The pearshaped bags
The pear-shaped bags of the 1950s were very uncomfortable when used for heavier items. The weight ended up at the bottom of the bag when trekking, which meant that the back and shoulders took the brunt of the load. Not exactly the conditions for a comfortable and enjoyable nature experience.
To make things worse, the backpacks also tended to have narrow shoulder straps, which cut into the shoulders. This was the final straw for Åke, a14-year old boy from Örnsköldsvik in northern Sweden.
The wooden frame
One day, before a trek, he decided to take matters into his own hands and build a wooden frame, on which he placed his pack. The advantages were obvious. Not only was the weight distributed higher and close to the spine, but the pack was also more stable and had good ventilation. During his debut trek with his new backpack he met some Sami people who were very curious about the odd-looking backpack.
After trying it on, they asked Åke if he could make a few for them and bring them up next time he passed by. This request marked the start of a production line in the basement of a house in the small town of Örnsköldsvik in northern Sweden. The basic principles for the design of the traditional backpack were formed.
The aluminum frame
The second groundbreaking step in the history of backpacks took place exactly 10 years later in 1960, the same year Åke founded Fjällräven. This was the year the wooden frame was replaced by an aluminum frame.
A new welding technique had been invented for joining metal tubing, making it possible to mass-produce lightweight, durable aluminum frames. Early production of Fjällräven backpacks took place in Åke’s kitchen in Örnsköldsvik.
The frame backpack, "Lätt" (Lightweight), which was included the 1965 catalogue, was one of the first backpacks to reach a larger market. In 1976, the "Gyro" frame backpack was launched. It had an innovative design that allowed the carrier to walk more upright when walking up and downhill since the backpack could be vertically "tilted". In the spring of 2008, "Gyro" was re-introduced to both old and new specialists who carry heavy packs.
Kajka – a new classic is born
Today, Fjällräven continues to offer durable backpacks that are overflowing with functions. In 2008 we launched Kajka, our latest function-rich backpack in the classic Fjällräven spirit. Just like its predecessors, it has several innovative and unique solutions. The user-friendly Perfect Fit adjustment system and the Wet & Dry compartment are two examples. The top lid, which can be used as a hip or chest belt, and the front opening are two features that have made Kajka a modern classic.
From a wooden frame backpack that made the outdoors more accessible for a wider range of people to a modern backpack with every feature imaginable - who knows what we will be carrying in the future.
One thing is for sure, though. The chances are pretty high it will carry the mark of an arctic fox, the symbol of Fjällräven.