Fjallraven Kanken Backpack

I have been using these bags since I first bought one in Stockholm almost ten years ago. The design is great--they are very lightweight, comfortable with reasonable loads, and obviously classic looking. Unfortunately they are overpriced for what they are. I bought a new bag about a month ago and I'm not impressed with the durability. It seems like the prices have gone up a lot without any increase in manufacturing quality. For a small daypack that costs $75, you'd expect it to be something better made than a Wal-Mart item. But the fabric on the inside started fraying immediately and now a small hole has appeared on the bottom of the pack. I love these bags for their style and function, but I really feel a bit stupid for paying so much for a bag that look so beat up after only a month of use. I've never gotten a hole in any of my other backpacks, even ones I've use for multiday trips in the backcountry.

Unfortunately these packs are now a fashion item, so Fjallraven can double the prices, send the manufacturing to the cheapest factories, and people will still buy them. Note that this $75 schoolchildren's backpack is made in Vietnam, not Sweden.

I used to use messenger and tote bags before buying my Kanken, and it is probably the most resilient, well-designed, and downright greatest bag for carrying around my university campus.

It's original and practical. Most backpacks have rounded tops, which I never found useful for anything, but the rectangular design on this is just right for books. Inside, there is a tall pocket in the back which is useful for little essentials like eyedrops, altoids, and toiletries you'd rather not have out in the open every time you open the bag. Retrieving items from inside is made exceptionally easy, partly due to the rectangular shape and the easy with which the front can be folded down. There's room for about three 1.5'' binders or two 1.5'' binders and one 14'' laptop. Outside, the front pocket offers enough room for a phone, wallet, and keys. The two pockets on the sides I often use for a small umbrella and a disposable water bottle. My favorite part is that the zippers are quality YKK zips and don't have or need the dangling tassels many backpacks have, which often fray or fall off anyway.

The only real con is that the straps are not padded and easily chafe bare skin (but in terms of design, the thinness is nice and is less bulky than, say, Jansport Straps)...if you're in Europe, there are a lot of stores that sell padded straps as an accessory, though they're harder to find in the US. Also, if you're looking to carry more than one huge, heavy textbook, I don't recommend this since it's not especially large. It's not waterproof, only slightly water-resistant, and I would recommend buying wax to coat it on days with heavy rain; it can easily get soaked BUT it dries up relatively quickly, doesn't warp, and isn't prone to stains--from either wet or dry elements. I have never had to clean it and it's only slightly dirty on the bottom (my own fault) and have not yet needed to sew anything up for any reason.

In terms of durability, the quality is really impeccable. I've owned mine for more than a year now, taken it to university, through crowded NYC public transportation, and on numerous vacations and the zippers and most of the seams are very much the same as when I bought it.

All in all, I love this backpack and I've spent a lot of time looking at new backpacks for school only to end up wanting to get another Kanken in a different color.

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This is a very well built backpack, one feature I really like is the side pockets on each side of the backpack that are quite long, and you can store all kinds of stuff in there for easy reach. Well built and looks great.

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I had one of these packs years ago, before it was a fashion pad. I have to say the boxy design is a turn off. They look cute on kids, but for adults it is not flattering. The straps are not too comfortable, so I would not put more than one to two books. The main compartment and the accessory pocket are both not huge, don't expect to put a MEAD notebook in them. The removable cushion on the back is a plus if you are using it for outdoor purpose. The side pocket is very narrow and would not fit most water bottle (maybe a smallish plastic evian). The material is not too durable, mine worn down quickly within a year; and $75 for a pack is (cheap by Swedish standard) but expensive by frugal US standard. I would not recommend this product for students going to school, maybe to lug around town for casual errands.

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I love it! I am using it today! Great bag to throw things in for an overnight trip. It's stylish and unique. Yeah it's a bit pricey but its cheaper than a Kipling!