Fjällräven Keb 52 & 72 – My Thoughts After Long-Distance Hiking
From the hills of northern Thailand.
A modular trekking pack built for the long haul
When I walked the Gröna Bandet, a 1,300 km hike through the Swedish mountain range, I carried the Fjällräven Keb 72 on my back. Since then, I've also tested the Keb 52, and I want to share my thoughts on these modular packs from Fjällräven – how they perform, what makes them unique, and who they’re really for.
What makes the Keb series stand out?
The Keb 52 and 72 are part of Fjällräven’s technical trekking line. These are not daypacks – they’re built for multi-day or even multi-week adventures, where durability, adjustability, and modularity matter.
I have no idea how to water ski.
Key features include:
✅ Wooden frame – sustainable, sturdy and shockingly comfortable
✅ G-1000 HeavyDuty S + Bergshell fabric – weather-resistant and tough as nails
✅ Modular design – removable top lid, expandable side pockets, and multiple attachment points
✅ Adjustable back system – fits a wide range of torso lengths
✅ Rain cover included – because, well, Sweden
🎒 Keb 72 on the Gröna Bandet – How it performed
A clothes hanger doubling as a backpack! :P
I packed everything I needed for over 1,000 km of walking – sleeping system, stove, extra layers, food and camera gear. The Keb 72 never failed me. Here’s what stood out:
Durability: Zero rips or failures after weeks of heavy use.
Comfort: With proper packing and adjustments, it sat perfectly even on long uphill grinds.
Organization: The top lid, outer pockets and side compression made it easy to balance the load.
Was it perfect? Not quite:
⚠️ It’s not the lightest pack – but that’s the tradeoff for durability
⚠️ I missed side access sometimes – especially when packing tight
🆚 Keb 52 vs 72 – Which one should you choose?
If you're heading out for weekend or week-long hikes, the Keb 52 is probably enough. It’s lighter, more compact, and shares many of the same features.
But if you're planning for longer unsupported trips – or just want extra space and flexibility – the Keb 72 will give you that edge.
| Feature | Keb 52 | Keb 72 |
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 52L | 72L |
| Weight | ~2.26 kg | ~2.65 kg |
| Ideal trip length | 2–7 days | 7–14+ days |
| Top lid | Detachable | Detachable |
| Rain cover | Included | Included |
Go to Thailand.
Final thoughts
The Keb 52 and 72 represent some of Fjällräven’s most thought-through backpack designs. If you're serious about trekking and want a pack that lasts many seasons, this series is worth a closer look.
I still bring my Keb 72 on big trips, and the Keb 52 is now my go-to for shorter missions. Both give me confidence that my gear will stay dry, organized, and manageable no matter the terrain.
