Something Truly Different! - Fjallraven Kajka 75 Backpack - Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2015
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Here's a pack that has been in testing for a very long time; the Fjallraven Kajka 75 Backpack. It's unique with a lot of great features but at the same time, it is heavy and expensive.
Find out more now.
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The two buckles on the front are for having the top lid attached there. My friend used the top lid as a camera bag on his chest attached with those buckles on the front :)
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I've used one of these for a couple of years now - actually the 65L. Before I purchased, I was able to get an extended test of an Osprey Atmos 65 to compare.
I realise this sounds crazy but even though the Kajka weighs more than a kilo (2.5lbs) more, with the same gear packed in, the Osprey felt like the heavier bag.
The range of adjustability on the Kajka is so wide that the carrying efficiency just seems to be much better optimised. Every trekker I've passed who is carrying a Kajka says the same. After two years owning the bag, I'm still amazed at the way it carries.
For me, there are other two features that mark this bag out as the best of the best.
Its definitely robust - very. VERY.
Its also very practical. Use it like a regular top loader OR, unzip the front . When the pack is loaded, there are two bracing bars that run down alongside the long zips and the compression straps connect to them. This means that you compress the whole back very evenly rather than pulling hard on two areas of the bag where the compression straps run - like on lesser bags. The bag holds its shape beautifully but it also gets a great effect without having to put ridiculous amounts of tension on the components.
In Sweden, where they originate, these bags are hardly ever sold as 65L variants. A lot of people are carrying bags in the 100L range. Personally, I think when you have the volume, you fill it and that eventually means extra weight. However, the frame and the adjustment of the carry position are so good, if I really had to carry 100L, I'd be doing it with one of these and not an Osprey or Gregory. Those packs will never match the quality of materials or construction of a Kajka. To me, two things are almost always true... "you get what you pay for" and "buy cheap, buy twice"
You got paid for this comment :) There is no reason why it performs better. Very basic suspension system. People like it because of nice logo and scandinavian origin. That's it!
All right but which one would you pick out of two, this one or an ILBE...? Tanks
We Swedes do like our rucksacks big. It's propably the "If something comes up it's good to have"-mentality we share. :D
Fjällräven Kajka is one of the most popular backpacks in scandinavia, and for a reason. Built almost like a tank. Those buckles on the shoulder straps, are there so you can attach lid from the top of the pack to your chest. Ofcourse you can attach almost any bag there but that's what those are originally for.
Nice review!
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Ps iv had fjallraven viddas go at the crotch after a week .! Stop blowing smoke up their asses .. quality controll is questionable ,
Just sold me on it. I snagged one from Sierra this morning for just under $200 shipped, and it'll be used during a month long trek through Cambodia. Wish me luck!
Great review of a superb pack. It looks bigger than you are. I also liked your surprise overnight loadout video also reviewing this pack. Thank you for the great reviews.
Great review! Rocking the 85L Kajka myself, such an awesome backpack! Keep up the good work
Great review, very thoughtful and in depth. Good looking pack, I'm going to have to look into them! Thanks!
Ive owned this pack for 5 years now. Bought it while going to South Africa for 9 months, during which a friend borrowed it for 3 months to North/East Africa (Sudan I believe). I've also used it on multi day extrusions here in Canada.
The pack looks no worse for wear. Worth the price. I original bought it for its duffle-bag access and its harness comfortability/adjustability. As well as being able to hand it down to my kids one day.
Not disappointed! The surprise is using the lid as a fanny pack way more often then I thought i would.
All that said, since being in a car accident, I find it hard to hike for prolonged periods of time these days, so this pack is over kill for my short two or three day hikes. So id say only by if you'll actually use and abuse, still no regrets though, as I know i'll have this for decades
8:00, the buggles on the shoulder straps are used to connect to the top of the bag (Fannypack).
So that you can have the top part in front of you.
