WE DIG
WE DON’T
ABOUT THE FJALLRAVEN HOJA EXPANDABLE HIP PACK
The Fjallraven Hoja Expandable Hip Pack is just like it sounds: it’s a 4.5L hip pack that expands into a 16L backpack. The top part of the pack and straps roll up and are cinched down with an elastic cord on top of the hip pack. A divider that also cinches keeps the top separated from the hip pack portion.
The hip pack outer is made of Vinylon, a synthetic fiber made from polyvinyl alcohol. It is water-resistant and durable, and gives the hip pack an almost waxed feel on the outside. The top backpack portion and insides are made of a thinner polyamide 70D material.
Fjallraven designed the Hoja Expandable Hip Pack to be fairly simplistic. As a hip pack, it has one main zipper and compartment, with two mesh pockets inside. It also has two exterior mesh pockets on either side that serve as water bottle holders up to 700ml capacity.
Converting the hip pack to a backpack is simple; undo the elastic cord at the top of the hip pack and unroll the top portion of the bag. The shoulder straps unroll with this portion of the bag, attaching at two loop points at the hip. As a backpack, it functions as a hydration pack, with an internal pocket for a bladder.
When not in backpack mode, the elastic webbing can pull double duty, strapping down something like a jacket to the outside. Simplicity continues with a nylon webbing belt with a buckle that secures above the left hip. Fjallraven also incorporated mesh and padding onto the rear of the hip pack where it contacts your waist for added comfort.
The Fjallraven Hoja Expandable Hip Pack is offered in black only, with a retail price of $105.
THE DIRT
I had few, if any, complaints when using the Fjallraven Hoja Expandable Hip Pack as a hip pack. Here is what I expect from a hip pack: I need it to carry my keys, wallet, and phone, and potentially a snack or two. I also need it to carry a multi-tool, a tire repair kit, and two water bottles.
No issues there.
As a standard hip pack, this Fjallraven offering worked just fine. I appreciated the design’s simplicity, as I don’t feel like I need a bunch of compartments and zippers to fuss with. My phone and wallet went in one mesh pocket, and a snack bar went in the other.
Everything else was in the main compartment, and I was absolutely okay with that.
I also expect a hip pack to be comfortable and stay in place.
No problem.
During rides, the hip pack stayed secure, and water bottles didn’t fall out. The material feels durable, and it handled rainy rides well. That said, if you use it on particularly wet rides, I would recommend undoing the top backpack portion and allowing it to dry. While it didn’t happen to me, I imagine being folded on the top like that might encourage mold if it sits wet.
The main issue I had was the practicality of the Hoja pack as a backpack. I’m not sure that I ever need more capacity on a ride than what I initially set out with. Even if I need to store a jacket or something, I can usually fit it in a hip pack or strap it to the outside. I did so on several occasions with the Hoja Hip Pack, and it worked well.
Basically, I didn’t find a use for the backpack while riding. When I did use it as a backpack, like for travel, I found the straps uncomfortable. The straps dug into my shoulders and my neck, making it virtually unwearable as a backpack.
So, for me, the Fjallraven Hoja Expandable Hip Pack is essentially just a standard hip pack with a bunch of extra material. And at $105, I feel like I’m paying quite a bit extra for things I don’t really use.
The Wolf’s Last Word
Ultimately, I liked the idea, but it didn’t prove to be practical. If the Fjallraven Hoja Expandable Hip Pack ditched the Expandable portion and associated cost, I imagine I would have gotten along with it a bit better. Still, props to Fjallraven for doing something different. 
Price: $105
Website: Fjallraven.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
The local boy — Travis was born and raised in Bend, OR. Skateboarding consumed his life until his high school years (yes, he can still kickflip), but was replaced by mountain biking…then rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and finally back to mountain biking. After a stint in the big city, Travis returned home, trading a teaching career to be an okay mountain biker and above-average journalist. He is an outspoken 90s grunge fan, cornering poor souls in conversations about the meaning behind the lyrics of Alice In Chains’ “Would.” Most days, Travis hopes to be outside, whether that is on an early morning ride or a hike with his family (the best days include both).
Rank: Contributing Writer
Size: 5’8” / 172cm | 195lbs / 88kg
Social: @travis_reill_writes
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