Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, Editor of Outdoors Magic

“Have I found this waterproof enough to hike or cycle with? Yes. The Bergshell fabric does live up to its description. What you need to make sure of, however, is that the storm flap is properly covering the zips. You’ll probably see some moisture ingress in really bad weather if it isn’t. Long story short, this definitely isn’t the kind of waterproof bag that you could, say, throw into a river and expect it to keep your stuff dry. If you want that, perhaps take a look at the rolltop version of this. 

“The back system is fairly basic, offering just a bit of padding and run-of-the-mill air mesh, but it is still comfortable even with a heavy load. Thanks to the ergonomically-shaped shoulder straps, I also found it to be surprisingly stable – even enough to run with.

“I like all the neat little touches,, like the little tab on the front where you can attach a bike light, and that small pocket on the side which can be reached when you’re cycling. 

“The mesh pockets are deep enough to securely hold something like an insulated flask or a lightweight waterproof jacket. The only downside is that their mesh material does feel a little precious, which is a shame considering the durability of the rest of the pack.

“The 30L capacity is certainly enough for a day hike. I actually found it was overgenerous for the kind of load I carry, so I made use of the side compression straps. Another useful feature to have on a day pack. 

“At 900g, it isn’t super-light, but that’s not to say it’s heavy. It would actually make for a useful bag to travel with as it folds down flat enough that it won’t take up too much space in your main suitcase.”

Trade Secrets

Answered by Svante Björkroth – Product Developer at Fjӓllrӓven 

“We set out to create a functional backpack that really could accommodate the need of a typical everyday commute to work with enough capacity and compartments to be able to separate your work gear from your sports-kit or wet towels. 

“Besides being the result of 60 years of making backpacks, in the end it is about field testing. For this particular product we have relied a lot on our own experiences and feedback from our many colleagues that love the outdoors but are also regularly commuting to work by bike – regardless of season or weather. While some might cancel their hike because of rain or wet snowfall, that is not an option when you have to drop your kids off at school and still make it to the office in time for a meeting so having a pack that is reliably waterproof and easily fits in all your gear is essential.  This backpack is also made of our Bergshell fabric. A waterproof and extremely durable fabric which is partly recycled and full of Fjällräven’s DNA, Bergshell was the result of several years of research and development.”