Explaining the Fit of the "Karrimor" Backpack "Contour 27" Achieved Through Seamless Adjustment

About 50 years ago in 1975, the backpack used by Junko Tabei, the first woman to successfully summit Everest, was a product of "Karrimor." "Karrimor," which significantly contributed to the development of modern mountaineering, shocked the world in 1983 with its "SA System" technology.

This system, which had been used exclusively for large backpacks until recently, has finally been incorporated into the "Contour 27" this year, a size convenient for low mountain hikes.
 
This is groundbreaking. Without exaggeration, it will greatly enhance the comfort of hiking and trekking. We promptly visited Karrimor International Ltd. and asked Kota Matsunaga from the product team about the outstanding features of the "SA System" and "Contour 27."

"Our original 'SA System' is a back adjustment system announced in 1983 as the 'world's first size-adjust system.' It's crucial to choose a backpack with an optimal back length; for example, even with the same capacity, sizes may be divided into L, M, S, etc., depending on the back length.
 
"Rather than dividing sizes by back lengths step by step, a product that covers the entire range with back adjustments fits individual users with one size. The 'SA System' is the technology that makes this possible. Developed because fit is most important when carrying heavy loads, it has been used in large backpacks."

Regarding back length adjustment, some other products adjust in stages by peeling off hook and loop fasteners while the backpack is down, aligning the position, and fixing it again, or by attaching and detaching molded parts. In those cases, you must repeatedly lower and raise the backpack to find the stage that fits you best.
 
"Karrimor's 'SA System' allows seamless adjustment, and you can intuitively make optimal adjustments while wearing the backpack. In the case of 'Contour 27,' the adjustment range for the back length is from 41cm to 50cm. While wearing the backpack loosely, you pull the cords extending from the sides of the hip belt. When it feels just right, you stop, and the adjustment is complete.
 
"Generally, the process is the same as adjusting most backpacks: first, align the position of the hip belt, then adjust the length of the shoulder harness. Afterward, pull the cords on both sides (size adjust straps) to fit the back length, and finally, fasten the chest belt."
 
It is recommended to loosen all the straps related to fit, such as the shoulder harness and hip belt, when taking off the backpack and fit them again when you wear it. This habit might seem cumbersome, but the comfort of moving with a well-fitted backpack is incomparable.

With a 27-liter capacity, it's large enough for a day hike or trekking. It's slightly roomy enough to carry equipment for boiling water and making simple meals (Sierra cup, mess tin, gas, or solid fuel) without any difficulty.

For one-night stays in mountain huts, it's a suitable capacity depending on the season and the nature of your mountain trek. While the back length that fits appropriately may slightly vary based on the clothing worn, it's pleasing that you can adjust it every time.
 
"With the advance of lightweight and compact gear, the demand for small backpacks is high for recent popularity in low mountain walking. However, there seem to be few models with a solid hip belt that is essential for comfortable mountain treks. Although classified as medium-sized, the 'Contour 27' has a capacity of 27 liters, making it feel closer to a small size, and it comes with a solid hip belt. We confidently recommend it to both beginners and advanced users."

This might be an aside, but no matter which of the four color options of the main fabric you choose, the parts in front (like the belt and harness) are all unified in black, making it easy to match with any outfit for town use. This seemingly minor detail is actually a high point.