The Hajker™ Winter Backpacks From USWE Are Changing The Game

Press Release / 22.12.2020

USWE is known for its light backpacks for mountain bikers, trail runners and skiers. With high-end performance and its bounce free No Dancing Monkey™ harness technology, the Swedish brand is now entering the outdoor market with new, bigger backpacks to set a new standard.

The USWE Hajker™ Winter Pack Series

When we at USWE decided to size up and do bigger adventure/speed hiking backpacks (>30L) for winter conditions, we didn't hold back. Our starting point was to develop a backpack platform for the most challenging adventures, and ... we think we nailed it!

The HAJKER™ Winter packs are waterproof, lightweight, compressible, Thermo Cell™ insulated and No Dancing Monkey™ harness system equipped. They include an ergonomic waist support belt that can also be used separately on its own, a size adjustable back panel, a tool/gear pocket, helmet holder, two quick stash pockets, a generous hidden zippered safety pocket, two zippered side pockets, compression system, innovative rolltop, bungy click-in design, and the best fit on the market.

The HAJKER™ Winter pack series will be available in two versions, the HAJKER™ 30 Winter and the HAJKER™ PRO 30 Winter.

Features: Hajker™ 30 Winter & Hajker™ Pro 30 Winter

• 30 liters of compressible storage
• Bounce free NDM™ 2.1 harness system with integrated stretch for a perfect unisex fit. Allows the freedom to breathe and move in extreme action
• Insulated Thermo Cell™ shoulder straps. Captures the heat from physical activity to protect the drink tube from freezing even in the most extreme winter conditions
• Waterproof main compartment with a large roll-top opening. Keeps your gear dry and safe
• Ergonomic waist support belt. The waist belt is detachable and can be used on its own. It Includes a super ventilated back panel, two separate side pockets and a quick stash pocket
• Size adjustable back panel for the torso size (length) 41 to 55cm / 16-22”
• Safe ID-storage, tool/gear side pockets, quick stash pockets
• Hydration compatible. Equipped with an insulated bladder sleeve for max 3.0L hydration - not included with the pack
• Helmet carry system (detachable)
• External compression system and attachment loops

Features: Hajker™ Pro 30 Winter (Only)

• The pack is made of ROBIC EXTREEMA™ - one of the most tested, toughest and lightweight fabrics on the market
• Main compartment includes a removable 30L drysack to reduce weight and for multi-purpose use in race situations

Developed For the Toughest Conditions

We have been developing and testing the ideas for the HAJKER™ series in the toughest conditions in the world with great success. Last year we had a win at the Adventure Racing World Series with our USWE Adventure Team, when they were racing with a prototype pack. That’s why the HAJKER™ is adventure proven. Even before its release!

The HAJKER™ packs are designed for Speed Hiking, Running, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Snowboarding, XC skiing, and of course Adventure Racing.  Pretty much anything you enjoy doing in the outdoors!

NO DANCING MONKEY™ (NDM™)

Our smaller packs are famous for the No Dancing Monkey™ harness system that makes the packs totally bounce free. We certainly didn’t want to disappoint anyone when we redesigned the NDM™ technology for our bigger packs. The harness buckles up in the middle of your chest and is easily adjustable with perfectly loaded stretch webbing. The NDM™ 2.1 system can also be adjusted at the back by pushing the back panel up and down, including torso sizes from 41 to 55cm (length).

[In spring 2021 we will introduce the summer version of the NDM™ 2.1 harness for the HAJKER™ packs. This means that you’ll be able to upgrade your HAJKER™ Winter pack into a 4-season pack using both a winter and summer harness.]

Usable With and Without the Waist Support Belt

For our existing customers it's a new thing that we are using a waist support belt on our packs at all. Our NDM™ harness makes the smaller packs sit snugly without the need of a waist belt. However, when the packs get bigger there are times when you need to secure the lower part of the pack with a waist support belt. Still there are times when you don't need it, and maybe don't want it. That’s why we decided to do both.

When running, hiking and skiing we recommend fitting the waist belt tight on your hips, to assist with carrying the load. However, when mountain biking there are times when you just don't want a waist belt. As the NDM™ harness itself holds the bag super tight on your body, you can choose to unbuckle or just take off the waist belt when pedaling. Another super cool thing is that we included a gel/food stash pocket in the back of the waist belt that makes the belt a product on its own. It can be used with the backpack or separately without it, just like a hip-pack.

