Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack REVIEW

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The FjallRaven Kanken Classic backpack comes in a variety of colors. I chose the graphite color which is like a charcoal blue/grey. The bag is spacious with the main large compartment, two side pockets, and a small front zip pocket. There is a foam pad in a large pocket in the main compartment; it’s supposed to be a cushion to sit on if needed. I just keep in in there to help the bag keep its shape. The straps are adjustable and you can snap them up and just carry the bag by the top handles if you want. There’s a red and white Fjallraven logo on the center of the bag which adds to the bag’s distinct look.

Why I Love It

I love the design of the bag; it’s so simple and clean looking. I really like the squared off edges; it just looks really European to me. The bag is very comfortable to wear; I use it every day. I used to carry a purse, but having a backpack and being hands free is so much better! The straps of the bag are thin which I actually really like because it doesn’t look like a puffy kid’s backpack to me. At first I was a little concerned that because the straps were thinner, they would cut into my shoulders, but I find that the weight is evenly distributed and my backpack is super comfortable to wear.

I really love how the main zipper is in the very front of the bag (instead of in the middle, if that makes sense?)– so basically when you unzip it, you get a full view of the bag instead of having to look down into the bag. The zippers go all the way down on both sides, so you can lay your bag down and really get the full view of what you have/pack it up really easily.

I like how the bag is thin and has a slim profile so when walking in narrow aisles or crowded spaces, you don’t have to think about accidentally hitting someone when turning around.

The Vinylon material seems durable and is at least water resistant to rain. The bag measures 15″ x 10.6″ x 5.1″

What I Wish Was Different

Those two side pockets on the Fjallraven Kanken Classic are super narrow. I can’t really fit too much in there. I end up putting my sunglasses in one pocket (without a case) and occasionally I’ll put my keys in the other pocket. I’d almost rather not even have the side pockets since I can’t fit anything in there. I like that it keeps the overall style of the bag really thin, but you can’t even put a normal water bottle in there — and definitely not my bkr water bottles. I suppose you could slip your phone in there or one of those mini umbrellas.

I’ve noticed that the bag can show scuff marks — on my bag, they appear chalky. They come off with a damp paper towel, but it’s annoying. I don’t expect the bag to look perfect forever — I am using it every day, but I hate that they show up on my dark bag.

Just as a safety precaution, a s-biner to secure all the zipper pulls together would be nice. Since one doesn’t come with it, I’ll be ordering one on amazon.

There are no interior pockets, so for organizing I use a lot of different smaller pouches. It’s a little annoying if I’m looking for my wallet and it’s fallen to the bottom of the bag, but not really different than a purse. I find that smaller pouches help keep me organized anyway, but I would like to have a small zipper pocket inside the bag.