{"id":5336,"date":"2026-08-05T12:21:58","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T11:21:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tale\/?p=5336"},"modified":"2026-08-05T12:22:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T11:22:00","slug":"fjallraven-kajka-x-latt-review-lightweight-done-right","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tale\/2026\/08\/05\/fjallraven-kajka-x-latt-review-lightweight-done-right\/","title":{"rendered":"Fjallraven Kajka X-L\u00e4tt Review: Lightweight Done Right"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sam from our marketing team recently had the chance to take the all-new Fjallraven Kajka X-L\u00e4tt out on the trail. Find out what he thought of Fjallraven’s latest lightweight pack in his full review below.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Backpacks can be a difficult thing to get right. Maybe not to the same extent as footwear, but in my eyes they’re just as personal a decision – and one I’ve always struggled with. So when Fjallraven got in touch and asked if I wanted to put the Kajka X-L\u00e4tt through its paces, it was hard to say no.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kajka X-L\u00e4tt marks Fjallraven’s first step into lightweight packs and modular design, representing a shift away from their more traditional, heavier-duty backpacks. Despite shedding weight, the X-L\u00e4tt doesn’t compromise on durability or functionality and, in my opinion, stays true to the core ethos that Fjallraven is known for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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FABRICS AND FACTS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Let’s get the facts out of the way first. The Kajka X-L\u00e4tt<\/a> weighs between 1,160g and 1,185g, depending on the back length you choose. At the time of writing, the pack is available in a 45L capacity, although we expect additional sizes to be introduced given how well this one has been received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main body is constructed from Fjallraven’s Vinylon F (100% vinylal), with recycled 330D polyamide reinforcing the shoulder straps, base, back panel and hip belt. The result is a pack that keeps weight to a minimum without sacrificing the durability needed for demanding days on the trail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Another standout feature of the Kajka X-L\u00e4tt<\/a> is its modular design. The pack can be stripped down by removing components and straps that aren’t needed, helping to reduce unnecessary weight for specific trips. Just as importantly, this modular approach makes repairs and replacements much simpler, extending the life of the pack rather than forcing you to replace it entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Almost every component can be removed, including the shoulder straps, hip belt, back system and pockets. My only criticism is that the lid isn’t removable, which feels like a slight oversight considering just how modular the rest of the pack is. Being able to remove it would make an already impressive design feel even more complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KEY FEATURES<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The X-L\u00e4tt<\/a> has plenty of thoughtful features that really stand out, and in several cases they’ve completely changed my opinion. Let’s start with the pockets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hip belt features two stretch pockets without zips. I’ll admit I was sceptical at first, but they quickly won me over. While I’d still be a little cautious about storing valuables in them, they’re fantastic for snacks and other items you want to grab quickly without stopping. They’re incredibly easy to access while walking and ended up being one of my favourite features of the pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Alongside these are two side pockets, ideal for water bottles thanks to their angled side access. With the addition of a simple cord adjustment, these pockets can also be opened up into much larger stash pockets, making them perfect for bulkier items you might need throughout the day, such as a waterproof jacket or lightweight fleece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Around the back, there’s a large stretch pocket that’s ideal for storing a sit mat, waterproofs or anything else you want quick access to without opening the main compartment. The only point I’d make here is that, because the pocket is designed to be easily removable, it’s possible to accidentally slide smaller items down between the pocket and the back of the pack. I don’t see it as a major issue, but it’s something worth being aware of when packing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The X-L\u00e4tt also features elasticated straps around the outside of the pack, designed to secure walking poles and other items when needed. These can be easily removed if you prefer a cleaner, lighter setup, which once again highlights the modular approach Fjallraven has taken with this pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lid includes both an external and internal pocket. The external pocket is a useful size and works well for items you want to keep close at hand, while I found the internal pocket a little more limited. In my experience, it was best suited to smaller essentials such as car keys or sunglasses, and I think a little extra space here would have made it more practical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside the pack, attached to the rear back panel, is a removable internal zipped pocket. This can be taken out and used as a small cross-body bag, but I also found another use for it – wearing it as a chest pouch. While this isn’t its intended purpose, it worked surprisingly well and became a feature I really enjoyed using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a