Fjällräven Keb Hike 30
We kick off with the handsome Keb 30 from stolid Swedish packsmiths, Fjällräven. Wrapped in a burly coat of G1000 Heavy Duty Eco (65% polyester, 35% cotton), with a simple back panel and economically-sculpted shoulder and hip straps, this is a pack with attitude. It smoulders with old-school cool. It has a job to do and it’s damn well going to do it, and that job is to carry a day’s worth of your kit through thick and thin. And with the possible exception of the zip closure (a rain cover is included but a lid provides more reliable weather protection), I don’t see why Private Keb wouldn’t ever fail to complete a mission.
The pack sat nicely on my back, though fell short of the instant feeling of symbiosis that some models achieve. Possibly that will come later when the closed cell foam softens a tad. Multiple different straps, some cunningly hidden, are geared towards skis or trekking poles, while a single expandable side pocket fits a 1L waterbottle easily enough that I could retrieve and insert it without removing the pack. The main compartment zips open all the way, although I felt the compression straps, albeit using a clever adjustable design, got in the way during regular rooting around for this ‘n’ that. Back from the countryside? The hydration sleeve doubles as padded laptop storage, and the numerous pockets make organisation a breeze.
Verdict – a lovely little pack, although a little pricey. There’s more to Fjällräven than the ubiquitous Kånken!
$334.95
