There’s loads to think about when shopping for a backpack, and for a lot of buyers, packs are inclined to look extra alike than totally different. However when not too long ago searching for packs, I ran into the Fjallraven Kajka 35, and the body turned the explanation I ended up selecting that particular pack.
Most inside 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 superb alternative for this software.
Different options of the Kajka 35, like its detachable lid and large 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 (kind of technical) backpack.
Briefly: The Fjallraven Kajka 35 is a sturdy, comfy, easy-to-use pack for year-long backpacking adventures and even easy day hikes. Its birch wooden stays add slightly heritage and tradition to the pack and in the end maintain you comfy 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 measurement vary (S/M)
Shorter than 5’ 6” -
Waist measurement vary (M/L)
Taller than 5’ 6” -
Value
$275 -
Supposed 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 except you intend on carrying rocks -
Water reservoir sleeve wants a redesign
Fjallraven Kajka 35 Pack Evaluate
Sizing
I’ll admit that Fjallraven’s measurement information is slightly unconventional. As an alternative of giving a selected torso size vary, the model recommends the S/M-sized pack for folks underneath 5’6” and the M/L measurement for anybody taller than 5’6”. Nevertheless, Fjallraven states that for those who’re between 5’6” and 5’9” and have slim shoulders, you need 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 girls and smaller males, whereas the M/L targets males and bigger girls.
I went with the M/L measurement 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 slightly small for cold-weather backpacking, however don’t let that deter you. In case your sleeping bag packs down sufficiently small, the Kajka 35 may very well be an actual deal with as an alternative of a bigger pack that will have extra space than you want within the hotter months.
Created from 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 for those who don’t use a water reservoir), there are many choices for group and quick access.
For those who want extra space, you’ll be able to strap a aspect pocket to every aspect. (I used one for added inside 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 a further 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 useful, as I may pull the load up and nearer to my shoulders.
One key function that I favored 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 concerning 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 benefit by utilizing the lid as a messenger bag in the event that they went into city for a chew to eat.
Within the Subject
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 massive or too small. I exploit plenty of inside pouches to arrange my gear, make my setup extra environment friendly, and enhance the benefit of entry.
After I initially picked up the pack, I additionally snagged a aspect pocket from Fjallraven. I may simply have hooked up 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.
Other than clothes and meals, I introduced a Terra Nova Southern Cross 2 two-person tent that I saved within the pack. The tent took up your entire size of the within of the pack and will have simply been lashed to the surface with the compression straps.
Nevertheless, I needed to be as streamlined as potential, and because the tent solely took up a 3rd of the width and depth of the principle compartment, it was high-quality for my wants.
I thought-about 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 inclined to run scorching. So, I relied on my Klymit Nest Sleeping Bag Liner and my Therm-A-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT sleeping pad.
As a result of its lengthy tube form, the Kajka 35 is straightforward to load the correct means, so you are taking up the area 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 method to packing and utilizing the Kajka 35 total.
The hip belt is constituted of high-density foam. It offers you nice help; nevertheless, if in case you have slightly little bit of a stomach, it is going to be uncomfortable. Additionally, as with virtually each pack with hip belts, carrying something in your pants belt gained’t be an possibility for those who use the hip belt. The pocket is nice for holding objects like a headlamp or a compass, however you lose fast entry to a handheld GPS gadget or belt knife.
The problem with the reservoir sleeve is a bit more annoying. The best way it’s positioned within the pack’s fundamental compartment causes the bladder to sit down decrease. When the Kajka 35 is absolutely packed, all the things is pushed down and towards it as a way 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 resolution, and I’d most likely 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
Regardless 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 modern, sturdy backpack that, for those who pack it proper, can give you a number of days and nights of backpacking. It’s additionally extremely comfy, contouring to your shoulders and again.
Contemplating the pack is sort of 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 method till they sacrifice issues like security and reliability. I’d 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 means of some thorny brush or stand up to sliding down some rocks. With all due respect to among 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.