I recently had the chance to try the Kaika backpack for 2 days during a 5 day trek and I loved it! Despite that it is almost 2kgs heavier than my McKinley backpack, carrying all my gear with the Kaika it actually felt like I was carrying 4kg LESS. Incredible! It kind of sucked when I had to switch back to my McKinley. :P
Thanks for showing this pack! Im thinking about to buy one! By the way, I like the sound of that zippers and of the fabric, sounds robust! Im a long time Fjallraven user and their stuff worth its price, it mostly holds a lifetime!
the mesh inside the sleeping bag compartment is also for carrying a wet sleeping bag as you walk to let it dry out a bit
Perfect backpack for all who loves fishing in the wilderness, it may be a heavy pack but to carry lot of weight on youre back as we fishermen do this is the the bestback pack by all means. Tried 2 backpack before I bought this one in 2018, the backpacks i had before was made for long distance hikers and light weight. I usually have 25-30kg (55-66 pounds) in my backpack when hiking for a fishing spot. Kajka has the best comfort when it comes to weight distribution in my opinion, 55 pounds feels lighter on my back with this backpack then other ones I had before
I have had this pack for eight years now and have thoroughly "tested" it. Alright, I mean I have used it on trail, thrown it into cars and trains, onto boats and I suppose abused the hell out of it. It has been on multiple flights (I do recommend the flight bag just to avoid conveyor belt tangles) and it still rock solid. I'm not a weight freak, yes it's a little heavy but I value the versatility, adaptability and front opening more. Not even thinking of replacing this anytime soon.
As always Luke, great review. This pack is on my shortlist for winter outings well above the tree line here in the UK. The other pack is another Nordic offering, the lundhags gnaur 85 which is almost identical but I think may just edge Infront due to the metal buckles used that are much simpler to use with gloves. Keep up the outstanding videos, it's so refreshing to watch reviews from someone who obviously has a great love for the outdoors but more importantly uses the gear so can give a user's view which on a very crowded TH-cam is still a rare thing. Way to many folk that just unbox anything and briefly preview it for fee, having no real clue, interest or first hand experience using it for any period of time.
Did you end up getting the gnaur? If so, how is it holding up so far?
@@cedrics1220 yes i did buy this pack. Off the bat it is much heavier than all my other packs but strangely once loaded up and being carried that notion falls away because it carries a load so well, its so comfortable. Its tough as nails, full of useful features and a bag that I will keep for a very long time as its my go to winter bag.
Nice pack and great review dude. Going to have to go in and try one. We have a store here that sells tons of fjallraven gear and I swear by it.
I have had this for a year and I LOVE it! Sure, it has some more base-weight than the crappy backpacks but it is totally fine because of its stability.
One year I carried 12kg in another pack and it felt super heavy. Last year I carried 18kg in this one and it felt so incrediby light! No soreness anywhere and it was incredibly well balanced!
So true. That's what makes the difference between a badpack and a backpack.
Kind regards.
Wow I absolutely love this pack.
hey brother love the Vids can't afford none of that stuff lol so nice to be able to watch you do reviews and over night adventures keep it up bro!!
hej Luke! Great video as usual, my friend! ! The two buckles in front are to hook the lid to for better weight distribution.
Nice review! It´s a pack worth the extra wight ;-) I for one, love my Kajak. I only wish that the zippers on the sidepockets would. That way you don't have to close a pocket when you need to open the main compartment and vice versa. It seams that you forgot to mention the second opening in the mesh water bottle pockets.
Thanks for sharing!
You can also adjust it some how wide the gap between the shoulder straps is with this pack. And the mesh in the lower pocket. That is also meant to be used as wet department. You can set it so that you have the solid lid rolled down and you have the mesh lid just closed. That way you can store there your swimming stuff example, or some other wet items that you don't want to put inside your main compartment to make stuff wet in there. I think they called it wet and dry pocket. Can't keep your sleepingbag there though at the same time.
They make great products.
Good video - have a nice day.
Wow, I just looked on their website and it's being listed at a SOLID $400 USD. But from the reviews I've read it's worth every cent! Nice review btw!
Hi, I own the Kajka 85 L for some years, love it. You forgot to mention a couple of details about it. The shoulder straps can be adjusted from S-M-L , I use L because I´m a little wide over the shoulders. And the mesh net in the bottom have a job to keep air flowing in when you store wet close in there. Check out the video from Fjällräven (in Swedish) can´t link to it, it´s 2.21 min.
Great rev :) Your logo reminds me the turkish greywolfs :)
I have just purchased one and it is unbeatable !
Hi Luke - Thanks for the kick-ass review! Just a heads up, those clicky buckles on the shoulder straps that you weren't entirely sure about - they're for attaching the detachable top to the front for weight distribution/easy access.
