Fjallraven Stubben pack?

[jonnyt16]

So I just pulled the trigger on the Fjallraven Stubben pack from Campsaver where I found it for a lot less than anywhere else. With the extra side pockets I got it for around $150. I will post a little review on it when I receive it but just wondering if anyone here has any experience with it? Can't seem to find much feedback on it from the internet.

Anyway, I thought it had it some pretty unique features. I bought it mainly to use as my hunting pack and possible day-out-in-the-woods bag. It will be replacing my current pack from Diamondback Tactical that I've been using forever--great bag but just a little too "tactical" for me now (a sign that I'm getting older?).

Here's a few perceived pros and cons that I have only speculated on since I haven't received it yet. Let me know what you guys think.

Pros:

-Handsome, traditional looks

-Easy access to the main compartment

-Rigid frame with a seat! This will be great for deer season since I won't have to lug around a stool anymore! Could also be used as a rifle rest.


Cons:

-Heavy. 4 lb 13 oz

-Maybe a little uncomfortable? There's padding on the back but with the design of the frame it appears that it may not "conform" to my back as well as other packs.

-No waistbelt


Here's a photo of the Stubben with the side pouches and the promo video from Fjallraven:

[video=youtube;HHl0MNoPCxA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHl0MNoPCxA[/video]

 

[SurviveAl]

Very Cool looking. I look foreward to your review.
AL

 

[neeman]

Looks like a classic Bergan
They were the best of the canvas and metal frame

But when Karrimor came out with the great bag hung on a frame that you could add a waist bet
Very rugged and so much more comfortable
The Bergan type bag phased out

 

[jonnyt16]

Haven't received the pack yet, should be arriving tomorrow. In the meantime, I have been looking more in to the Fjallraven company as a whole. I always knew about them but for one reason or another I never paid much attention to them until I bought this pack. But looking at their products now they seem to make some really cool, good quality stuff! I am really liking the idea of their Keb trousers and their Vidda Pro pants. A lot of their wool shirts are appealing to me as well. I know a bunch of you guys here have used and enjoyed Fjallraven gear and I can see why. Oh, and I find their youtube videos very pleasant to watch.

[video=youtube;Ly-sL0eh1aw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly-sL0eh1aw&list=PLC407489B72C5A073&index=5[/video]

 

[jonnyt16]

Alright so the Fjallraven Stubben arrived this morning! After messing around with it for a while and attaching the side pockets I took some photos for you guys. My initial impressions of this pack are very favorable. The "G-1000" material they use feels very durable without being too overbuilt.

Trying it on with a little bit of weight in it felt good, more comfortable than I thought it would be. There is thick padding on the back so you don't feel the internal frame at all.

I do wish they incorporated some straps on the bottom for carrying a blanket, tarp, clothing, or anything that can be rolled up. I was able to affix some paracord in a manner that I can adjust to achieve the same thing though so not a big deal. May replace it with shock cord in the future.

The side pockets have enough room to fit even a really big water bottle with room to spare. I'll keep a light rain jacket and my first-aid kit on the other side.

In the top pouch I think I'll store my sunglasses, headlamp, neck gaiter, and gloves.

Bottom pouch can keep my binoculars and rangefinder. Although I usually have my binos on me in a chest harness.

View of the inside from above with the top lid open.

You can also get inside from the front of the pack without opening the top. This can easily be done while sitting on it as well which I think will be very convenient. It may not seem like it from the photos but there is actually a pretty good amount of room in the main compartment. The camo waistpack you see in there which holds most of my hunting gear is rather large.

A hatchet or small axe can slide between the pack and side pocket without fear of it falling out.

A few more backyard shots...

As I was hoping for, the pack is a good height for making a great rifle rest!

And how many packs allow you to do this??

I think the Swedes have something good going on here. Can't wait till deer season to try this thing out! I'll probably load it up with some gear and take it out on a day hike or maybe an overnighter in the woods to do a little amateur bushcraftin' before then. I'll keep you guys posted on its performance as I still can't seem to find much feedback on the internet about this pack so maybe this will help others. Have a good weekend fellas!

