Fjallraven Kanken

First, some background: I purchased my first Kanken on a trip to Canada in 2015. At first I was skeptical of the narrow unpadded straps, but the sales person told me she had thought that as well and that they work better than one might think. Ten years and several more Kankens later, I can say that she was right! The Kanken Original 16L is a fantastic choice for me. I recommend it for anyone who is short both in overall height and in the torso. I am 5’2, narrow shouldered and with a short torso. It is hard to find packs that carry a reasonable load and do not bother my neck or lower back. I find the Kanken capacity ideal for daily, casual use as well as a carry-on for flights. The open ended design means the bag can be packed and organized for a variety of purposes. It makes a fantastic camera bag, grocery bag and day pack for moderate excursions. I find the sternum straps that Fjallraven sells make the Kanken even more functional. I have a few in different colors and swap them out to change the look of the bag. I finally decided to leave a review because I am SO TIRED of reviews that fault the two side pockets for not fitting water bottles. A little research of the product, found on their website, makes clear that this bag was created in 1978. I for one am old enough to recall the 70s. No one, and I do mean no one, was carrying water, much less in personal bottles, in 1978. You were lucky to have soda or an old canteen that was your grandfather’s in the car on long trips. We used water fountains at school and moms who liked to splurge kept tiny paper cups by the sink. Doubtless that makes me sound old, but I hate seeing such a fantastic product maligned because some people do not understand the context in which it was created. I also admit that the straps will not feel good for some people. It’s important to remember with backpacks that they are not a one size fits all item. Everybody’s shoulders and necks are different. For example, one of my daughters loves the design of the Kanken, but it does not suit her neck and shoulders. My son, meanwhile, loves carrying one. The Original 16L Kanken is a high quality product. Its versatility and function have gotten me all around town and even around the world more than once. I have yet to wear one out and I look forward to many more years of use.

I got this backpack for my daughter and we love it! It’s made with super strong material and the color is gorgeous. It’s like a TARDIS—bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside. It looks small but is extra roomy. My daughter stuffs the backpack to the gills, as it easily holds stuffed animals, markers, her sketchbook, books and even clothes, without ever looking too full. At first I thought it was an expensive purchase, but I am pleasantly surprised by its quality and durability. Definitely worth every time penny. I completely recommend it. You will not be disappointed! 10/10.

Love the color and size is exactly what I was looking for. Very pleased!

While getting ready for her senior year in high school my daughter found this bag on Amazon and fell in love. I can see there's a lot to like about it from her perspective, and from mine I like that it has a 2 year warranty and is backed by a company that sells its products in over 20 countries worldwide and has been in business for over 50 years. With its hipster good looks, abrasive and weather resistant fabric and diminutive yet functional size, the Fjallravel Kanken Daypack works well as a school bag or work tote. The plethora of color choices and utilitarian style make it a bag to consider if you're tired of traditional, larger daypacks. With two side pockets - good for water bottles, gloves, calculators or similar and a front zip pocket, the bag provides smaller storage areas in addition to its main compartment. Inside the main compartment is a foam insert which acts as padding for your back when the daypack is worn using the shoulder straps, and it can also be taken out and used as a cushion if needed. In the same slot that the cushion is stored you could also carry an iPad, Chromebook or similar up to 13", but padding in that compartment without the foam insert is nil. Carrying handles are on the top of the bag, and can be used alternatively to the thin, unpadded shoulder straps. The bottom of the bag is not padded or reinforced, and there is no leather on the bag. The canvas construction is durable and the zippers are adequate and on par with the build quality for the rest of the bag. The logo is reflective. Scuffs and scrapes will show on this bag (we purchased a burgundy and navy combo colored one. This provides a distressed look to the bag which really adds to the overall urban aesthetic. This bag may not as big as many would like it to be, but it does utilize the space well. A 2" 3-ring binder and 2-3 books will fit into it with ease, and the pack fits snug to the body when the straps are worn. Because it's not huge, it works really well for women or men who don't want a huge pack, and like the option to wear or carry their pack. I do wish the bottom of the bag was reinforced a bit more than it is, and I would like to see a bit of padding on the straps. The zippers and stitching seem OK, but only time will tell if they can hold up to daily use and strain. Thankfully the 2 year warranty from Fjallraven is in place from the time of purchase and lots of these packs have been sold around the globe, leading me to believe the higher than average price is worth the splurge on a bag that will likely provide years of enjoyment and service. ------------------------- Per the Fjallraven Website: Height: 38 cm Width: 27 cm Depth: 13 cm Weight: 300 g Volume: 16 L Materials: Vinylon-F - no animal products used in this bag. *Clean with soft brush and lukewarm water. ------------------------- NOTE: Several buyers mention receiving 'fake' bags. I'd suggest buying directly from Amazon as I did. This way you're eliminating the worry of returns that may be an issue if you purchase from Marketplace Sellers on Amazon. ==================================================