niche addition and won’t be something everyone needs, but I think it could be incredibly useful on longer hikes where you want easy access to snacks and essentials on the move. It also has potential for travel-style adventures where keeping items like cash, a phone or important documents close at hand can be really useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CARRY WITH COMFORT<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Something Fjallraven packs have always been known for is their carry comfort, and thankfully that doesn’t change with the Kajka X-L\u00e4tt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ll admit, on my first outing with the pack I was a little concerned. It didn’t feel quite right, and I found the carry less comfortable than I had expected. However, after spending some time adjusting the fit and fine-tuning the different straps, my second trip was a completely different experience. The pack carried really well and felt much more comfortable on longer days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For me, the sweet spot for this pack is likely around 10kg to 16kg of load. Once you start pushing beyond this, you may begin to notice that the lightweight design is less suited to heavier loads compared to some of Fjallraven’s more traditional expedition-style packs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The hip belt is a real highlight. It sits comfortably, moulds nicely to the shape of your body and does a great job of transferring weight onto your hips. The shoulder straps are also comfortable and provide good support, although I did find them slightly firmer and narrower than I would personally prefer. If they aren’t positioned correctly, they can feel like they dig in slightly, but I suspect this will improve further as the materials soften with more use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The frame provides a supportive and comfortable carry, and once properly adjusted, I found the X-L\u00e4tt to be a really enjoyable pack to walk with. If Fjallraven were to make any future improvements, slightly wider and softer shoulder straps would be the one area I’d look at. That said, this is a small refinement on what is already a very comfortable and capable lightweight pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PROS & CONS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Pros<\/strong><\/td>Cons<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
-Easily repairable and very durable for its weight <\/td>-It would have been nice to see a removable lid to fit with the ethos of the pack <\/td><\/tr>
– Great dual-purpose pockets that make stowing gear easy.<\/td>-Be cautious with the gap behind the rear pocket<\/td><\/tr>
-Strippable of things you don’t need to streamline the pack<\/td>-Slightly softer, more forgiving Straps would be nice; however, the current ones may soften.<\/td><\/tr>
-A good balance of durability and weight<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
–Great carry comfort when fitted correctly<\/td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

MY THOUGHTS<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Fjallraven Kajka X-L\u00e4tt is a pack I’ve been excited about since first seeing it in the workbook over a year ago. It represents Fjallraven’s first step into lightweight packs, or as I prefer to call it, “right weight” packs – and thankfully, it delivers brilliantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What I really like about the X-L\u00e4tt is that Fjallraven hasn’t tried to create a super stripped-back, barely functional ultralight pack. There are plenty of options on the market for those who want to go down that route. Instead, Fjallraven has focused on creating what I believe is a more balanced approach – a pack that removes weight where it makes sense, but doesn’t sacrifice practicality, durability, comfort or useful features to achieve it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In my opinion, they’ve created a pack that balances all of these elements exceptionally well, delivering a lightweight design without losing the qualities that make a Fjallraven pack feel dependable. The idea of a pack designed to last, be repaired and have individual components replaced really appeals to me, and delivering that philosophy in a lightweight package is a huge positive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s easy to get caught up chasing weight savings – and I’m guilty of this myself – but what the X-L\u00e4tt does so well is take the lightweight concept and turn it into a genuinely practical option. It feels like Fjallraven has carefully considered which features are important and how they can serve multiple purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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One of my favourite examples is the adaptable bottle pockets. They can comfortably hold a 1.5L Nalgene bottle, but with a simple adjustment they transform into larger stash pockets, perfect for carrying a waterproof jacket or lightweight fleece. It’s such a simple but effective idea. Rather than having a permanently oversized pocket that only works for certain items, this adaptable design lets you change how you use the pack depending on the conditions and your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Overall, I think Fjallraven is taking a really exciting direction with the X-L\u00e4tt. By bringing this lightweight, modular approach into their range – and with this philosophy now expanding into the KEB collection – I think we could be seeing the start of an incredibly exciting new chapter for Fjallraven packs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Want to learn more about the Fjallraven Kajka X-L\u00e4tt? Watch our full video review below.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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