You know style or trends must come naturally to you when, out of a billion brands and bags in the world, you pick one that is not only unique in name, but which is one of the trendiest backpacks available right now. Not blowing my own trumpet. Of course.
What happened was that I decided not very long ago, that I wasn’t cut out for stylish travel. It’s such a lovely ideal to parade around the cities of the world, or stroll through airports in lovely outfits that you can shoot OOTDs of while toting your favourite designer bag in the crook of your arm. I envy all the fashionable people who do so, but I know my limits.
After a few attempts, I’m back to my “ugly tourist” self in my comfortable but unstylish clothes, and this time, toting a backpack instead of a fashionable tote. Well, I already have one sturdy one that I overnight with sometimes, but I wanted something a little more fun that I could carry around for the day without looking like a backpacker (nothing wrong with looking like one, but those giant backpacks do get in the way!) One day, I stumbled on the Fjallraven Kanken backpack and for some reason, I was drawn to it.
So apparently, is every trendy hipster in the world. So I’m not unique after all, damn! LOL! 😀
It turned out that the Fjallraven Kanken, or affectionately known as the Kanken backpack is a brand that hails from Sweden, and these backpacks have been the staple of Swedish school children since the 1970’s when it was first introduced. A school bag as a day pack. No better bag right? 🙂
So on impulse, without ever having heard about this brand or even without seeing it in person, I purchased one online in time for my trip to Tibet, where I intended to put this through its paces. It was pretty brave of me, since I wasn’t even sure if it would be suitable or comfortable or practical.
As it turned out, I ended up rather liking it!
I got the Kanken Classic in Deep Red, which isn’t as big as it looked in the pictures. So I was initially a little sceptical about whether it would serve its purpose. However, what it has going for it is roominess. The Kanken Classic has a large main compartment, which opens up fully in front (not just from the top like with regular day packs) and you can fit quite a lot in there. There is also a zippered pouch in the front where you can keep stuff you want to get hold of easily – lipbalm is a good choice!
For a short trip, here’s what I fit in my bag.
There’s my money wallet, travel wallet with my travel documents, a rolled up shawl, water bottle, foldable bag, wet wipes, tissue paper, sunglasses, phone, charger and a cardigan. When I was in Tibet, I fit in a foldable jacket and my toiletries as well.
The bag is made out of a water resistant fabric that is very light, so the bag itself doesn’t weigh down your shoulders. I suppose if this was made originally for school children, they would need something light and waterproof. I found it a little stiff when I first got it, but after bashing it around good and properly, it’s now much more pliable, just the way I like it. I plan to give it a wash soon and I can easily toss it into the washing machine, which is of course, another plus point! I hope it softens even further to be honest.
On the inside, is a flap with a detachable plastic sheet that they call a seat pad. I think it’s to allow you to remove it and use it to sit on surfaces. I just leave it in the bag to act as back support. This means you can also carry a small tablet or laptop in there.
But roominess and weight aside, I actually found myself liking the Kanken because it was fairly practical. When I wanted to keep my hands free, I’d lengthen the straps and strap it on my back, where it sits very comfortably without straining at my shoulders. Apparently, it’s designed to distribute weight evenly across your shoulders so you don’t feel the strain. I will attest to that. The double zip of the main compartment is also quite handy, to allow me to access to bag from its side. As it opens all the way, you can just slip your hand into the side to get the item you need and want, instead of opening it up from the top and digging around.
But I also cheated, and used the Kanken Classic as my “handbag” as a carry on. To fake this, I shortened the straps and buttoned them up so they lay flat, buttoned up the 2 handles at the top, and carried it as a hand-held tote.
It’s not overly large, and looked fairly compact, so I got away with carrying 2 backpacks as carry on plane luggage. This fits nicely under the airplane seat, and looks just like a large tote bag, so really, you’ll get away with it, and is so much more practical than a regular tote!
The only thing I’m not big on are the nylon straps. They are fairly thin and narrow and if you wear a sleeveless top, it can cut into your shoulders and feel uncomfortable. But if you wear something with sleeves, then it feels comfortable enough. I packed up my bag quite full and weighed it down but it still didn’t make my shoulders feel uncomfortable. But again, that’s provided you keep your shoulders covered.
