“Kantamus” is Finnish for “a carried load”, typically something a bit heavier that you carry along. The Kantamus is an all-around general-purpose backpack, suitable for various uses. The scalability and compression allow you to adapt and adjust the pack for changing situations and needs, whilst the internal aluminium frame offers rigid support and weight transfer. With a main compartment of ca. 40 litres, plus 8 litres in the lid, the Kantamus 40L fits sleep systems, spare clothing, food and water for a couple of days. The numerous external attachment points for pouches and additional gear allow you to adapt it according to your needs. Main pack body The main compartment is accessible from the top via a roll top closure and through a vertical zipper on the right side. Inside is a hydration bladder compartment, with two tie-down loops and a hydration bladder attachment webbing tab on the top. Each side of the pack has one tube port. The side zipper on the left side leads into a large, flat compartment on the front of the pack. Suitable for stuff like tarps and other flat packing gear. The sides and front have generous PALS webbing for attaching extra pouches and gear. The bottom has two rows of PALS webbing for attaching gear using packing straps or elastic cord. Two side compression straps with SR buckles on either side of the pack offer both compression and a means of carrying long, bulky tools and equipment or quickly attaching additional loads, such as a Hatka 12L daypack equipped with suitable buckles. The slightly bellowed side pouches allow you to carry long tools and such on the sides. These are relatively flat and low, not intended to carry water bottles or such, for that we recommend adding a GP pouch to the hip belt. Floating lid The lid has a large main compartment, capacity ca. 8 litres, accessible from a zipper on the neck side. When filled the lid “balloons” up, and when empty it lays flat and tight. Great for rainwear, puffy jackets etc. When tightened the lid compresses down, keeping the contents tight. The top of the lid has an elastic cord for retention of light gear. The underside of the lid has two rows of PALS webbing, suitable for attaching a sleeping pad or other gear. The front of the lid has a small, zippered pocket with a webbing loop with D-ring inside, good for small trinkets and valuables. Pro-tip: The lid can also be removed and replaced with, for example, our Askare hip pack or a Hatka 12L equipped with suitable buckles (not included with the pack). This allows you to tweak the Kantamus into a modular load carrying system. Carrying system An internal tubular aluminium frame gives the Kantamus rigidity and good weight transfer to the hips. The back is padded with a thick and stiff closed cell foam pad, placed in a compartment with hook-and-loop closure. The pad can be removed for use as a sitting/kneeling pad, and the compartment can be used to carry other equipment, a tarp or poncho for example. The padded shoulder straps attach to steel rings, allowing some articulation. The load lifters can be threaded through two webbing loops to adjust the point at which they part from the shoulder straps, allowing adjustment according to user length and preference. The sternum strap is removable and can be moved up and down the shoulder straps as desired. The hip belt consists of two sewn-on pieces of 50 mm webbing with PALS channels. The rest of the hip belt assembly (three pads and the front closure straps) are threaded onto these. Each part of the belt can be removed and replaced without sewing if needed. The belt closes using a super secure Berg buckle, very easy to use, even with thick and cold weather gloves on. Rugged and repairable The main body of the pack is made from 1000D Cordura for high abrasion resistance, with details such as the back pad compartment and roll top being made from lighter and less coarse 500D. The zippers are covered and have two pullers, so you always have a backup in case one puller fails. The buckles, lid, shoulder straps and hip belt components can be easily removed and replaced in case of damage, without the need of sewing or specialized tools, allowing for easy repairs over the packs service life.
