Man! Thank you so much for actually showing what the backpack looks like as it is worn. I see so many pack reviews on youtube where they never show what the dang thing actually looks like on a human being.
I really like the mesh back on that pack, I have been thinking of making a pack but have not figured out how I wanted to make the back and now think I have. Thank for showing us. Jason
Overall a really nice looking pack. Good amount of room. As for the side pockets you could put your stuff into a dry bag or plastic bag, it adds to the time getting to your stuff but should keep most problems at bay. Great video. Thanks.
I have the same bag in the 20L version. Its a great bag and find it very useful on day hikes or trips to the beach etc. The rubber-like bottom material is great because you can rest it on damp ground and not worry about any water seeping into the bottom of the bag. However, I have had the same issue with the leather straps, they are time consuming and don't keep your items as secure as you want them to be. One thing I would like to add is that I use it mainly for uni and though it is super comfy to carry around, it doesn't accommodate for rigid flat things like laptops or text books. Also it would be nice if there maybe another zipper pocket/ organiser somewhere not on the flap. I found that if you have a lot of little things that you want to keep secure I just chucked them in the zipper pocket and this lead it the flap becoming top heavy and awkward. But apart from that it is a great basic backpack, with better uses in the outdoors than in the classroom.
I really like Fjällräven too, and I bought the Vintage backpack a few years ago. Been using it a lot since then, both on long trips abroad and for hiking, bushcraft and daytrips. For heavier loads and longer trips I use the Kajka wich I know you've been using too Luke. Sadly I must say the Vintage does not stand up to Fjällräven's high set standards. I've found that the metal rings on the shoulder strap ajustments tend to loosen from the straps, compromising the straps themselves and the adjusment. Also, a few stiches and seams have began to ravel on the side pockets. This is something I've never seen on any Fjällraven product before. Just now I bought the Helags 40L too replace it. Pretty excited to try that out on my next overnighter! :)
I have this same pack but the 20L and I use it as my day to day backpack for getting groceries and whatnot by foot or bike. Before buying I'd been looking for a review on youtube, but there weren't any so thanks for this. Great review. Everything you said is what I would have said about this pack, too. I mostly love it, it's such a good looking and well made pack. Like you said the major downside is the buckles. I mostly just end up not using them and just cinching the top drawstrings closed. I use the side pockets for water bottles.
Thanks Alex. I've been thinking of doing some surgery on this pack. Remove the leather straps. Get rid of the buckles and going with some nylon straps and quick release buckles. Take care my friend. - Luke
I have that pack and I have to say that I love/hate the same things that you pointed out. I also miss the ability to adjust the shoulder straps while on the move, again, a more modern buckle system would remedy that. I have been thinking of changing out the belt buckles for D rings... I think that would not require re-sewing anything, and would improve function considerably. Another thought I had was to add grommets around the side pockets so I could install a draw string.... Just like the top of the pack is done.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the pack and the possible changes you might make. I've thought about removing the leather all together and replacing it with nylon straps and quick release buckles. Be well my friend. - Luke
Hey Luke! I appreciate you sharing your awesome vids. Was wondering if you could demonstrate how to use the bow and drill in one of your cool adventures. I tried my last camping trip and got lots of smoke but couldn't produce a char. Again....thanks for the vids.
andrew rushton I'm a foot shorter than you my friend and with his pack it would all depend on how wide your shoulders are. I wish I could be of more help. ATB - Luke
Sorry my friend I don't remember the name. It's something that I found that Google allows us to use for free. If I figure it out I will let you know. Cheers. - Luke
Just got one for $85, lost it's shape a little bit but a beauty none the less. It's got a lot of years left in it. Great review.
Man! Thank you so much for actually showing what the backpack looks like as it is worn. I see so many pack reviews on youtube where they never show what the dang thing actually looks like on a human being.
No problem my friend.
Take care and be well.
- Luke
I really like the mesh back on that pack, I have been thinking of making a pack but have not figured out how I wanted to make the back and now think I have. Thank for showing us.
Jason
Overall a really nice looking pack. Good amount of room. As for the side pockets you could put your stuff into a dry bag or plastic bag, it adds to the time getting to your stuff but should keep most problems at bay. Great video. Thanks.