The other thing to note, is that there are 2 pockets on the side, which in an ideal world, I’d use to hold a water bottle. However, if your main compartment of the bag is stuffed, then you can’t fit any bottle in those pockets. I get around it by not stuffing the main compartment, but it is inconvenient in that sense. You might be able to fit a small foldable umbrella in there and I know for a fact the pocket holds my phone comfortably.
If you’re walking in a crowded area, know also that you can carry the Kanken on your front quite comfortably as well. Some backpacks are comfortable when carried on your back, but are unwieldly in front. This one is compact enough not to get in the way as you walk about (the thin straps are a boon then), and you can keep an eye on the zips as well to ensure no one pickpockets you. Pays to be vigilant when you travel!
I think the Kanken Classic makes a good travel day or city-pack (a friend even uses hers as a handbag now) and because it’s enjoying a “cool” status now, it means you’re in trend toting it around. While I won’t replace my handbags (I’ve invested too much into my bags to not use them LOL!) I can see the merits of using this as one, were I to commute by public transport daily. But otherwise, I’m enjoying using it as a travel “handbag” and above all, enjoying the hands-free freedom it gives me 😀
I don’t know where you can buy this locally, but I got mine from this site (priced in GBP with discounts if outside the EU and has free international shipping but takes a while to arrive) and it’s also available on Shopbop (priced in USD and offers free 3-4 day international shipping for purchases over $100). It’s also available in a mini size, which is adorable but doesn’t suit my purpose.
Have you ever heard of the Fjallraven Kanken backpacks? Do you travel with a backpack?
For some insane reason, I’m tempted to pick up another in a different colour (there are so many pretty colours!), but I’ll be good and not do it since I won’t use it enough. But switching back to using a backpack when I travel has to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. Sure, I don’t look fashionable nor fashion blog OOTD-worthy, but I carry everything I need comfortably, my hands are kept free and my shoulders don’t hurt. Now with my fashionable Kanken, maybe I could even be OOTD-worthy eh? LOL! 😀
Paris B
Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack Price: €69.95 | £65 | US$75 Availability: Shopbop and I Love My Kanken ship internationally for free and also available at various other online sites
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You’re really tempting me with this bag la, I’m all for practical travelling bags! But the price after conversion. . . Ringgit why you so weak oneeeee T_T
And getting weaker!! In which case, wait for the online sales. While the RM will be weak at least there’ll be some saving. It’s a nice, practical bag and I really liked it!
Oh this is a cute one! I’m going to take a look at it. I never take a purse when we travel-it’s just too hard! I need stuff with me hahaha!
I tried, Tracy but apparently I’m not cut out to be a fashionable traveller! I like being able to bash my bags around, and have stuff with me 😀 These do come in different sizes and loads of colours. I think it’s the colours that really attract me 😛
First- damn hipsters 😛
Secondly – thanks for reigniting my wish for wanting a backpack.
Thirdly – this is crazy cute. Love the colour. Now I’m reminded I wanted the Mansur Gavriel sleek one. Know anywhere I can steal a money tree to get that? 😛
There are even more cuter colours! I wanted one in green for some reason. I don’t have a green bag…. I don’t think 😛 The MG one is really cute… but I think if it’s for travel (not daily use) then maybe there’s no need to splash on it? 😉
I was so looking forward to your review after reading Xin’s and while I’m tempted, the part with the narrow straps held me back. I don’t like it when narrow straps cut onto my back, especially when my back’s a bit wonky these days. Still, it looks really good and the thought of it being so light sure is appealing!
If the narrow straps are a concern you can always purchase their padded shoulder straps separately and attach them to the bag! They also sell a more heavy-duty laptop backpack version that comes default with the padded straps!
Yep! The straps are definitely a con, although I do understand why they have to make them that way, if it’s to be kept compact. They don’t cut into your back though, which is the beautiful part of things. If you wear singlets then yes, it can be uncomfortable, but anything covered is fairly comfy. They also sell pads you can attach, but I haven’t been able to get them in this size yet.
I have the classic and mini Kanken (bought wayy back when the Australian dollar was stronger) and I use my mini Kanken everyday! I use it at uni and it fits everything, water bottle, wallet, ipad mini, random bits and pieces and with spare space to boot! I find that by limiting the space in my bag, I don’t carry as much and as a result I don’t strain myself carrying more than I can handle.