I've always wanted this bag after seeing so many people have them in the city and I decided to finally get it! It's pretty sturdy and I'm able to fit my MacBook Pro 13", a textbook and some other books and things in it with no problem. I know that the slot in the bag isn't really made for laptops but it fits my MBP fine and I just leave the styrofoam in for some extra padding. I'm thinking of getting a laptop sleeve soon and I'm sure that it would be able to fit inside the slot. The design of the bag is really cute and I love how this bag can be used as a tote and as a backpack. I tend to use it as a backpack but I have carried it as a tote! I've gotten several compliments on my bag and I really like how it's boxy. The two pockets on the side are really nice too. I am able to put a Poland Spring water bottle in one pocket and an umbrella in the other pocket. With other backpacks, my water bottle tended to randomly fall out and I wouldn't even notice until I wanted my water bottle but I have never had this problem with this bag. My water bottle and umbrella stay secure in their pockets. I love the small pouch in the front because I'm able to store some small things in there, as well. I wore this bag when it rained a couple of days ago and I was sharing an umbrella with my friend. My bag got wet and I was really scared for my laptop inside. However, when I opened my bag, my laptop was fine and nothing was wet at all! After a few minutes, my bag wasn't even wet anymore (slightly, like barely noticeable, damp) while my friend's still was. I guess the only problem I have with the bag is that it gets dirty fairly easily (I have random white marks on the bag). Personally, I don't mind too much because I think it gives the bag character but if you want it to remain in perfect condition or something, I guess this bag wouldn't be for you.

I ordered this bag back in November, so I've had it for almost 4 months. I got this bag so I can use it for school, and sometimes trips and such. The bag can carry my 3 inch binder, 2 composition books, and a pencil pouch daily. Taking things out and putting things back inside of the bag can be really annoying sometimes, but the zippers do open the bag wide open for easier access. With all that inside the bag, it doesn't feel very heavy, nor is it uncomfortable to walk around with on my back. The laptop pouch inside the bag is perfect for my 13 inch Macbook Pro, which is the biggest size computer you'll be able to fit inside of the bag. With my laptop inside the bag, it does get a bit heavier, but still bearable. Some people might find the straps uncomfortable, but they don't bug me much personally. The small pocket on the front of the bag is VERY small. Don't be fooled by the picture, the pocket can carry my hand sanitizer and small bottle of lotion at most without it getting so bulky looking from the outside. The two side pockets won't hold all size bottles. The bottle will have to be slim and tall to fit in the pocket snuggly, so a Smart Water bottle would be ideal for these pockets. Also, really important, these pockets use the space INSIDE of the bag to hold whatever you put in them. So if you put a water bottle in the pocket, it will be bulging through the inside the bag, making it a bit harder to keep things inside of the bag. The one thing that kept me from giving the bag 5 stars was how it started to look overtime. I got the salvia green version the bag, and it was a very nice color when it was delivered. About a month later, I noticed that it did fade just a little bit. It doesn't look horrible now, but the change is noticeable .Also, the bag is impossible to keep clean. Dirt can be cleaned off with a wet wipe, but these little white streaks started to appear around the lower half of the bag, and I can't seem to clean them off. However, I know people who have this bag too, and their bags have the same look, so I guess it's normal? The whole bag also started to get white fuzz all over the edges and creases. Barely noticeable, but still annoying to look at. Overall, I really like this bag! The whole cleanliness part of it is annoying, but the durability and cuteness of the bag itself overpowers it.

What I love about this backpack 1. Very light but tough material, will defintiely travel well 2. IT DOES fit the 16 Oz water bottles. I have a stainless steel thermos from Starbucks that fits perfectly on the side. It doesnt bulge into the backpack compartment when you use an appropriate size bottle. Yes the side pockets were originally designed for small booklets umbrella or magazine folded but I like the fact it fits my 16 oz. If I wanted to carry 1 in each side that's 32 Oz right there and frankly I dont need more I have 2 bottles that are same size and the Starbucks are nice and narrow. Will it fit your stanley tumbler...no...but it isnt designed for that. 3. I LOVE THAT IT IS OPEN CONCEPT. I have tried literally every brand of backpack out there at all pricepoints and quite frankly this was like FINALLY...this backpack manufacturer GETS IT. I have pouches foenmy things so I just place my pouches in the open space and it holds more than my larger compartmentalized backpack. 4. The straps are great. I find the cushy regular shoulder straps other backpacks pride themselves on actually cut into my shoulders. This webbing is light and I like the feel 5. Inside...a full size study Bible, all cords, a charger, contact lens supplies and toiletries, extra moleskine classic size notebook, blackwing pencil case, snack pouch full of protein bars, assorted electronics, field notes memo book with pen, bandanna, tissues, a small pocket Bible in front pouch, a waist fanny pack with wallet keys and phone that I can pull out and....thats still only HALF FULL. 6. Zippers are strong. Yes with the flap over them it is a bit more difficult but with zipper pulls that I added and working it once or twice they are just fine. I like the flap as it provides protection. My top favorite things...it can be carried as a tote where "backpacks arent allowed" and the open fully visible concept. Im so tired of backpacks giving me card slots when I carry my own wallet. This pack hits it out of the park. Is it worth rhe price. Yes, find a deal. I got the gray because it was on sale. I love colors but I like deals too. And actually the gray was a pleasant surprise as I can accessorize with pops of colors. Maybe a scarf tied around the tote strap for instance.

I purchased the Fjällräven Kånken (Terracotta Brown/Ultramarine) as a gift for my 8-year-old nephew, and it’s proven to be both functional and visually appealing. The wide-opening main compartment makes it easy for kids to pack and unpack on their own, and the structured, boxy shape is a major plus—it comfortably fits a lunchbox and water bottle side by side, with room to spare for school supplies or a jacket. The design is timeless, the colors are vibrant yet tasteful, and the overall durability lives up to Fjällräven’s reputation. For parents or relatives looking for a well-sized, well-made backpack that balances practicality and style, this is an excellent choice.