ISPO Award Winner 2025: Fjällräven Kajka X-Lätt 45

Weighing just1 kilogram, the Kajka X-Lätt 45 is a lightweight trekking backpack which carries the DNA of Fjällräven’s most robust trekking packs. Its development began with a simple but ambitious question: how could the team make a typical Fjällräven product – with time-tested material, vinylon, and a wooden frame – really light? The answer was found at Vinkelladan, Fjällräven’s prototype workshop in Stockholm, where the product team built and tested prototypes from the inside out, refining every detail to strike the perfect balance between strength and minimalism.

”It is a balance; Yes, focus was on minimizing weight. But also on keeping the classic Kajka backpack-design and tried-and-tested reliability intact. What we came up with up with was a durable, functional, sustainable backpack with a timeless Fjällräven design, weighing in just below 1 kilogram.”, says Sara Lundberg, Innovation Technician at Fjällräven.

The Kajka X-Lätt 45 features a laminated birch wood frame — a renewable, lightweight, and strong alternative to traditional metal or plastic structures. This natural material not only reduces the backpack’s environmental footprint but also develops a beautiful patina over time, reflecting the journeys it accompanies.

The body of the pack is made from Vinylon F, Fjällräven’s signature hardwearing fabric known for its exceptional longevity and weather resistance. Vinylon is repairable and wears in gracefully, ensuring the pack remains a reliable companion for many years.

Functionality was a guiding principle throughout the design process. The backpack includes stretch side pockets for quick access, a removable front sleeve for extra gear or drying wet clothing, and a detachable inner pocket that doubles as a small crossbody bag — perfect for keeping essentials close at hand during short excursions.

While the Kajka X-Lätt 45 is suitable for a wide range of users, comfort and fit were refined with significant input from female testers — around 60% of the testing team were women. The result is a backpack that adapts comfortably to different body types, thanks to ergonomically shaped shoulder straps, an anatomically curved hip belt, and adjustable back length. It is available in two fit options (S/M and M/L) to ensure optimal load distribution and stability on the trail.

True to Fjällräven’s philosophy of creating products that last for generations, the Kajka X-Lätt 45 is designed to be easy to take apart, clean, and repair. Every component – from the frame to the trims – can be replaced or repaired if needed. This modular approach extends the product’s lifespan and reduces waste, offering a genuine alternative to disposable outdoor gear.

"We set out to make the lightest possible backpack. Using our long-time trusted materials, and solutions. The outcome is a true lightweight pack, that is easy to repair and wears in beautifully. That's true sustainability for us,”, explains Erik Blomberg, Head of Innovation at Fjällräven.

The backpack’s sustainable wooden frame and repairable construction exemplify Fjällräven’s ongoing mission to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining high performance standards. It’s not about chasing ultralight trends, but about creating meaningful lightness – lightness achieved through thoughtful design, sustainable materials, and enduring craftsmanship.

The Kajka X-Lätt 45 embodies Fjällräven’s belief that true sustainability comes from designing gear that lasts. Built from recycled and hardwearing materials, it’s crafted to withstand years of use, be easily repaired, and remain timeless in both form and function. Every design choice supports the brand’s three core values: to develop durable, functional and timeless equipment, to act responsibly towards nature, humans and animals, and inspire people to discover outdoor life.

"From sourcing renewable materials to fostering responsible production and inclusive product testing, Fjällräven continues to push forward on a sustainability journey with no finish line, only milestones of progress."

• sustainable wooden frame construction
• easy repairability
• timeless design