I don’t use my classic Kanken as often as I don’t carry a lot with me to uni but I use it when I’m travelling! It really fits a lot and I’m always surprised at how much space there is in the bag! My only gripe with the classic Kanken is that it isn’t very structured and I often lose things in my bag.
I think the Mini Kanken would be soooo cute for everyday use! I actually thought about getting one except that it’d mean my regular handbags will be consigned to the cupboard and that would be a waste haha! But for school I think it’s perfect! The Classic is a bit large for daily use, I’d agree with that too! I think losing things in backpacks is just a hazard of the bag design, but I appreciate that it can be opened fully so it’s easy to rummage around if I have to 😀
Funny story to tell – when you said you were not cut out for stylish travel. When I travel, I always dress well (but comfortably) and always wear light makeup (take off on the plane if long hours). That’s just the way I am….and always have been. Once many many years ago when I was travelling with my sister in law to attend her sisters wedding in the US, we flew via Singapore and slept in the lounge while waiting for our flight the next morning. My in law is totally the opposite of me, choosing to wear some raggedy gym wear with not a spot of makeup on her face. She slept off on the chair while I chose to read a book (their whole family can sleep standing even I tell you!!) and a group of police personnel came to check passports in the middle of the night. I gave him mine to check and before I could wake my sister in law, he asked me, “M’aam, please can I have your maid’s passport as well?” I could not keep in my laughter but had no choice but to put on a straight face and wake her up to give her passport!!!! Glad you found a bag that you love….
LOL!!!!! I hope your SIL was in really deep sleep and not hear that!!!
OMG Jackie, that was hilarious!! 😀 😀 I hope your SIL didn’t hear them 😛 Ok, I don’t really dress very badly, but I do go without makeup, and wear comfortable clothing albeit not at the height of fashion e.g. long skirts or jeans with a uniqlo bra top + jacket/cardi. Probably won’t be mistaken for a maid, but I’m not sure about being mistaken for a vagabond LOL
we always seem to be on the same page on the things i read on your post. I got my kanken a year back in a boring blue color….. great use for travel. and yes i don’t travel like a fashionista. i don’t even know where to start to pack if i need to look fashionable . might need to get some pointers here from my friends. i’m the jeans baby tee kind of girl. and i travel with my favorite Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 shoes. best ever walking shoes for me.
What can I say, Syeang we both have good tastes! 😉 Eh, blue isn’t a boring colour! I almost got one in blue – they have some cute blues! I can’t do fashionista travelling to save my life. I think it’s because I value my luggage space too much (shopping & souvenirs!) to bring too many clothes, shoes etc with me when I travel 😀
yeay for cool bags! We might not be the unique people carrying it but certainly cool in MY at least 😛
Hehe I haven’t really seen any around here yet! Yay for being cool 😉
Omg!!!! I’m writing you this comment way before I read the post because I have been wondering about your bag! I’m assuming others may have written asking, too? Hehe thanks again!
And now your questions are answered! 😀 Yes, I have received quite a few queries so it was timely to share 😀
Love the bag, Paris! I do wonder if the bag is sturdy or wide enough so that a DSLR plus a lens can fit inside it. One can always use one of those removable padded camera inserts, though.
Yes it fits a DSLR and lens, Yee and Fjallraven makes a camera insert for their Kanken too that you can buy separately 🙂
It does seems pretty roomy!
Anyway I happen to found Zalora selling these Kanken with limited colors choices if anyone is looking to buy it in Malaysia!
Thanks for letting us know about Malaysian availability Shin! 😀 It is lovely and roomy and doesn’t look huge and unwieldly either!
I bought the first kanken as a work bag so glad I made the purchase! now I’ve already got the second one for travel purpose, just can’t resist all those cute colors. I can foresee myself getting the third one in the future, but gotta hold back for awhile due to weak myr :;(
Yes, so sad about the RM 🙁 But it’ll give us time to check out the new colours right? 😉 If I get a laptop, you bet I’ll use it as my excuse to get another… After all it’s cuter than the ugly laptop bags out there right? LOL!
Hi Paris, I have the exact same backpack but have a problem with the strap rubbing against my tops and ruining the fabric. Did you have this problem?