 

[Aikiguy]

Wow what a great looking pack. Hope it treats you well. Looking forward to your reviews after some dirt time with it.

 

[Mikel_24]

A backpack without a hipbelt is not a backpack. BAD BAD BAD idea. The hipbelt is there to transfer the load to your hips so you don't have to carry it on your shoulders. with a heavy pack it us unbearable no matter what anyone elses says.

The best example I could think off is when I haul my 2 year old daugther (15kg) in a dedicated backpak (Deuter). The kid+the pack+supplies+water+diappers+etc goes up to 20kg easily. I have been snowshoeing with it for 15km straight, uphill, using trekking poles, with my kid moving in the pack... and I won'g go as far as to say that it didn't notice the pack, but it was comfortable. Now, if I do out without the pack, and the kid asks to be picked up (tired) and I just put her on my shoulders... it gets taxing after a few minutes. Shoulders hurt, upper back aches, arms go numb... etc.

That's the difference between carrying the weight on your hips... or on your shoulders.

If you plan on using it as a huting pack (and carry whatever you got back to the car) in it... I think you could do much better with other designs.

Mikel

 

[mete]

Mikel , you are absolutely correct ! I learned that many years ago . Share the weight , shoulders + hips , makes it much better !

 

[leghog]

Mikel , you are absolutely correct ! I learned that many years ago . Share the weight , shoulders + hips , makes it much better !

Better with none/nearly none of the weight bearing down on the shoulders

 

[jonnyt16]

To be fair, the Stubben does have two small loops on the bottom front for attaching a hip belt. But I'm not going to put one on this thing. I like it the way it is. I have a REI XT 85 and an ILBE for my backpacking excursions. I bought the Stubben to use as my hunting pack and possibly a day ruck style bag. Speaking just from my own personal experience, I've never had an issue carrying 10-20 pounds of gear without a hip belt and plus I really like the unique features that this pack offers. I have an off-road adventure planned this weekend with my Jeep up in the Sierra Nevada mountains and I'm going to bring the Stubben along. Once we reach our base camp I'll hit some short trails on foot with this pack to give it some dirt time and see exactly how it feels. I'll update ya guys after that.

 

[trestle]

Hip belts are not required for a day pack with only a days load. In many cases they just get in the way, at least for some of us. Not really my style but that's a cool pack and the stool/bench rest feature is unique. Pretty heavy for a small pack but considering you might be carrying a stool anyways, it's probably around the same cumulative weight. :thumbup:

 

[amgolfer24]

Mikel_24--absolutely not true. You stated and I quote, "A backpack without a hip belt is not a backpack. BAD BAD BAD idea." So false my friend. First, you have to understand what your sole purpose of using the pack is going to be. The Fjallraven Stubben is not meant for DAYS of trekking in the woods with a huge load out. I personally own the Fjallraven Stubben pack and I have NEVER needed a waist/hip belt--EVER. I use it for small bushcrafting tasks and day hikes (mostly easy) and loading up lunches/small stove for tea with the wife and hitting the woods.

Your example of hauling your 2 year old does NOT apply to the Stubben and what it's meant to do. For hell sakes, I would never load the Stubben out and try and carry 40-50 lbs (I believe you mentioned 20kg which I believe is is ~45 lbs) for miles--again, this backpack is NOT meant for this and Fjallraven understood that perfectly. So your analogy of carrying your daughter is not valid--if I were trekking with a kid on my back for a day hike I would obviously use a different pack with a WAIST/HIP BELT--this is NOT quantum physics. If you were going out by yourself or just your wife for a 2 hour hike, this bag is perfect and justified--as a matter of fact, it's a terrific option and there is no need for a waist/hip belt. Before judging, go buy one, use the rucksack for what it's meant for, and then report back....Sound good?

I also use a Direct Action Dragon Egg back for EDC and also day hikes--it has a hip belt and I NEVER use it.....Now, when I pull out my Arcteryk Bora 80 or Osprey 70L backpack and I'm carrying a heavier load out, you better believe I use the waist/hip belt--that would be crazy NOT too.

Anyway, I just strongly disagree with your whole "A backpack without a hip belt is not a backpack. BAD BAD BAD idea" assertion as this is completely false.

