Fjällräven Kajka 35 backpack: first impressions
If Swedish brand Fjällräven is known for anything, it's for producing extremely high-quality, and expensive, gear. This hiking backpack is no exception. Built using a responsibly sourced birch (yes, meaning wooden) frame in place of aluminum, this backpack feels solid and luxurious the minute you pick it up, and for that reason, it's a little heavier than your average back too.
The main compartment is roomy enough for a light overnight backpacking trip, but thanks to the sleek design and compression straps, it's also totally functional for a day hike where you want to carry lots of layers and not worry about space.
Speaking of space, handy extra compartments abound with this pack. There are side pockets that are deep enough to securely hold your water bottle thanks to straps above them, zippered pockets on the hip belt that are big enough for your phone and a mesh pocket inside the main compartment. Then there's a roomy top lid with three zippered pockets that can be detached and used as a crossbody bag if you want to embrace some of that Skandi metro style when you get back to town.
• List price: $275 / £285
• Gender specification: Unisex
• Sizes: S/M, M/L
• Volume: 35L
• Weight: 4.4 lb / 2 kg
• Materials: Vinylon F: 100% vinylal, 100% polyamide 500D (recycled), Birch
• Colors: Coal Black, Khaki Dust, UN Blue, Green
• Best use: Hiking, camping
One of the best features of this backpack, however, is the full front zipper which means you can lie it down on the ground and open it up like a duffel bag to find your gear – no more rummaging furiously on the trail.
One of the main ommissions of most backpacks is an integrated rain cover, but here you'll find yours neatly packed away inside a little pouch for those days when the weather won't play ball.
Thanks to ergonomic shoulder straps, a well-designed hip belt and plenty of foam padding, this backpack is a joy to wear mile after mile, even when it's loaded up. It's hydration bladder compatible and built using recycled polyamide so even though it's pricier and heavier than your average 35L pack, we can't help but sing its praises.
Fjällräven Kajka 35 backpack: in the field
"What lovely backpack is that you're wearing?" asked my friend Jack when we met for a hike in the Scottish Highlands recently, without even so much as a hello. I could understand why it was the first thing he noticed – after all, I was testing out the eye-catching UN blue.
That particular day, we went on a 16 km cross-country trek around Scottish lochs and over a low peak where we encountered at least three seasons, and I'd loaded this up for the first time with multiple layers as well as lunch and water for the day.
Since then, I've had it out on multiple day hikes as well as a weekend adventure to see if it's really as good as it looks.
Here’s how it performs:
Sizing, fit and comfort
This pack comes in two sizes: S/M and M/L, somewhat confusingly. Generally, Fjällräven says if you're under 5'6" tall you should choose the smaller of the two, and since I'm 5'4" there was no issue with sizing, but I can imagine if you fall right on that 5'6" line you might want to try on both. Whatever you choose, the back length can be adjusted, but I'm advised that the smaller version has narrower straps which makes it more comfortable if you're a narrower person.
In my experience, the pack sits perfectly, keeping the weight up high on my hips and off my shoulders, and if the lid pocket is loaded I can even lean my head back on it for an all-important standing-up nap.
I was a little unsure that this pack would really be comfortable because it's heavy and it has a wooden – yes wooden! – frame. My fears were quickly alleviated however when I pulled it on and discovered it's got foam padding in all the right places and thanks to the ergonomic design makes a heavy feel like nothing, even when I wear it all day.
Storage and fastenings
Personally, a 35L backpack is about the perfect size for most trips except of course for winter camping where you need more gear, and I'm always happy when I can get away with a pack of this size. The main compartment is big enough to hold my lightweight sleep system as well as a bit of extra clothing, and more than roomy enough for day hiking kit.
What really helps though is the astonishing number of handy extra pockets. The side pockets are big enough for my water bottle and trekking poles thanks to the straps above them, and the roomy lid can easily hold all those smaller pieces of gear like my headlamp and even my camping stove that I want to keep from rattling around. As for my phone and wallet, there are two spacious zipped pockets on the hip belt so everything is within easy reach.
Some backpacks in recent years have decided to get so futuristic with the fastenings that I've had to email the manufacturer to ask how they work, but this classic pack has embraced tradition (and practicality) with simple plastic buckles and toggles that are easy to use.
Meet the reviewer
Durability, weather protection and other details
I have no questions at all that this is one tough, robust pack. The rugged Vinylon F fabric is undeniably hard-wearing and abrasion-resistant, so as pretty as this pack is, I don't bat an eye about battling through the brambles with it on my back. I honestly expect this to last for decades.
A light rain doesn't get through it, but for a heavy rain, it comes with its own rain cover and one of my biggest pet peeves is that more packs don't, so this is a huge bonus in my book.
That said, my absolute favorite feature of this bag is the full front zipper which means I can open the front like it's the top of a duffel bag. It means I can easily grab my waterproof jacket in a jiffy, even if I foolishly packed it at the bottom, and I love it.
Fjällräven Kajka 35: the bottom line
This is a beautiful backpack, there's no denying it, but that's hardly the point. It's tough, functional and comfortable and every detail has been carefully considered. It's big enough for short backpacking trips, but sleek enough to be a day pack.
That said, it comes at a hefty price and it is a little heavy for those wanting to move super fast and light through the mountains. If it's an ultralight design you're looking for, check out the 35L Patagonia Ascensionist which comes at half the price and half the weight.