Yes, I noticed that it would cause my tops to pill where it rubs against them. For me, it happens with all bags that I wear for prolonged periods, not just this one. With backpacks, it’d pill where the base rubs against my back, and with sling bags, at the shoulder. Can’t win 🙁
Was eyeing the mini when I was still keen on backpacks. But never got to adding it to the cart. I also find the shape kinda floppy at the top plus I still like my MBMJ backpack for travel. Maybe I’ll have a look at it again… Price point is appealing though and the red is nice! But like you said, can’t use them enough.
Btw, your OFTD looks great and not frumpy so the combination is right. I think backpacks can look pretty fashionable if the designs are right. Also, we’re talking about fashion backpacks not those bulky, ugly sports backpacks.
Unfortunately I don’t travel enough to justify getting another although the mini is really cute! Thanks for affirming my ootd 🙂 The difference I think is in not lugging around the gigantic backpacker bags. And I have noticed that backpacks are experiencing a bit of a renaissance recently. I haven’t noticed the MBMJ one – now I have to look don’t I? 😉
Hi Paris B, I found your post while I was searching on how to wash my classic Kanken and stumbled upon your entry! I totally agree with all your reasons why you love this bag. It’s also awesome as a nappy bag! Esp if you have a toddler you have to chase around so being hands free is another reason I chose this bag. I also read on the official site that you are not supposed to chuck it in the washing machine because it will wear off the water resistant layer this bag has. You might already know this but thought you might find this info useful if you don’t. I still washed mine in the washing machine because their recommendation is too tiresome – use lukewarm water and a brush to clean the bag. I have so many stains and dirt in crevices that I would trade the water resistance factor. I do have to walk in the rain sometimes but it’s not so wet that my bag would get drenched! But good to know not to put an electronic device in there if it’s pouring. Btw, I’m Beauty Box if you are wondering who I am. I stopped blogging but still love reading beauty blogs now and again — and yours will always be one of my faves!
Hi Yu Ming, I did notice that you’d stopped blogging! Thanks for still reading mine though 😀 Thanks also for letting me know how you feel about this backpack, and how useful it is as a nappy bag. My SIL did asked me about it recently but I wasn’t sure if it was useful enough, or if the straps might be too thin, or if the lack of useable pockets on the side matter – do you think you could help me out on this? 🙂 Oh and thanks for letting me know about washing it in the machine too. I’ll definitely be a little more careful!
I heard the bag may stain on your clothes if you don’t wash it. Did you wash it beforehand? Has it ever stained your clothes? Thanks so much!
No I didn’t wash it before hand and no it did not stain my clothes. But I wore it with dark clothing most of the time, so I didn’t really notice if it stained.
This gave me the final nudge in choosing this brands backpack. It was either this or Herschel bit I was nudging towards this brands onr more. But haven read your review gave me an even better insight to the bags functions and durability. Really great review!
You’re actually not allowed to toss this into the washing machine. Surface wash instead or chemical wash is recommended as it might ruin the G-1000 textile. And improve its waterproofability and overall longevity with beeswax. I’ve ruined my first one quite horribly. That I opt my second one in Re-Kånken version (from 11 recycled plastic bottles the whole thing!). Both my boys are using their first ones. And when you have babies, this comes in very handy instead of diaper bag. As the lock can be attached up to any kind of strollers. And in umbrella strollers, the handles help a lot. Love your choice of color! I’d suggest buying Re-Kånken or kånken number 2 next!
Hello I just got my first kanken in red and I heard it stains. Is there a way where u prevented it? Also when you washed it, did u just washed the outside of the bag?
Hi I did notice that it rubs off on lighter clothing, so just be a little careful. I washed the whole bag, inside and out, dipping it into a pail of water and rinsing by hand. Was fine.
I’ve seen this! I actually considered buying it since I’ll be travelling overseas in October. But the straps look a little thin. I’m a little worried that if I carry more things, it’ll weigh down my shoulders too much. But you’re right, I see this bag everywhere!
That being said, it’s also $95 CAD + taxes! So expensive!! So right now, I’m keeping my eyes peeled. Maybe if it’s on sale, I’ll get it.
You are right, it is expensive, and you are also right, the straps will cut into your shoulders if you’re carrying heavy stuff, or even just stuffing your bag. I would actually travel with something a little more comfortable, even if less attractive to look at LOL! I still use it though, but try not to put too much in it, because I find that when I travel, I’m so paranoid about pickpockets, I strap the bag in FRONT of me, which is cumbersome.