For all of you that are interested in the Fjallraven Stubben, you will NOT be disappointed for what it's meant to do. It's a well built and surprisingly very comfortable bag with some damn cool features--plus the nostalgia of the old school look simply can't be beat IMHO. I would suggest adding the two side pockets for extra storage. It's dang cool that you can sit on it and access your gear from the bag at the same time. Oh, I don't have any affiliation with Fjallraven other than owning some of their gear and clothing--little pricey, but well worth it....they simply don't cut corners.

All the best.......

 

[jumpmonkey]

Seems like a really nifty bag. I like the concept, though with all the extra weight from that serious steel frame I'll stick to my simple sit-pad. That said I don't see anyone benching off the monarchs or sit-pads and the convenience of just taking the pack off and sitting down is nice.

I have to admit I'm in the waist-belt camp myself, save for very light loads, and with all that frame there every load is quite a bit more substantial. Not for me, but seriously, cool concept. Hope it makes for some happy hunting for you! Seems like it could really excel for that purpose.

 

[jonnyt16]

I think amgolfer24 pretty much hit the nail on the head. Not rocket science...certain packs for certain applications. For carrying my hunting gear while stalking a buck or hiking to my deer blind this bag is perfect and I no longer have to lug around a mini hunting stool.

I did go on a 4-wheelin' trip a few weeks ago and took the Stubben along in order to test it out on some hiking trails once we reached our main camp. Unfortunately I didn't take any photos but the pack was very comfortable. Here is basically my loadout for that particular trek and I definitely did not feel the need for a hip belt just for these things. My hunting supplies should more or less weigh the same.

I also discovered that the Stubben has vertical rows of attachment points (for mounting the side pockets) but are also useful for attaching carabiners if you want to hang some small items outside of the pack....

Honestly, the more familiar I get with this pack the more I really like it! Love the vintage look and feel of this thing and there is just something weirdly cool about being able to sit on it thats hard to explain, lol.

 

[jumpmonkey]

Honestly, the more familiar I get with this pack the more I really like it! Love the vintage look and feel of this thing and there is just something weirdly cool about being able to sit on it thats hard to explain, lol.

Glad it's working well for you. There are some odd thing's I've picked up here and there that probably aren't always the most practical but they just do it for me (I like umbrellas for example). Having an instant clean, dry, sturdy seat of a decent height is a pretty cool thing. I can see the appeal.

 

[amgolfer24]

Jumpmonkey stated "I have to admit I'm in the waist-belt camp myself, save for very light loads, and with all that frame there every load is quite a bit more substantial. Not for me, but seriously, cool concept. Hope it makes for some happy hunting for you! Seems like it could really excel for that purpose."

Again folks I too am in the camp of waste/hip belts when it's applicable. The Stubben pack is surprisingly light and very, very comfortable--again I own the pack and can speak from first had experience. You simply don't need a waste belt for what it's meant to do. I never carry anything heavy load out in my Stubben pack, even though I could and it would do just fine.

Think about this--look at college students that lug around their packs (one on shoulder sometimes) weighing over 25 lbs and do you ever see them wearing a waste belt? No. Point is, I too carried around a very heavy backpack (chemistry, anatomy, physiology, cellular biology books, etc., you get my point) and I lived off campus--I was walking a lot with a very heavy load out and never used a waste belt.....Never occurred to me that I needed one....Now, the stubben is a different type of pack in that what it's meant to be used for doesn't require a waste/hip belt. My load outs are a lot lighter, even with the aluminum, internal frame which is NOT that heavy by the way. Remember folks it's meant to be used for certain applications only.....if you don't find yourself in that camp, move on to another rucksack that suits your needs. This is a fairly simply concept and not really about who loves and despises waist/hip belts--think about it.

To all you folks that love waste belts for everything, then this is a moot point--carry on with your very light load outs using a waste belt if it makes you all fuzzy inside--but it's simply NOT necessary. Try the Stubben pack without the waist/hip belt and then comment about your experience--you just may be shocked what the end review will be. I have never been told when carrying a 15 lbs that I MUST wear a waste/hip belt. The Stubben is a great pack and very enjoyable to use for day hikes, hunting, bushcrafting tasks and simple picnics with my lovely wife in the woods--perfect. Absolutely NO need to have a waist/hip belt to get in the way.

