NEWS | Haglöfs Celebrates Anniversary of Iconic TightTM Backpack

August 21, 2023 Shell Robshaw-Bryan

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The Tight Backpack has existed in many iterations since Haglöfs first launched it in 1993. But its iconic teardrop shape and other key features have remained the same.

Now, 30 years later, the Tight continues to be a bestseller and beloved hand-me-down, having equipped generations for both outdoor and urban adventures.

To celebrate, Haglöfs is exchanging nostalgic Tight memories with consumers and retracing the Tight’s design journey through time—from the first sketches to the newest Tight incarnation, the L.I.M Tight Light, which is 50% lighter than the original for adventures that reach even further.

“Lots of people have had these packs since they were kids,” says Niklas Karlsson, Senior Product Manager at Haglöfs. “The Tight Backpack is built to be a lifelong companion, with durable materials and a solid construction. Today, the design is still very similar to how it was when it was first launched, only now we have chosen lower impact materials.”

A journey through Tight history

Whether it’s the teardrop shape and anatomical shoulder straps or sheer emotional attachment, there are many explanations for why the Tight Backpack remains one of Haglöfs’ best-selling products 30 years after its launch.

“This was a simple backpack,” recalls Lennart Ekberg, who designed the first Tight Backpack in 1992. “It performed well, but it wasn’t complicated and it didn’t take up much space.”

Back then, Haglöfs was primarily making large backpacks with aluminum frames. The Tight Backpack was sprung from the desire to create something smaller that could be used for day trips and work, as for mountain biking and freeskiing.

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“At the time, all small daypacks looked the same,” recalls Lennart. “Top loaded with two straps, and ergonomically imperfect—they would swing back and forth quite a lot. We wanted to do something more modern, and the idea came to make it more drop-shaped with a lower center of gravity. We were also among the first to use anatomical straps that follow the curve of the body so it fits better, hugging the bag closer to your back.”

After numerous prototypes and many test runs outdoors, the first Tight Backpack was launched in three color-coded sizes, and it quickly sold out.

Introducing Tight Light – 50% lighter than the original Tight Backpack

As the name implies, the L.I.M Tight Light is super lightweight—50% lighter than the original Tight Backpack, in fact. It is also fully compressible, and smartly constructed with a teardrop shape and contoured shoulder straps to take carrying comfort to the next level. As always, this versatile favorite is dually suited for both everyday explorations and bigger adventures.

Lighter, thinner and slimmer materials and components
Main material made out of 100% recycled polyamide
Fully compressible – fold and compresses into separate accessory bag inside
Internal accessory bag turns into a detachable sling bag
Weighs 240 grams
bluesign® approved

As part of their 30 year Tight celebration, Haglöfs will give away five L.I.M Tight Light backpacks. Watch @haglöfs on Instagram for details about the giveaway and more.

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Shell Robshaw-Bryan

Editor & Owner at Camping with Style

Shell loves all things travel and outdoors and is a nature-loving, comfy-camping kinda girl. Shell started the Camping with Style blog after a serious snowboarding accident which left her with a broken back. Despite this she used the outdoors and healing power of nature to aid her recovery and she continues to spend time outdoors whenever she can.

From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.

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