29.05.26 Text: Birken Photo: Emil Nyeng

The backpack is one of Birken’s best-known traditions and symbolises the royal child Håkon Håkonsson, who was carried across the mountain in 1206. At the same time, the backpack has been an important part of safety across the mountain ever since the first race.

“The backpack has primarily been about – and still is about – safety across the mountain,” says Birken General Manager Jostein Buraas.

“Participants must bring what they need to stay safe if the weather and conditions change, or if they are injured.”

How the weight requirement came about
When Birkebeinerrennet was held for the first time in 1932, the organisers visited P.T. Helleberg’s sports shop in Lillehammer to find out what participants should bring with them across the mountain.

The equipment they considered necessary was packed into a backpack and placed on the scales. The result was 5.5 kilos. The reason was simple: participants had to be prepared for the mountain and changing weather conditions.

The weight requirement remained unchanged until 1993, when it was reduced to 3.5 kilos as equipment became lighter and more functional.

“This is not the first time Birken has adjusted the weight requirement,” says Buraas. “In 1993, too, it was about developments in equipment and what was actually necessary to bring.”

Modern equipment weighs far less
Since 1993, developments in clothing, textiles and outdoor equipment have moved quickly.

Modern technical fabrics provide better insulation at a lower weight, while backpacks, shell clothing and safety equipment have become significantly lighter than before.

“The most important thing has never been the weight itself. What matters most is that participants bring the necessary equipment across the mountain,” says Buraas.

New weight requirement: 2 kilos
From upcoming events, the weight requirement for the Birken backpack will be adjusted to 2 kilos. The change also applies to this year’s Birkebeinerritt.

The backpack will continue to be an important part of Birken.

“It will still be carried across the mountain – both for safety and as a symbol of our history,” says Buraas.