Review: Fjallraven Kajka 35 Backpack

A stylish, durable, high performing and feature-heavy daypack for advanced trekking.

The Fjallraven Kajka 35 Backpack is a must have in the bag quiver. It’s built as an advanced trekking backpack but definitely has a functionality and durability that allows it to be used in many different guises.

When I first pulled this pack out of the box, all I could think was just how gorgeous it looked. As a few minutes went by I started to worry that maybe this was going to be a story of style over substance. But how wrong I was!

Made from Vinylon F, a man made material that Fjallraven have used since their infancy, means this backpack is long lasting while being easy to clean and resilient from the scuffs and bumps picked up in those long days out on the trail. This is key to the company’s sustainability credentials, delivering the message that the longer their products last, fewer products will be produced, less energy consumed and less products will end up in waste.

From the time I have spent using the Kajka 35 backpack I can happily report that this little gem is built to last.

Fjallraven Kajka 35 Backpack: The stats

Features of the Fjallraven Kajka 35 Backpack

Hip belt

The Kajka comes with a well sized hip belt. There is excellent padding throughout and the adjustable straps makes it easy for me to find that lovely snug fit just above my hips. Each time I have headed out with it I have found that once I have set the straps to where I want them they seem to stay nice and tight. The left side of the belt has a solid gear loop that can be used for equipment such as carabiners, ice axes or, if you’re like me, my dog’s ball on a rope.
On the other side there is a decent sized zipper pocket. I have been using this for snacks, a small utility knife and my phone. If you have a phone that is newer than mine, from the last decade, then it might be a bit of a squeeze in there and not much room for snacks or others bits you might like to keep handy. But all said, it is working great for me.

Back panel

This is the first time I have used a backpack with a wooden frame and also the first time I have used a backpack with an adjustable frame system. There are many pros and cons to the frameless vs frame backpack to consider when deciding which one to spend your hard earned cash on. With many of my hiking days having been spent carrying full packs, ready for all eventualities in the Alps or with Mountain Rescue, I prefer the workhorse element of a framed backpack. As with most frames, the Kajka’s very stylish wooden frame offers excellent support with a full load and helps the backpack to retain its shape and structure. This means there is no energy wasted with a floppy bag moving around on your back while trying to stay in the flow of your trekking strides. Oh, and did I mention that the wood looks super cool?!

After using the adjustable back length feature, I will now always look for this on any trekking bag I purchase in the future. Such a simple but awesome idea. It has allowed me to make minor tweaks to the length to find the perfect fit for me. Above and below the frame are two well sized pads that feel really comfortable on my back. Another advantage of the wooden frame is it allows a lovely flow of air to pass through to keep you cool and the ups.

Shoulder straps

Shoulder straps aren’t much of a ‘sexy’ feature to talk about but I am finding these ones to be particularly comfortable. The padding is more than enough and the sternum strap keeps everything nice and solid so there is little to no rubbing, even well into a full day hike.
The sternum strap is easy to adjust and comes with the standard emergency whistle attached. As with all the straps on the Kajka, there are elasticated loops that allow you to tuck away excess length to keep your straps from flapping around.

A nice little detail to note from Fjallraven is that the s/m size pack has slightly tapered shoulder straps at the front to better fit smaller frames while the m/l have longer shoulder straps, with no taper, to better fit a wider torso.

Main compartment

There is just one main compartment on the Kajka. You can gain access to this via the top draw string or from a zipper that runs around the front of the bag. The top entry has a snow/water gaiter with a top lock strap, a draw string and a second draw string lower down the top section. Once these are all open it makes for a good space for me to top load all my provisions into the pack. After the bag is loaded and draw strings tightened there is an additional lock strap that runs from front to back. I am currently using this to stuff an extra layer underneath but it is perfect for a small rope too.

For full access to the bag there is also a zipper around the front of the pack. I am used to having access via the back of the bag but haven’t used a front zipper before. Since using backpacks that have this quick, all access option, I can’t live without out it. When I am out on the hill I try to organise my pack, separating my gear in order of importance in small dry bags. No matter how well I organise it, something will always happen where I need to get access to the dry bag at the bottom of my pack. The front zipper means I can do this quickly and get back on route. One thing that frustrated me a bit was that in order to fully open the front zipper I have to unclip all the side clips of the bag, which might be holding something like my walking poles. This made it feel a bit clunky with the potential for my poles to fall out of the side pocket.

