Rucksack - Fjall Raven Kajka v. Haglof Oxo

[susi]

I'm looking at a new pack and have narrowed it down to these two. Both are well made and the seams, zips, straps, etc. appear strong enough to trust when out trekking beyond civilisation.

My problem is that i just cant choose

I have had positive experience of both brands, so i cant separate them that way. The prices are very similar. I've only tried on the Oxo, and it was easily adjusted to my 190cm height. The Kajka would be mail order, but it is also fully adjustable.

Does anyone have experience of either that they can share?

 

[big_swede]

I tried on Kajka in a shop and was impressed. But it's on the heavy side.

I'm happier with my vapour trail.

 

[susi]

Yes the Vapour Trail is a light pack (only 1Kg), and does have the bonus of a large size option to cover back measurements up to 63cm (which should be fine for guys up to 2m tall, or about 6'6" for the imperialists ). But the Kajka (at 2.9Kg) does have tougher fabric.

 

[Shepard]

I recommend you take a look at ArcTeryx Bora 80.
Colors Grey and blue are discontinued so they`re half price...

Since youre tall you may get lucky finding one at this bargain.


Look up USMC ILBE if youre interested in info on the carrying system. Cant see any difference in the carrying system from my civvie Bora 80. In fact replacing hip belts/shoulder strap between these two are no problem at all.

Get the pack that fits your back with the intented weight and carries it best are my 2pine cones.


Best of luck

 

[susi]

Thanks for the recommendation Shephard! Looks like a quality bag, and some good reviews too.

 

[Shepard]

Thanks

Its not one of the lightest packs on the market, but definetly one of the toughest http://www.backpacker.com/gear-guide-april-2010-toughest-gear-arcteryx-bora-backpack/gear/14082

Having orthopedic issues, I dream about insoles made by the foam Arcteryx uses in its packs... Its another world from my former Bergans/Norrøna flagship models.

Good hunting

 

[susi]

His and hers models of the Kajka arrived today. I heard that the pack had been designed by an outdoor enthusiast as part of his masters degree, and first impressions show that plenty of thought has gone into the design. The rucksack is full adjustable for both back length and shoulder strap width. There are numerous well thought out pockets and dividing options. The number of straps, zips and clunk-clips is a little overwhelming to begin with, but they all seem to server some logical purpose. The material seems tough and all stitching is as it should be. Most of all, the pack feels comfortable.

We have a trek coming up in early June, so will report back on performance in real life then.