Pear shaped backpacks
The pear-shaped bags of the 50s 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 recipe for a comfortable and enjoyable nature experience.
Just as bad, the backpacks also tended to have narrow shoulder straps, which cut into the shoulders. This was just enough for Åke, a14-year old boy from Örnsköldsvik in northern Sweden.
The wooden frame
Before a trek he decided to take matters into his own hand and built a wooden frame on which he placed the sack. The advantages were obvious. Not only was the weight distributed higher and close to the spine, but the pack was more stable and had good ventilation. During the debut trek with his new backpack he met some Sami people who took much interest in the odd looking backpack.
After having tried it they asked Åke if he could produce some examples for them and bring them up next time he passed by. This request became the start of a production in the basement in the small town of Örnsköldsvik in northern Sweden. The foundation of the development of the traditional backpack was made.
The aluminum frame
The second groundbreaking step in the history of backpacks took place exactly 10-years later in 1960, the same year that Åke founded Fjällräven. This year the previously used wooden frame was replaced by an aluminum frame.
The new welding technique that allowed joining the metal tubing made it possible to mass produce lightweight, durable aluminum frames. However, the 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. This was an innovative design, which 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 continue to offer durable backpacks, overflowed with functions. In 2008 we launched Kajka, our latest function-rich backpack in classic Fjällräven spirit. Just as its predecessors it has several innovative and unique solutions. The user-friendly Perfect Fit adjustment system and the Wet & Dry compartment are some examples. The top lid that could be used both as a hip or chest belt and the front opening are two other features that have made Kajka to a modern classic.
From a woodenframe backpack that made the outdoors become more accessible to a wider range of people to a modern backpack with all possible features, who knows what we will be carrying in the future.
One thing is sure though, chances are pretty high it will be marked with an arctic fox, the symbol of Fjällräven.