The Fjӓllrӓven Kajka has a wooden frame
Swedish brand Fjӓllrӓven’s latest incarnation of its updated backpacking rucksack was on display at the recent Outdoor Trade Show, with some of the greenest credentials around.
The Kajka has dispensed with the usual metal frame and now has Finnish birch wood which the company said is kinder to the environment without compromising on performance.
“With a 90 per cent lower carbon footprint, replacing the aluminium frame with the wooden one helps to reduce the pack’s overall carbon footprint by as much as 10 per cent, a testament to Fjӓllrӓven’s continued commitment to sustainability,” a spokesperson said.
“In addition to the innovative wooden frame made from FSC certified Finnish birch, the new Kajka backpack is packed full of features to ensure it offers ultimate functionality.
“The Perfect Fit back system not only allows the wearer to select the perfect length, it also offers the choice of three widths for an improved fit.
“For even greater carrying comfort, the Kajka now features a new and improved ergonomic hip belt as well as compression poles at the front for better weight distribution.”
The Kajka rucksack
The Kajka will take a hydration system and has slanted pockets at the side of the pack for ease of access while wearing the pack and small pockets on the hip belt are ideal for small items like a mobile or GPS.
The updated Kajka also features a modified top lid which can be raised from the bag to increase space as required.
The lid can also be detached and worn as a front pack to distribute weight, or carried as a completely separate shoulder bag on day trips when you don’t need all of your gear.
This green craftsmanship doesn’t come cheap: the 85-litre version retails at £325, but its construction feels bomb-proof, and it tips the scales at 3,450 g. After its debut at last year’s OTS, the Kajka range, from 40- to 100-litre models, including women-specific ones, is now in the shops.
The Keb jacket
Fjӓllrӓven’s Keb jacket, introduced this year, uses the company’s G-1000 Eco material, combined with stretch fabric in a technical trekking jacket pitched at the serious outdoors enthusiast.
The company said: “Stretch at the back of the jacket offers increased freedom of movement as well as superior ventilation, perfect when wearing a pack.
“For greater protection from the wind and rain, G-1000 Eco panels around the waist, shoulders and sleeves can be adapted with Greenland Wax to suit changing weather conditions.
“For increased comfort and functionality, the Keb Jacket also features two-way side and pit ventilation as well as gussets in the armpits for increased range of movement.”
The jacket has two chest pockets (one with a smaller mesh pocket inside) that are made from stretch fabric for increased capacity if necessary. An additional arm pocket is ideal for storing your GPS or radio equipment where it is easy to access.
The jacket’s hood can be presented in two different positions by folding back the front section, offering a balance of increased shelter from the wind or greater lateral vision.
The two-way zip at the front of the jacket is protected by a rain flap, helping to keep wind and rain at bay. The Keb Jacket is also adjustable at the bottom hem while adjustable sleeves have Velcro adjustment at the cuffs.
The Keb Jacket was recognised for its eco-friendly credentials by the Scandinavian Outdoor Awards, winning the title for best sustainable product 2013.
G-1000 Eco is made from 65% recycled polyester and 35% organic cotton. For increased durability and weather protection, the fabric can be adapted with Fjӓllrӓven’s natural Greenland Wax.
The Keb jacket retails at £235 and weighs 823g in a medium size.
Fjallraven's Keb trousers
The Keb trousers are designed for durability and mobility.
The rear and knees are pre-shaped and have extra strong seams. The trousers also have durable G-1000 Eco at the rear, front of the legs, the knees and on the inside bottom of the legs, where there is also a second layer of fabric for reinforcement against wear from boots.
An extra piece of fabric in the crotch and the placement of the inseams decrease the risk from rubbing.
A zipped ventilation opening from knee to hip and along the calf allows the release of excess heat and the trouser fly is also extended to enable extra ventilation.
There are two leg pockets, one zipped and the other with a flap and inner mesh pocket for small items.
High hand pockets hold their contents even when sitting down, Fjӓllrӓven said, and there is strap adjustment with buckle in the leg endings and hook to attach to ski or walking boots.
Price for the trousers is £170 and weight is 504g.
More information is on the Fjӓllrӓven website.