I have the same bag in the 20L version. Its a great bag and find it very useful on day hikes or trips to the beach etc. The rubber-like bottom material is great because you can rest it on damp ground and not worry about any water seeping into the bottom of the bag.
However, I have had the same issue with the leather straps, they are time consuming and don't keep your items as secure as you want them to be.
One thing I would like to add is that I use it mainly for uni and though it is super comfy to carry around, it doesn't accommodate for rigid flat things like laptops or text books. Also it would be nice if there maybe another zipper pocket/ organiser somewhere not on the flap. I found that if you have a lot of little things that you want to keep secure I just chucked them in the zipper pocket and this lead it the flap becoming top heavy and awkward.
But apart from that it is a great basic backpack, with better uses in the outdoors than in the classroom.
I really like Fjällräven too, and I bought the Vintage backpack a few years ago. Been using it a lot since then, both on long trips abroad and for hiking, bushcraft and daytrips. For heavier loads and longer trips I use the Kajka wich I know you've been using too Luke. Sadly I must say the Vintage does not stand up to Fjällräven's high set standards. I've found that the metal rings on the shoulder strap ajustments tend to loosen from the straps, compromising the straps themselves and the adjusment. Also, a few stiches and seams have began to ravel on the side pockets. This is something I've never seen on any Fjällraven product before. Just now I bought the Helags 40L too replace it. Pretty excited to try that out on my next overnighter! :)
I have this same pack but the 20L and I use it as my day to day backpack for getting groceries and whatnot by foot or bike. Before buying I'd been looking for a review on youtube, but there weren't any so thanks for this. Great review. Everything you said is what I would have said about this pack, too. I mostly love it, it's such a good looking and well made pack. Like you said the major downside is the buckles. I mostly just end up not using them and just cinching the top drawstrings closed. I use the side pockets for water bottles.
Thanks Alex.
I've been thinking of doing some surgery on this pack. Remove the leather straps. Get rid of the buckles and going with some nylon straps and quick release buckles.
Take care my friend.
- Luke
Thanks for making this. Pointing out the buckle annoyances is useful. I'll look out for that issue with other packs as well.
Sure thing Slim.
Cheers.
- Luke
I have that pack and I have to say that I love/hate the same things that you pointed out.
I also miss the ability to adjust the shoulder straps while on the move, again, a more modern buckle system would remedy that.
I have been thinking of changing out the belt buckles for D rings... I think that would not require re-sewing anything, and would improve function considerably.
Another thought I had was to add grommets around the side pockets so I could install a draw string.... Just like the top of the pack is done.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the pack and the possible changes you might make. I've thought about removing the leather all together and replacing it with nylon straps and quick release buckles.
Be well my friend.
- Luke
Hey Luke! I appreciate you sharing your awesome vids. Was wondering if you could demonstrate how to use the bow and drill in one of your cool adventures. I tried my last camping trip and got lots of smoke but couldn't produce a char. Again....thanks for the vids.
Looks pretty nice! Loving Fjallraven gear, wish I could get more of it but it just cost so much
Thanks Luke, nice preview.
Thank you Tim!
- Luke
Luke, might you go into the pros and cons of different types of packs...I see that they are multiple.
Kinda reminds me of my Alice Pack... Good review Luke.
I don't think this pack would be good for me, but still a nice looking pack. Love the lumbar and mesh.
I think with some alterations it could be an amazing pack. As it stands now though, I like it but I don't love it.
- Luke
great pack, thank for showing....
Nice pack Again my best to your mother-in law Take Care
Great review.
Many thanks.
nice good looking pack.
It's not bad at all my friend.
- Luke
Nice review mate. Would you say this is suitable for a tall user? I'm 6'4". How tall are you?
andrew rushton I'm a foot shorter than you my friend and with his pack it would all depend on how wide your shoulders are. I wish I could be of more help.
ATB
- Luke
Whats the intro song? I really like it!
Sorry my friend I don't remember the name. It's something that I found that Google allows us to use for free. If I figure it out I will let you know.
Cheers.
- Luke