There is one small mesh pocket inside the Kajka that is big enough for a stash of snacks, my small head torch and some zip ties. Never leave home without a bunch of zip ties!

Top lid

The Kajka has a detachable top lid. Like most lids it has two decent sized zipped pockets on the top and a third smaller pocket underneath. The underside of the lid has a place to write contact details in case you misplace your Kajka, although I am not too sure you would ever get a bag that looks this good back! There is a key latch in the underside pocket. I have been using this to attach my gloves so they don’t drop out when I’m reaching in for some fuelling snacks. Inside this pocket you will also find an extra strap.

Once the lid is fully removed from the back, which is super easy to do with just two clips, you can then add the extra strap and your lid turns into a super stylish sling back. I absolutely love this feature. I haven’t used it properly yet but can’t wait for my next camping trip to stroll into the local town after setting up camp, sporting my sling back with all my essentials needed for an evening of exploring the local drinking haunts.

Hydration compatible

Inside the main compartment there is space for a hydration system, with a loop to clip into so the system keeps its shape. I haven’t used this feature yet as prefer to carry a few large water bottles for easy refills.

Side pockets

My water bottles fit neatly into the expandable side pockets. This is another feature that is new to me on a backpack and another one that I will always use going forward. There is one on each side, both of decent size. I kept a large 1000ml water bottle in one and the other houses my maps and the bottom of my walking poles that I strap in higher up on the side of the back. Each pocket has a draw string to ensure nothing escapes.

Gear loops

Down each side of the front of the backpack are a series of small daisy chain loops. I have been using these for easy access carabiners and my sun hat to hang off. Both sides also have two strong velcro loops that work excellently to attach walking poles or ice axes.

Waterproof cover

Inside the top zipper pocket of the lid you will find the bright blue rain cover. This cover completely covers the whole of the pack and has a cool little catch that attaches behind your back to ensure full waterproofing and that it wont fly away with a big gust of wind.

Pros of the Fjallraven Kajka 35 Backpack

I have been using the Kajka 35 Backpack for day hikes and some Mountain Rescue training hill days. It has been packed to the brim with equipment and thrown around on the ground and in and out of trucks. The durability of the Vinylon F fabric seems bombproof. I love how solid everything about it feels. It also looks super stylish and I was genuinely worried that it was going to be a story of style over substance but I have been proved wrong on this occasion. I love how it looks and I love how it performs out on the trails.

Along with its looks and durability, it has a lovely feel about it. All the pads and adjustable back plates allows for a comfortable custom ride. The FSC certified birch wooden frame makes the pack feel connected to you with each step you take.

This is a bag that I have been using for many different day trips on the hill. It could even be used for a small climbing session due to the rope carry on the top and also potentially a multi day trip if you pack light.

Cons of the Fjallraven Kajka 35 Backpack

My main gripe with the pack is the front zipper access. As I mentioned before, it feels clunky and slow to open the front access and undoing all the side clips has become a bit frustrating everytime I want to get deep into the bag. Personally, I prefer a rear zipper that isn’t obstructed by other straps and clips.

Verdict

As an advanced trekking day pack I have to rate this a 5 star. I love the feel of the bag, that is its durability, comfort and how it manages to look super stylish too. I also love using 99% of the features. And my slight issue with the front zipper has made this 5 stars a controversial one! Mostly the features work well for me and it has everything I need to head out on the hill feeling well equipped for whatever lies ahead.

Pricewise this pack is up in the premium bracket and you can definitely find many similar sized daypacks out there for a lot cheaper. But there is a quality to this product and it brags an extensive feature catalog that puts it above many other packs in this category.
That quality feel of the Kajka makes me think that this is going to be well used and become a trusty friend for some time to come.

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Fjallraven

Disclaimer: Cool of the Wild received this product free in return for an honest review. We only recommend gear that we love from companies we trust and we are under no obligation to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are that of the reviewer and we are in no way influenced by the brand or company.

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