Backpack Fjällräven KAJKA 85 - Test

The bag was tested during two treks:

• The first in the heart of the Dovrefjell National Park in Norway. In total 100km covered in 10 days in June in a terrain alternating  tundra, snow and rocks. We had sunny weather and heavy rain. The bag was initially loaded with 17-18kg.
• Second trek: Laugavegur in Iceland. 4 days for 55km trek on the Icelandic highlands. Lots of rain and wind! Bag initially loaded around 16kg.

These two treks made it possible to test the bag in all conditions and long enough to have a good feedback. However, I did not use the entire volume of the bag because you have to plan a lot (too much) of material to fill the 85L.

I have long had a 65L bag from Gregory but this volume although consequent was sometimes limited especially for long treks in total autonomy and even more since I started to bring a lot of photo equipment. So I wanted to switch to a larger volume which will allow me to take more food but also not to have to play tetris every time I want to prepare my bag ; if I take off my sweater, for example, I want to be able to slip it quickly into the bag.

My preference therefore fell on the Fjallraven Kajka 85.

This argument is purely subjective but I think this bag is very beautiful. It has a slightly retro look with simplicity and no frills. The finished wooden structure give it that characteristic touch. As often with Fjallraven, we note the concern for details with the leather logo for example.

As the name suggests, this bag is 85L and as much to say it right away it’s huge! I no longer have any space concerns when I prepare my treks. However this immense volume combined with a very good robustness (point on which I will come back below) make it a really heavy bag when empty which is its biggest defect. With 3.45kg, this will certainly be a brake for some. However the Kajka being comfortable we do not feel this weight too much but it still makes as many calories to burn more each day.

The Kajka is intended to be a heavy carrier. I have not found a recommended mass limit, but I think that we can easily go up to 25kg (is that reasonable …?). For my part, I use the bag in a 15-20kg range and comfort is there.

The belt and the back support foams fulfill their function wonderfully and even with a heavy load and elevation I have never had back pain. Ditto for the suspenders. In addition, the multiple possibilities of adjustments mean that you can really adapt the bag to your body type (in height and width).

However concerning the flexibility of the belt during certain movements it could be better. We might like to be more flexible in terms of pelvic rotation. However, this does not interfere with normal walking or on slopes.

Last important point, the external pockets all offer zips with a large buckle which is particularly practical if you wear gloves!

You immediately have a feeling of robustness with this bag. The main canvas is thick and “rigid”. We feel that we will be able to rub trees or rocks without problem. After 15 days of use I did not notice any wear at this level, which is reassuring (the reverse would have really surprised me).

The zips present are well sized, especially those of the flap of the front face. We are not afraid to handle them even if they remain weak points (which is true for all zip). Likewise, the various quick-closing systems are robust and seem to want to last.

Obviously this robustness is paid for in terms of weight as we have been able to evoke but to choose I prefer with blind confidence in the resistance of my bag rather than fear the slightest branch. Obviously, this bag is not however a tank and will remain sensitive to piercing or cuts.

We find, as on most backpacks, different possibilities to access the main pocket:

• The first is the top opening. It closes with a practical cord system which could be improved.
• The second is located at the first third of the height of the bag. It is a zipper that allows access to the bottom of the main volume.
• The third, finally, is a large flap on the front part of the bag which allows access to almost the entire volume. Very practical, the only downside is that you have to systematically undo the compression straps to open this flap, which can be painful if you want to quickly access the interior.

The main volume can be divided into two sections thanks to an internal zip. The lower section is intended for wet items and the classic closing flap can be replaced by an integrated net. I did not use this function yet but it’s clever. A compartment for a water pocket is located on the back of the bag. I think it is suitable for volumes of 1.5 / 2L.

The Kajka also offers two side pockets. For once these pockets are not only there to look pretty !! They offer a real volume of storage and its very practical to use. I would say that we can put two 1.5L bottles per pocket at first sight. This is a real plus because I had many bags whose pockets were almost useless.

The upper hood on the other hand is not very practical. Fjallraven has chosen to put two pockets on the external part but ultimately if one is filled the other is almost more usable … I would have preferred a large volume (why not with an internal net) rather than two. There is also an interior volume that can be used for small equipment but nothing more. Note that the hood can be easily removed (practical when preparing the bag) and used as an auxiliary bag thanks to an integrated strap. You can also choose to fix it like a belly bag with two clips provided for this purpose.

On the basis of the Kajka, you will find two very practical nets also. They can be used to store equipment or a gourd / bottle thanks to an access on the side. However, you have to be careful because the bottle may tend to slip if you lean forward.

Finally you will find two small pockets on the belt, one “waterproof” the other in mesh. Both are large enough to contain small items to have on hand like cereal bars, a lip stick, … I like the idea of ​​differentiating them.

Aesthetically I like this bag because it is stripped on the front but there are however enough to fix sticks with Velcro. Likewise, the underside of the bag has loops for attaching a tent, for example using a strap. I would nevertheless appreciate a system to easily fix a tent on the front side for example or on the sides. I find that the systems in place its means for this purpose.

Finally to finish, the rain cover provided does its job very well and will ensure you keep your equipment dry inside. It is however a little big because I think it is the same for the 100L model. It is not bothersome in itself but we could gain in volume and weight.

The Kajka 85 is advertised at € 399.95 on the Fjallraven website. We will not hide that it is a sum more than substantial for a backpack. However, I acquired this bag with the idea of keeping it as long as possible without ever having to ask myself the question of its solidity and its durability over time. So I see it as an investment, normally with this bag I don’t have to buy any more. Another point to highlight is the particular attention that Fjallraven pays to the environmental impact of its products which is very good and which should be encouraged but which is also felt on the note I think.

We like :

We dislike :

Fjallraven demonstrates its expertise with this Kajka 85L. If we omit the weight it is almost a faultless. I bought this bag for a simple need: take enough food to go long and far and it’s mission accomplished.