Storage and Organization

We included two stash pockets on the sides of the pack to carry bottles or wet clothing. We also added a helmet carry system, stored in the bottom zippered pocket. We considered hiding the bottom pocket, but instead we highlighted the zipper.

The two side pockets are intended to be used with quick access items, like a first aid kit or a head light. They are easy to access and water resistant (not waterproof).  For gear that has to be kept waterproof we recommend the waterproof main compartment.

Safety Id-Pocket

The idea of the zippered pocket behind the back plate is for the essentials that you really don't want to store with other stuff. Passport, ID card, credit cards etc. is perfectly stored in this generously big pocket. If you store them here you won’t accidentally lose them when reaching for other gear.

Waist Belt

The mesh pocket on the back of the waist belt is only intended to be used when you are using the waist belt on its own. The two zippered pockets at the front of the belt are however to be used all the time.  Use them for snacks, your phone or anything else you’d like to access when using the pack.

Main Compartment

The main compartment is just a main compartment. It comes with 100% taped seems and the inner bag is protected by the outer shell of the bag. This makes the inner bag waterproof, but … this is not a kayak bag. You should still never keep the backpack directly in water. It's not made of rubber or wax (as it would not be suited for the intended adventures). The inner bag has a waterproof rating of 10000mm and together with the outer bag it will keep your load dry even during a shorter swim (preferably not in winter time).

Hydration & Thermo Cell™ Insulation

With these packs we recommend using a 3.0L USWE hydration bladder (not included with the pack). The bladder is placed in an insulated hydration bladder sleeve (included with the pack) that prevents the fluids from freezing. The sleeve also holds the bladder in place while moving. The bladder sleeve is placed in a separate space between the backplate and the bag for easy access even when the bag is fully loaded. The shape of the bag allows the bladder to expand into the actual bag instead of pushing in the back of the user.

The Thermo Cell™ insulation technology captures the heat from physical activity in an insulated air pocket on the shoulder straps of the pack,. This protects the drink tube from freezing even in the most extreme winter conditions. The technology has been successfully tested at -26 °C / -15 °F , with the result measured at +19 °C / +56°F inside the Thermo Cell™ pocket where the hydration tube was stored.

The Hajker™ 30 Winter Vs The Hajker™ Pro 30 Winter

The major difference between the packs is the outer fabric and the inner bag. On the HAJKER™ we are using a water repellant backpack fabric with an inner waterproof bag set up with 100% taped seems.

This is a design provides a waterproof bag, with a perfect adjustable pack and organized storage. Most roll-tops are only providing the waterproof store … Still we made a PRO version.

The Pro

With the PRO, we took one of the most durable, lightweight fabrics on the market (ROBIC EXTREEMA™) and used it as the outer fabric. The fabric is extremely durable and lightweight (and expensive!). It’s white because the fibers are white, but we think of it as a PRO white fabric. For the PRO, we also made an option to save some extra weight. The inner bag (still waterproof and with 100% taped seams) is removable. When you want to go minimal and superlight, just remove it! If you want the best of the best, choose HAJKER™ PRO.

For now, this is all we can share. However, we can tell you that we are going to release a summer NDM™ 2.1 harness for the HAJKER™ packs in 2021 and maybe also a couple of smaller buddies in the HAJKER™ family.

Price & Colours

HAJKER™ 30 Winter, Color: CARBON BLACK RRP: $199,99 / 199€ / 1999Kr

HAJKER™ PRO 30 Winter, Color: COOL WHITE RRP: $299,99 / 299€ / 2999Kr

About USWE SPORTS AB www.uswe-sports.com

USWE is a Swedish brand founded in 2007, distributing specially designed hydration backpacks in 36 countries worldwide. For the last few years the U.S. has become our number one market.

The main focus lies in the markets within Mountain Biking, Running, Motosports and Winter Sports. USWE is best known for its patented NDM™ 4-point harness system that provides the backpack with the perfect bounce free fit, without affecting breathing capacity or body movement.

The company has also won several awards for product design & innovation. USWE products provide a unique fit and function that is developed for top athletes in extremely tough conditions. But the products are loved by a broad sports target group, regardless of ambition level.