There’s quite a bit to think about when shopping for a backpack, and for a lot of consumers, packs are likely to look extra alike than totally different. However when just lately searching for packs, I ran into the Fjallraven Kajka 35, and the body grew to become the rationale I ended up choosing that particular pack.
Most inner body packs have stays constituted of metallic or carbon fiber. For the Kajka 35, Fjallraven determined to make the body stays out of birch wooden. This responsibly harvested stuff is thought for being each sturdy and pliable, making it a wonderful selection for this software.
Different options of the Kajka 35, like its detachable lid and big water bottle pockets, additionally piqued my curiosity. Nevertheless, all through my adventures with this pack and the conversations I had surrounding it, the birch stays remained the shining star of this multi-day trekking/backpacking (type of technical) backpack.
Briefly: The Fjallraven Kajka 35 is a sturdy, snug, easy-to-use pack for year-long backpacking adventures and even easy day hikes. Its birch wooden stays add somewhat heritage and tradition to the pack and in the end maintain you snug whenever you’re on the market in it.
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Quantity
35L / 2135 cu. in. -
Verified weight
4 lbs., 11 oz. -
Cloth
Climate-resistant Vinylon F, recycled polyamide 210d and 500d -
Body
FSC-certified birch -
Torso dimension vary (S/M)
Shorter than 5’ 6” -
Waist dimension vary (M/L)
Taller than 5’ 6” -
Value
$275 -
Meant makes use of
Backpacking, mountain climbing, tenting
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Vinylon F materials is depraved sturdy and abrasion-resistant -
The little leather-based fox patch is the chef’s kiss. -
Modern profile retains its form even when packed to the brim. -
The flexibility so as to add aspect pockets is a plus
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The hip belt is a bit a lot until you intend on carrying rocks -
Water reservoir sleeve wants a redesign
Fjallraven Kajka 35 Pack Evaluation
Sizing
I’ll admit that Fjallraven’s dimension information is somewhat unconventional. As an alternative of giving a particular torso size vary, the model recommends the S/M-sized pack for folks underneath 5’6” and the M/L dimension for anybody taller than 5’6”. Nevertheless, Fjallraven states that when you’re between 5’6” and 5’9” and have slender shoulders, it’s best to go along with the S/M.
Lastly, the model additionally notes that each packs have the identical again size and adjustment span, however that the S/M has a shorter hip belt. This roughly interprets to the S/M aiming extra towards ladies and smaller males, whereas the M/L targets males and bigger ladies.
I went with the M/L dimension pack as I’m just below 5’7” and, as my mom would name it, husky. I’ve additionally been known as “stout” and “thick.” Nice at soccer, final picked for basketball.
Design & Options
Fjallraven’s Kajka 35 is a streamlined top-loader for year-round, multiday excursions. At 2,135 cubic inches, the pack is somewhat small for cold-weather backpacking, however don’t let that deter you. In case your sleeping bag packs down sufficiently small, the Kajka 35 might be an actual deal with as an alternative of a bigger pack which will have more room than you want within the hotter months.
Made out of weather-resistant Vinylon F and recycled Polyamide 210D and 500D, the Kajka 35 is sturdy and retains its form even when overpacked. With six pockets in whole (seven when you don’t use a water reservoir), there are many choices for group and easy accessibility.
When you want more room, you’ll be able to strap a aspect pocket to every aspect. (I used one for added inner group; extra on that later.)
Concerning match and stability, the Kajka has an simply adjustable body with stays constituted of birch wooden. The selection to go along with birch wooden was each interesting and efficient, as birch is sturdy and flexes nicely. This pack additionally has a heavy-duty, detachable hip belt with an extra storage pocket and a spot to hold climbing gear.
For a 35L pack, I discovered the hip belt overkill and eliminated it after my first journey out. That is the place the load lifters got here in helpful, as I might pull the load up and nearer to my shoulders.
