Last Updated: April 6, 2022
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own.

Fjallraven Kanken (Classic) Backpack Review

FEATURED PRODUCT

Fjallraven Kanken (Classic) Backpack

The Fjallraven Kanken is super-popular amongst the hip crowd, especially those who favor fashion over function. The backpack itself is super simple, but has enough space for everything you need. You don't buy this bag to go hiking, but it certainly does turn heads on the street! View Latest Deal

The Fjallraven Kanken backpack is a staple school backpack. It was designed to be pack for school that counter back aches and promises carrying comfort. But that was all the way back in the 70s.

How does the Kanken fare today, with modern technologies that all the popular backpack manufacturers use? Is it still a great backpack for school, or are you better off picking up an Osprey or a North Face pack for the same price?

Those are the main questions I’ll answer in this review!

The Kanken backpack looks stunning, but its features are just not there. Here’s how I rate them: 

Product Rating

64Overall Rating
Design And Specs
10/10
Comfort & Durability
6/10
Storage And Organization
4/10
Versatility
6/10
Value For Money
6/10

Product Information

  • Dimensions: 10.6” (W) x 15” (H) x 5.1” (D)
  • Weight: 10.6 oz
  • Capacity: 16 liters
  • Compartments: One main compartment
  • Pockets: 3 total; One external zippered pocket, 2 slip side pockets
  • Backpanel & Harness: PE Foam cushion in the back, ergonomic X-shape shoulder straps
  • Size: 16-liter capacity; good for everyday use, slightly below average for travel
  • Versatile Uses: School backpack, everyday backpack, decent for travel
SEE LATEST PRICES

Kanken Classic: Overall Rating

You can read more about the individual features in the rest of the review. Hopefully that will help you understand why the backpack didn’t get higher grades.

Additionally, I did take into consideration other everyday backpacks that you could get for the same amount of money, and that heavily impacted the rating of the Kanken. As a standalone backpack it’s pretty fine. But when you take a look at what else is on the market, it’s actually a pretty underwhelming backpack.

Design And Specs

As far as design goes, this is one of the best-looking packs for schools. It’s a true classic, and its minimalistic design fits very well into our day and age. Plus, you can get it in pretty much any color you can think of, so it’s easy for everyone to pick up a Kanken that fits their preferences and that they will love.

You can go for a mini Kanken backpack, but you can’t really choose the si