Your review is quite old but still valid! I was out alone in the Swedish mountains hiking for 7 days a couple of weeks ago and during that hike I tested my new FR KAJKA 100L loaded with a weight close to a 30 kg (66 lb). Yes I know, a crazy weight but I prefer to hike with all the equipment that makes my nature experience into something “comfortable”. E.g. even though I’m alone I carry a three-man tent (Hilleberg Nammatj 3 GT) and I usually look out for a nice spot where I can set-up a basecamp and stay there for a couple of days. Disregarding weather or other obstacles, I’m always comfortable. This time I had winds mounting up to 25m/s and snow but disregarding the weather the equipment I carry with me helped me to stay warm, dry and comfortable. E.g. if it’s raining for a couple of days, I can stay in the tent without feeling crammed into a one-man tent. Well to the point, this requires a large backpack and a backpack that is not just extremely robust but also extremely comfortable to carry and this is something that the FR KAJKA really lives up to. The only complaint I have about this backpack are the side pockets. The opening is in the opposite direction to the larger front opening which is a bit of a nuisance. When e.g. you have opened the large opening and you want to access something in the side pockets then everything falls out of the large opening as you need to turn the backpack around (a situation you’re often confronted with when the backpack is laying in the tent).
A little tip, I used the front carry system to carry my camera in a small pouch. I ordered the required fittings directly from Fjällräven. By doing so you also actually achieve a better balance as this setup will act as a counterbalance to the backpack.
By the way, mountain translates to Fjäll (fjall) in Swedish and fjäll is a Swedish term for our “native” northern mountains and Räven means a fox i.e., Fjällräven means “Mountain fox”.
Because of this video i went out and perched this bag in black. Man i love it!
TIMBERLANDWOLF 65l or 75l?
Yeah, I have the same pack, I hiked it with 28Kg or 61,7 Pound including the Pack and it worked for 14 Days and almost 200km. Okay I drank every day 3 Kg out of it and ate 10Kg during the trip, but it sits so great, it just felt like 20Kg and were so easy to carry and handle, I love that thing, even it is super heavy!
It is true - Fjallraven makes top notch stuff that lasts and lasts and lasts. I love my Rucksack n. 21 in medium for day hikes and around town. The G1000 fabric, while it is heavier than nylon, it is bullet proof!
If you are frugal like me, just be patient and watch for sales or specials on the web. If you are lucky to be part of the inheritance class, then by all means buy their gear and you will not be disappointed.
Another great review..as usual...thanks
Nice review! Got the 85L Kajka myself and it's fantastic. The buckles on the shoulder straps are used for connecting to the lid. You can then carry the lid on the front of your torso in case you want to grab something easily or to distribute the weight better. Also, Fjällräven means The Arctic Fox in swedish in case you didn't know. Keep up the good work Luke! /Chris
Chris Redfield i was about to buy a Kajka too but wonder if it is too big for me. I have looked at 75 and 85L. im 179cm how tall are you if i may ask :) :)
Nice pack. Like the features and color.
Fjallraven......you get what you pay for.
Good review, thanks for sharing.
Greetings from Germany
Hi Jozef, the two buckles what you mentioned you don't know for what it is, is simple you can buckle the top lead of the rucksack in case you want to use it as a map bag when you are tracking.
Erik
Nicely done review. Weight is an issue, but saving ounces / pounds on other gear can make a difference. The most important thing to me is being able to get the weight onto the hips and minimize weight on the shoulders. That's a big deal for post L4/L5 fusion.
Those two buckles is for the top that you can use as a small bag. You can also fasten it on the front to balance the weight.
I also love fjällräven and i am from sweden. But the fun of it is that i like osprey, that come from your country, usa
I have a pair of fjällräven pants that my mum got 30 years ago and wore them a lot. Now I’m wearing them and taking care with fjällrävens wax and they are in a completely good condition. +they look nice and vintage
Ooooooo!!!!!! those scary North Carolina winters!!!!
Also the mesh in the sleeping bag compartment can be used to dry clothes whilst on the move with the outer layer left open.
