GEAR REVIEW: Orbacken Backpack

20L | 840g | 80% Swedish Wadmal Wool / 20% Rayon

This one’s a bit of a personal pick. We added the Orbacken to our last order with the idea of having just one good bag—something timeless, functional, and well-made enough to last from when the kids are little through to when they’re teenagers heading off to weekend sport. You know… that one bag everyone just knows to grab before you head out the door, because it always has the basics sorted.

We’ve used it pretty much everywhere since—town trips, mountain walks, bush missions, you name it. It’s simple gear done right. No modern plastic buckles or noisy Velcro, no gimmicks or unnecessary frills. Just old-world craftsmanship using Swedish wadmal wool, finished with reindeer leather accents, wooden toggles, and a solid leather cord drawstring.

The wool used here is Swedish military-grade Wadmal—a tightly woven, hard-wearing fabric that’s naturally flame retardant, wind-resistant, water-resistant, and dead silent in the bush. It’s one of those materials that’s stood the test of time for good reason. Blended with a bit of rayon for strength, it makes the pack both rugged and comfortable to carry, with a real sense of quality.

We’ve uploaded a few extra photos so you can check out the details up close—things like the pocket lining, stitching, toggles, and subtle leatherwork. It’s the sort of pack where the craftsmanship speaks for itself.

Functionally, it’s a solid day bag—ideal for hiking, hunting, or family days out. There’s a sneaky hidden pocket on the back, and the front pockets are perfect for snacks or odds and ends. It’s not quite big enough to carry a sleeping bag unless you’re going ultra-light, but it’s more than enough for the daily essentials.

In all honesty, it’s been unofficially relegated to the family bag—the one that goes everywhere, every time.

R-