One key function that I preferred for journeys to the bathe was the detachable lid. I saved my toiletries, remedy, batteries, and the like within the lid and unclipped it from the pack’s physique once I headed off to make use of the amenities. That is one thing I’ve loved in regards to the packs I selected to camp and backpack with for years. It makes issues simpler than dragging the entire pack round.
Individuals on longer treks with a number of legs to their journey may gain advantage by utilizing the lid as a messenger bag in the event that they went into city for a chunk to eat.
Within the Area
In 4 months, I went on three in a single day journeys and multiple-day hikes with the Kajka 35. I by no means felt that the pack was too huge or too small. I exploit plenty of inner pouches to prepare my gear, make my setup extra environment friendly, and enhance the convenience of entry.
Once I initially picked up the pack, I additionally snagged a aspect pocket from Fjallraven. I might simply have connected it to the entrance or aspect of the bag, however as an alternative used it inside as a detachable pouch for my water air purifier, camp towel, and utensils.
Except for clothes and meals, I introduced a Terra Nova Southern Cross 2 two-person tent that I saved within the pack. The tent took up all the size of the within of the pack and will have simply been lashed to the surface with the compression straps.
Nevertheless, I wished to be as streamlined as attainable, and because the tent solely took up a 3rd of the width and depth of the primary compartment, it was nice for my wants.
I thought of bringing my Sierra Designs Backcountry Mattress sleeping bag and pushed it to the underside of the pack subsequent to the tent. Nevertheless, I saved that for late fall and winter as I are likely to run sizzling. So, I relied on my Klymit Nest Sleeping Bag Liner and my Therm-A-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT sleeping pad.
On account of its lengthy tube form, the Kajka 35 is simple to load the suitable method, so you’re taking up the house out there to you with out it being unruly or off-kilter.
Kajka 35 Cons
My two gripes with the pack are the hip belt and the reservoir sleeve. Neither of those are deal breakers for me, however they’re value noting as a result of they modified my strategy to packing and utilizing the Kajka 35 general.
The hip belt is constituted of high-density foam. It provides you nice help; nevertheless, if in case you have somewhat little bit of a stomach, it is going to be uncomfortable. Additionally, as with nearly each pack with hip belts, carrying something in your pants belt received’t be an choice when you use the hip belt. The pocket is nice for holding gadgets like a headlamp or a compass, however you lose fast entry to a handheld GPS machine or belt knife.
The difficulty with the reservoir sleeve is a bit more annoying. The way in which it’s positioned within the pack’s important compartment causes the bladder to take a seat decrease. When the Kajka 35 is absolutely packed, every part is pushed down and towards it to be able to’t suck water out of the tube with out blowing out a lung.
Due to this, I used the sleeve for a smaller photo voltaic panel and introduced a water bottle. This wasn’t a super answer, and I might in all probability have to convey two water bottles with me or lash one thing like this to the entrance for midsummer adventuring in drier environments.
In Conclusion
Despite the fact that I bumped into a few snags with the hip belt and water reservoir sleeve, I don’t need that to detract from the general construct and capabilities of the Kajka 35. It’s a smooth, sturdy backpack that, when you pack it proper, can offer you a number of days and nights of backpacking. It’s additionally extremely snug, contouring to your shoulders and again.
Contemplating the pack is nearly 5 kilos and solely has a capability of 35L, I do know some of us will dismiss it proper off the bat for being heavy. I respect individuals who take the ultralight strategy till they sacrifice issues like security and reliability. I might hate to see them skip over a bag just like the Kajka as a result of they deemed it too heavy.
Although I take my time on the path, I’m not doing it to keep away from obstacles. My pack must get by some thorny brush or stand up to sliding down some rocks. With all due respect to a number of the ripstop supplies on the market, Vinylon F performs prefer it was initially issued to troopers throughout WWII. It’s beefy, which aids in its abrasion and climate resistance.
The Kajka 35 isn’t going to tear open like a bag of chips if I get hung up on a department or one thing. To me, that’s peace of thoughts.