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Look real Great. Here in chile we have the same brand too. But you know, we live far far away so is real expensive here. We live in the end of the world. Jejeje great review, great backpack. I allways see your videos. Great
Regards from Chile
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En Rusia la mochila se vende muy caro tambien, pero creo que en Chile mas caro. Todos cosas para deporte no tienen tanta calidad como que tan caros son en Chile.
Great review👍
Just in the moment you touch the skin of this ....."Intelligen Lifeform" ;)....,
you know you have to get it !
Thanks & all the best
Hey bro, awesome video I really like your channel, btw the click clamps on the front of the shoulder straps are to attach the brain (top) to the front for weight distribution.... I mean, how awesome is that :O
incredible backpack! you can do the pacific rim only if you know how to adjust the straps above the shoulder straps that will make the pack feell a lot lighter
The additional buckles are for attaching the toplid on frond for weight.
I liked this intro the best!
You can use the front shoulder buckle for you top lit fanypack its the same size buckle .
hey luke. love your professionally done reviews. I lived in Charlotte for seven years. where in the mountains do you live? Biltmore?
Im not sure but if im not misstanken i think thoes two buckles onthe loadlifters are for attaching the top lid, or more smaller "bags" thnx for great vids as usually /thumbs up!
sup luke, love ur channel. you have a lot of informational Info on a lot of outdoor gears. I wanted to know if you prefer the osprey atmos or falljraven packs?
Hi, the buckles on the shoulder straps are used to fasten the lid, like a kangaroo pouch. I've been thinking that I'm going to make a camerabag that I can fasten to them, for my heavy camera. It's a great pack, too many functions makes it heavy, but great. Regards from Sweden :).
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Good vid. Thanks.
awesome bag. i need an upgrade from my 48l rucksack...guessing its still faring well?
Thanks a lot!
Great stuff. Keep it up 👌 +1 for Fjällräven
First OGR backpack review that did not feature the use of Susie's pillows!
You should review Norrøna SynkroFlex 125 & Bergans Alpinist 130. Because im considering one of those and i need my favorite gear reviewer to decide for me xD
i wish you would review a DG16 by crossfire in Australia, i really like your review style
Hey Luke any chance you could post your thoughts comparing this pack to the Arcteryx echo? I guess this is a fair amount larger capacity wise but seems like they do have some similarities as well? Thanks!
I have been watching you for a while now. Awesome reviews. I am looking for an Expedition backpack for Hunting/Hiking where I can easily carry lots of gear like an Axe, Saw, sleeping bag/tent/shelter. Preferably something that is waterproof. Looking at Fjallraven Kajka 100L Expedition Backpack but still looking. With your current experience what would you recommend? Or what would anyone recommend I look at? If you have time to respond that would be awesome. If not keep up the cool reviews!
For anyone wondering about whether or not to buy this pack that may be in the same position as I am...
I have been wondering whether or not to buy this pack because I have had people who backpack (who don't own this pack) discourage me from buying it due to its weight. However, upon researching myself, this 75L Kajka pack is only 3.10 pounds heavier than the Baltoro 75 from Gregory. For three pounds of difference you're getting an extremely durable pack that will last much longer than the competition, given its build quality. I've done the grams to ounces to pounds conversions and there isn't enough of a difference in weight between the nylon competition and the Fjallraven g1000 for me to not consider this pack.
+Uriah Graves I don't know anything about Gregory backpacks, but I do know that despite the weight of the Kaika, it actually felt lighter when I carried my gear with the Kaika compared to when I used my McKinley which is 1,7kg/4lb lighter. Incredibly comfortable!
Even though it may feel lighter, you're still carrying the weight and you'll still feel it in your legs at the end of the day. If the lighter backpack really doesn't fit or isn't comfortable enough or the Kajka has features that are worth the weight, then those are valid arguments in my opinion. But you are carrying considerably more weight.
Super cool
Few days ago I tried an Osprey 75 and an exped 75. Ok empty the FjallRaven is heavy, but the 3 of them loaded with 12kg the FR is BY FAR the most confortable.
Beautiful pack. What colour is it? Graphite or Forest Green? Thank you.
Awesome pack I'm a big guy 6' 200 lbs I don't think I would want to carry that monster without some kind of support like horses etc.. Fjällräven pronounced fall-raven Swedish lot of history for that company back to the 50's did you pack the kitchen sink lol man that's big.
Great review bomber pack. Thanks luke atb Opal
Hi! Have you checked out the new updated Kajka that came earlier this year?