If the Stubben lacks anything that I wish they would change is to put a strapping/lashing system on the bottom so I could lash a light blanket, tarp, or jacket to it. You could always rig one or just put it under the top flap--it's a trade off because you would have to remove the item to take advantage of the seat option....that would be my one change but it's definitely NOT a deal breaker. Fjallraven had a thought for a certain application and ran with it--brilliant.

Oh and BTW, for all you folks that must have a waist/hip belt for your 10-20 lbs load outs, the Stubben does have to loops you could rig a waist/hip belt too. Have at it if you must

 

[jumpmonkey]

amgolfer24,

Bro, I just prefer waist belts...

EDIT: I don't use them for light loads, but this pack is overkill for my light load.

 

[amgolfer24]

Jonny--you use yours very similar to what I use it for......I love the Stubben--very, very well built, comfortable even with the internal aluminum frame and I too just can't enough of the 'vintage/old school" look. Fjallraven just produces great products, albeit expensive, but you get what you pay for, right? The Stubben and all my other Fjallraven gear will last a very long time and this includes the clothing line.....anytime I can sport a vintage look I am all in (I am young by the way).......we just need more old school in our country

If you like old school rucksacks, try the YNOT (Made in Canada and with US material as well). They are doing a kickstarter program and have met their goal....it will be produced--it's called the Wildland Scout (comes with a nice waist/hip belt) and it's great.....we will have two old school/vintage packs and I'm sure we (my wife and I) will fight over which one to use or maybe just use both....great options.

Heres a link:

http://kck.st/28LZ295

Have a great day.....

 

[amgolfer24]

amgolfer24,

Bro, I just prefer waist belts...

EDIT: I don't use them for light loads, but this pack is overkill for my light load.

I respect that Jumpmonkey......I am just making a point on what this pack is meant for and a waist/hip belt is simply unnecessary. You think it's overkill and I don't.....it's all good. All my packs 48L and above have waist belts and I definitely use them and completely understand the reasoning behind the waist/hip belt concept--wouldn't be caught dead for heavier load outs without one....Peace...

 

[Mikel_24]

Mikel_24--absolutely not true. You stated and I quote, "A backpack without a hip belt is not a backpack. BAD BAD BAD idea." So false my friend.

Sorry for being so blunt on my previous post. Obviously everyone speaks from its own experience. And while my example of hauling my kid was a bit extreme, my experience tells me that a supportive hip belt (that is, a belt meant to transfer load to your hips, not only to prevent the bag from swinging side to side) is a must.

Another example involving light loads could be a simple day hike (2kg of water, 500gr of food, headlamp, some supplyes, extra clothing, sunscreen, glasses, first aid kit, mandatory knife, etc... 5kg load + the pack itself?). If I am carrying trekking poles (be it for balance or for insurance for my ankles in rough terrain) load on your shoulders will limit mobility and becames unconfortable everytime you swing your arms. If I am hiking on even more difficult terrain, with or without poles, (may involve using hands on rocks or, cable ladders or via-ferratas) then again, the ligther the load on your shoulders, the better. Otherwise your amrs could even go numb.

As I said, this is my experience and yes, as a kid I have carried heavy loads on my shoulders in the classic school backpack with no hipbelt at all. And it was taxing, tiring and not that healthy... That's why today you see more and more kids pulling trolleys with their school stuff instead of hauling backpacks.

..First, you have to understand what your sole purpose of using the pack is going to be.

I understood (maybe wrong) that this is supposed to be a day hunting back, right? OP said something about deer hunting. Well, while being no hunter, I think that once you go out for a walk, stalk whatever you are going after, shooting it down and processing it... you will be carrying some of that meat back to your car. Now, how much meat do you get for every piece of game you shoot down? My point is that if this is going to be a hunting pack, then it should allow you to bring your game back home. And that is going to get heavy!

If you dig the classic traditional looks... then yes, it is a great pack. I agree, it looks cool.