach without having to take off the pack. A real bonus, far from being a gadget, and contrary to what one might think at first glance, because the poles are attached horizontally, they do not hinder movement in any way.

Pockets: there is an exterior zip on the Mammut Ducan Spine’s roll-top, with a key ring, another on the abdominal belt, quite ample, practical. And also one on each of the shoulder straps, in stretchy mesh, to slide your phone, compact camera, or a GPS into. At the top of the left shoulder strap there’s a hook to attach/secure the device with a cord. Mammut had the good idea to design a removable waterproof pouch that can either be attached to the outside on the belt, or inside the pack, to protect papers and phone from humidity. And to finish with the pockets, two side mesh pockets that are easily accessible on the move, without having to take off the pack, in which you can slip gloves, caps, hats, or cereal bars, etc.

Also note that the Mammut Ducan Spine is compatible with a hydration system such as a water bladder, there are external straps at the bottom of the pack for attaching a tent, and a rain protection cover is integrated in a small pocket under the bottom of the pack, and that’s the lot!

 

The only unknown for this type of product remains long-term durability. During our multi-day test we didn’t notice any weaknesses, the finishes are perfect, it remains to be seen how the materials evolve with wear and tear. But knowing that Mammut uses quality materials, we aren’t too worried about it.

A very well-designed backpack down to the very last detail! Here we see all the Swiss brand’s expertise. An excellent weight/comfort ratio, over all ergonomics that leave nothing to chance, neither from the accessories point of view, nor from carrying comfort or functionality. Nothing is missing, nothing over-the-top. The concept of an adjustable volume is the real benefit to the Mammut Ducan Spine. It allows you to have a really adaptable bag depending on the configuration, from a day hike to a multi-day trek. Top-of-the-range, an excellent backpack, but also quite naturally at a high price. It logically wins the Test4outside.com FIRST Award.

 

 

"A very well-designed backpack down to the very last detail! Here we see all the Swiss brand’s expertise. An excellent weight/comfort ratio, over all ergonomics that leave nothing to chance, neither from the accessories point of view, nor from carrying comfort or functionality. Nothing is missing, nothing over-the-top. Top-of-the-range, an excellent backpack, but also quite naturally at a high price. It logically wins the Test4outside.com FIRST Award."

Rating

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
  • Comfort
    9
  • Ergonomics
    10
  • Carrying comfort
    10
  • Durability
    9

Price : 230

Weight

1520

Overall Rating

9.50

LONG TERM TEST

We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:

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