Question, I am doing the west coast trail this year and I'm looking for a large volume backpack. I'm debating between the keb 72 or this one. You mentioned the weight might be not ideal for hiking the pacific rim. Would you recommend the keb instead?
Thank you!
People complaining about it being heavvy need to work out more. Just look at the fucking porters on himalayan expeditions, or just regular soldiers carrying over 30 kg of equipment in the mountains.
People love to complain.... a lot! - Luke
i know. Its this ultralight trend. Im sorry but that is not going to cut it on real trekking expeditions where you walk for a week without any civilization to save your sorry ass because you compromized on the equipment. For example, in the swedish mountain wilderness you can walk for a week and there are no huts or cottages to save you. It can snow in the summer and produce really heavvy downwinds when camping in a valley, and if you sit there with your super-light tent and bag you are in trouble. Furthermore, sometimes several ways are flooded and you have to wait 2 days extra to cross before the water dissapears. In more rugged alpinist terrain, you want a strong material if you accidently fell so you don't rip out your entire backpack on sharp rock. fjällräven makes equipment for trekking in the real nature. Not the milford track
Or they could work out more and still go for a lighter backpack and enjoy being able to go up and down hills that much easier! The weight difference to other solid backpacks by reputable manufacturers is not insignificant. If you get features that really make it a good trade-off then that would be a valid argument. But just because soldiers carry a lot of weight in their backpacks doesn't mean I have to.
I'm still considering buying the Kajka, though, I just have to try how it fits me and see if I can find something lighter that fits me. I recently hiked 55 km in northern Finland over a bunch of fjelds (thats the word? high hills in Scandinavia that used to be mountains? actually the fjäll in fjällräven, räven being a fox). The lesson I learned in my first hike is how much more you can enjoy hiking over hills when you make sure you don't have too much weight in your backpack which I did. Lighter is always better as long as you have what you really need. Then again, the Deuter Aircontact Pro 70+15 I had loaned for the hike and which would be 200 grams lighter than the Kajka didn't fit me, the height adjustment wasn't enough for me. Had it fit, I would gladly buy it as I'm very sure its solid enough and I'd gladly take the weight difference. Other than how it fit me, it's a great backpack and very well made.
Yup, the pack from the USMC is 15 lbs empty
hey Luke you must be british at heart not many call them trouser. love the vids
Hi... If you have to pick one between the ILBE and this one, which one do you prefer and why? Thanks
Good review but if you describe winters in North Carolina as harsh, how would you describe winters in the Canadian north?
Will you review the Arc'teryx drypack 70 ?
Would yousuggest this pack for someones first pack over a gregory baltro 75
This video is now 7 years old. Can you comment on how good the pack did hold up? I have often had problems with PU coating that became brittle after a few years.
would you recomend this backpack as a summer backpack or do you think that this one is way too big for summer?
in the video you said you used the pack in a surprise overnight video you made. i tried looking for it haha but do you mind telling me which one it is. thanks!
Nice elfquest logo :p
If you want to buy this pack and backpack with it, everything you buy has to be light as fuck. Period. I've had this for 2+ years and backpacked with it, and I have had loaded weights of 50 pounds, and loaded weights of 25 pounds. It's a heavy pack, but a pack that is worth the weight. You will have the best experience ever with this pack, or you will hate your life and barely be able to walk after 2 days of backpacking with it.
Points:
- It's heavy as fuck, yes. There's no sugar coating it.
- It's way more durable than anything out there.
- It's way more comfortable than anything out there.
- It's got incredible unique features.
- The G1000 will last forever.
- You can wax it.
Totally, I did a mountain expedition last year here in Northern Sweden for 10 days and everything fit like a glove. The bag is heavy so you have to adjust the packing weight and decide if something stays or not but I agree 100% with you.
Dan Lundberg In a way, the pack is good because it teaches you to really examine what you're packing, and to be efficient with what you have. There's like, nobody in the states that shares the same opinion as me and you. I live in Indiana, USA and everyone around me either despises Fjallraven's technical gear due to the weight, or they see Fjallraven as that company that makes that "cute" Kanken pack, and that's the only way they know of the company. Lol
Uriah Graves Yeah even Kånken is a great bag, I have one of those too.
