Backpacks

Fjällräven Keb 52 Backpack | Review

A new durable trekking pack from Fjällräven that shows off some unique materials

Why We Chose The Fjällräven Keb 52: Low carbon footprint, unique back system, durable build.

Now here’s a thing of beauty. Fjällräven’s brand new Keb 52 backpack really does boast some great materials.

There’s that tried and tested and eco-friendly G-1000 which provides long term durability as well as excellent water resistance (when you’ve stuck a bit of Fjällräven’s Greenland Wax on it). On the base and sides there’s the all-new Bergshell waterproof fabric which is made from a recycled nylon. Then, last but not least there’s that superb wood frame which, according to Fjällräven, reduces the CO2 emissions during the bag’s production by 90%. Top notch.

Outdoors Magic testers praised the carrying comfort of the Keb 52. Photo: Chris Johnson

The Keb 52 is part of Fjällräven’s technical trekking collection, and unsurprisingly, this makes for an excellent pack for going the distance with. At 52 litres, it’s just the right size for, say, hiking the West Highland Way with, or even for just weekend overnight trips. The amount of adjustment points on it certainly helps in that regard, with the potential to change the volume to suit the load you’re carrying.

The back system is easily adjusted to suit different back lengths, it’s generously padded and also provides a touch of ventilation. As is the case with the brand’s other range of packs, the Kaipack series, there’s a nice bit of lumbar support and a comfortable, supportive, slightly pre-curved hibelt.

The wooden frame is said to reduce the CO2 emissions during the bag's production by 90%. Photo: Chris Johnson

With an adjustable back system. Photo: Chris Johnson

The intricate back system does however add some weight to the pack. Photo: Chris Johnson

Bergshell provides long term durability and water resistance. Photo: Chris Johnson

As for the pockets and storage options, there are open side pockets for a water bottle or other small items you need access to quickly, two fairly sizeable zipped pockets on the hipbelt which provide a decent amount of weather protection, one big U-shaped pocket on the front, and then a zipped overlid pocket and small underlid one that stores the detachable rain cover.

It’s a narrow, slim-profile bag and that does make it slightly tougher to access your kit from the top of the bag, but that’s where the long side zip comes in handy, and you can open it up from the bottom as well.

The Keb does come at a fairly high price, but it is a great pack, with nice design features, and good thought towards sustainability.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, Outdoors Magic Editor

“I really like Fjällräven’s older Kaipak 58 model as I’ve always found it holds very comfortably to my back to fit perfectly – and that’s despite the back system being fixed. I can understand how that might not fit some people so well though, and so, it can only be a good thing that this new model has a similar back design but with the added bonus of sliding adjustment.

At 2260g it’s heavy, but then that’s the trade-off for the impressive durability you get here. That’s thanks to that G-1000 fabric and also the wooden frame which provides flexible strength. It’s a nice touch.

It’s useful having that waterproof Bergshell fabric at the base, it means you can plonk the bag down on wet grass without having to worry about any saturation through. And as is always the case with Fjällräven’s G-1000 products, it’s nice to have the option to increase the overall water resistance.”

52 litres and a comfortable carry makes the Keb 52 an ideal pack for multi-day trips. Photo: Chris Johnson

Gareth Danks, outdoor photographer and vlogger

“The Fjällräven KEB 52 is incredible! I was initially worried about its weight, but having used it on two trips abroad as hand luggage (no issue on Easyjet and Ryanair flights by the way) I’m delighted to say I’m in love with it. So much so I will be picking up a 70L version too!

“The design and build of the bag is like no other I’ve seen before, and to say it’s tough is an under statement. The material used in every aspect of the bag right down to the zips and padding are just stunning.

“I found it can take a huge amount of gear for its 52L size and I didn’t notice a single squeak or rattle from it, even when fully loaded. It’s the perfect sized bag for multi-day trips and hikes and I can see it getting a lot of use from me – it’s certainly a product I’ll trust”

Buy the Fjällräven Keb 52: £275 at Alpine-trek.co.uk