But people really need to explore the brand, everything they make is of serious quality and the kajka is just fucking amazing.
Uriah Graves The kajka backpack is not made from g1000. It's made from Vinylon which swells up when it gets wet, so water doesn't get through it. There is no need to wax it.
Gr8 gear, EXPENSIVE AS HELL DOUGH😉
Wait did you say 65L but the title said 75L...which one is it? Btw...love that pack.
Well, now I know what my next backpack is.
Have you ever looked into frost river packs?
the title says 75 and so does the description, but you mention 65 in the video all the time. which is it?
Never noticed the Knight Rider sound effect in the intro before.
how does the harness feel or fit with 40lb in it? Is the waist belt hold on tight?
Awsome review man. Im from Danmark :) Im considering the 75 or 85L, think the 100L will be a bit big for me, but cant decide :) i am 179cm. How tall are you?
I don't know about the 65L or 75L. But I have the 85L. It weighs 3.5 kg.
To my knowledge, there even is a 100L version. I have not checked but I guess that will weigh around 3.7 kg.
I like the 85L because I can keep everything inside (except for water bottles. Which are practical on the outside only). Note: based on 3 seasons only. Thus without crampons or an ice axe. When used, those items are attached on the outside.
I keep a voluminous bear cannister (model: Bearikade expedition) inside the backpack. This canister alone adds 1100 grams. But can easily hold all my food for a multiple day stretch (7-8 days).
I furthermore use this backpack in an unconventional manner. That is, I have no raingear. I only have a poncho (actually: a "Packa"). The advantage is that when the lid is in front, the Packa acts as a walking tent. But it does not touch my body. The advantage is that I do not sweat (excluding the normal backpack back sweating).
An other major advantage is that the rain does not cool me down through conductivity because the rain shelter is not in contact with my body.
I know that lightweight backpackers keep a lightweight rain gear not necessarily to stay dry but to stay warm. They stay damp. I experience this as highly uncomfortable. I stay dry and comfortable. The penalty I pay is extra weight. But well worth it after having experienced a long distance hike with 10 days of (almost) continuous rain. But it is a choice. This is my choice. NB the Packa, I have, the XL model, is an emergency tent too. It allows me to sleep in it. Albeit a semi-sitting squatted sleep in combination with a insulated sleeping pad.
The weight of my Kajka backpack does not bother me. The weight of the contents does. What I also like about the backpack is that you can access it as a suitcase in a (my) one person tent.
NB The Packa poncho is a backpack cover too. It has many ventilation configurations. Drawstrings, very large pit zippers, different hood configurations, and a 2-way front zipper. For a demonstration, see, among others:
th-cam.com/video/5y6Belr3mrA/w-d-xo.html
For a slow paced "old" man's discussion see:
th-cam.com/video/2xRx-og2MY8/w-d-xo.html
p.s. I have used a backpack poncho for years. I used Goretex raingear before. But I use Goretex raingear in the city only now, not in the wilds.
I also extreme tested the Packa deliberately in the following storm:
th-cam.com/video/iuxxJu2qF_c/w-d-xo.html . (yes, I am Dutch)
Though I was/am used using backpack ponchos in the rain and not so much in a severe storm,. To my surprise, the Packa holds up extremely well in these conditions too. With very little flutter.
This poncho in combination with this backpack, though heavy, is my preferred all weather, 3-seasons, bullet proof, long distance solution.
I am a bigger guy, over 6 feet tall and weigh 250 plus and am going to get this pack but I was wondering if you think the 100L is worth going up to? I have a north face 65L now and I completely fill it every time I go out hiking and camping, just curious if the additional 15L is worth the few bucks more, Thanks!
@@mattragina7941
Sorry for the late answer but I did not notice your reply before and just stumbled on your reply today.
I consider 85 liters more than good enough for long distance hiking.
I have not checked but I assume the 100 liter model is only marginal heavier. Meaning, I do not consider the backpack weight between already large and even larger backpacks to be a significant problem.
But the problem with large(r) backpacks is twofolded.
1) A larger backpack is either wider, higher or both wider and higher. Which is in some or more degree inconvenient in thight places or inconvenient when negotiating obstacles on the trail (like fallen trees blocking the trail).
Obviously I don't care that much myself since I own 5 large backpacks myself (one of these 5 being the 85 liter Kajka).
Note: Some may add that a larger backpack creates a larger balance problem. Given the extreme (ultralight) versus the average backpacker this might be true. But most people are not ultralight backpackers.
2) you need to be very disciplined with a large backpack. Disciplined not to over pack with needlessly heavy or useless items.
Most people are not disciplined.
Pack your backpack using a scale. Ask yourself the question if you really need "that" item. Can you replace it by a smaller/lighter item? Can you replace it with another multi-purpose item?
Also, packing order (the weight distribution) is more of an issue for larger backpacks than for smaller backpacks. But a nonissue when done correctly.
The advantage of a large backpack is that you can store (more) bulkier or odd shaped items assuming these items have (more or less) the same weight than (more expensive) compact items. E.g. It is easier to store a closed cell ground matrass in a larger backpack than in a small(er) backpack. There is no need for compression bags or the backpack is easier to pack using less force while packing.
But don't forget the weight of your food. And the weight of water (depending on backpacking duration, the terrain, and weather conditions). E.g. I once carried 20 liters of water on a cycling trip through the desert.
A larger backpack has more flexibility in the amount and volume of the food items carried.
Weight is important. Volume is a luxury.
Having said this, I like/need to sleep comfortably. that is why I do have a heavier sleeping system that (potentially) could be lighter. No compromise there for me.
I also use 3 pair of underwear instead of two. And I am very attached to the relatively heavy MSR whisperlite stove (I also own an XGK). I don't like cold soaking but I could use a lightweight storm/wind proof cook system instead. Like the MSR reactor. Which I don't own. Note: The stove being (reasonable) wind proof is a must for me. I like scrambled eggs in the morning. And a hot meal in the evening.
Summary:
85 liters is enough for me. 100 liters seems overkill. But might be useful with long and extreme winter hiking with a large 4-season tent and lots of extra and bulky winter clothing.
I'm a 5' 8" male and got this pack (75L) after watching this video and doing some research. This pack is supposed to accommodate a 17" torso length, but although I have an 18.5" torso, I found it very uncomfortable. The bar that the shoulder straps attach to sticks out and pushes uncomfortably against my upper back. Makes it unbearable. The padding on the shoulder straps are also too long and push against my ribs. I feel like this pack was optimized for tall people. ( 6' + ) just a heads up!
What kinda shoes do you have? Like the vid thanks!
Hey, nice review ! I have a question, I bought the osprey atmos ag 65 three months ago ... I'm now looking for a winter backpack something durable I was wondering if there is a huge difference in comfort between the osprey and the kajka ? Basically what are the pros and cons between these two backpacks ? Which one has better outer materials ?
Thank you
+Dimitri9501
The outer fabric on the kajka is bombproof. It is also why this pack is much heavier.
For comfort it is hard to tell. Depends on your physical build and preference. what i really like about the kajka are the metal stays in the front panel that opens. Because when you compress the backpack it stays really flat, no matter what gear is inside, or how its packed. Osprey packs use a lot of diagonal compressions cords which can make weird bulges/lump when you don't pack carefully. If you're coming from an atmos, the main difference will be the back ventilation. The kajka uses thick foam, which breathes ok, but not like a mesh back like the atmos.
The atmos is a great modern backpack, really light, well ventilated. The kajka is the opposite, its old skool , bombproof with good support.
IMHO if you have an atmos, you don't need a kajka for the winter. The atmos is a one of the best backpacks out there. But if you ever have to replace it, defenitely check out the kajka!
Hi!
You can replace a broken frame just with a knife and a piece of wood
Those two strips of birch provide the subtle ability to slightly flex with your body; while aluminum will not.
You want a light bag to get you cross country once or a heavy bag that can get you through anything if you harden up
Which pair of trousers are your favorite ones?
How do you feel about that access flap being closed with velcro and the flap facing up towards rain etc? I overload my Arcteryx Echo pack quite often so the lid is sitting up on top of the cinched part of the pack. It seems to me like in this situation if you get rain, it's going to go right into the pack.
It's not. It's sealed with zippers running down each side and only sealed with a huge strip of velcro at the top. The velcro is also hidden from the rain by a flap and, unless your pack is overly full, the floating lid. Of course, this shouldn't matter anyway as you should have a dry-pack/backpack liner in your rucksack anyway.