Great comparison! I tried these two bags at the store for one hour and finally chose Raven 28 as my EDC bagpack. Raven 28 - pros 1. G-1000 seems more durable. 2. Independent and secure laptop compartment. 3. The zippers are more reliable. 4. The additional front compartment is handy for taking some common use stuff when you're carrying the backpack. 5. It keeps the good shape even if you don't carry much items. 6. Not easy to see someone else carrying the same model as you! - cons 1. Need to use greenland wax regularly to gain water resistance 2. Not able to stand alone. 3. It doesn't have fashion looking. 4. The water bottle pockets are a bit shallow and not secure. Skule 28 - pros 1. Modern and fashion looking. Especially the navy color with its logo. 2. Built-in water resistance. 3. More comfortable when carrying. I guess because the straps design are better. 4. light weight - cons 1. Other brands already have this similar design. 2. No additional front compartment. 3. The laptop protection is not good enough
Yeah Skule is really not that commute-to-work-laptop-protector. Doesn't seem like the case with Skule 28L and I can tell you it's also not the case w/ the smol'er Skule 20L--but all of this..I can tell--is done with purpose. The bag, empty, is so light. I remember my laptop bags of old, so so so heavy, all by themselves. I am glad that this everyday bag left all that hauling-around-the-inefficient-M$FT-Intel-monopoly behind. I am no longer a slave to technology. Just walk walk walk and enjoy the fresh air. What makes sense to me is that Fjallraven understands that it makes no sense to create two Raven bags--differing only in name. So I am gonna try to like my Skule, for what it is, and ignore what it isn't. I'll try to carry hardly anything moar than my iPhone and iPad Mini.. and one day I'll fail less at minimalism and just have one device--probably a S25 Ultra. I actually have witness a hard as titanium messenger bag rip into pieaces cus when I was new at photography hobby, I thought I had to carry all my lenses. LOL. Those were the days. But the point is, you can have a USD$300 bag made in Chicago, and you probably can break it--"hold mah beer". So my point is, it's just easy to over-stress bags. So I gotta start with the grey matter between my ears and ask the simple question: "do I actually need to haul around all this garbage?". And this is obviously a question that I am still working on, myself. Cus I noticed I would go weeks, months, without asking this, and then I marvel at all the extra garbage that I end up hauling, by simply neglecting to ask this question from time to time. So minimalism will save my backpack, even if my backpack is made from zip-lock dollar store plastic. But minimalism is not a gym membership that you pay for but never show up at the gym.
All bags must have: - quick access pocket - breathable mesh back with adequate air channels - well-padded straps with sternum straps - optional belt - padded laptop slip (elevated) - water bottle thingy (internal or external, something !) I feel like bag manufacturers have a conspiracy to leave one or two of these out from every design to keep us looking for the perfect bag 🤣. I personally would do a hard pass on a bag without sternum straps. Especially if you can’t put one in. I had a situation where I was invited to a “camping trip” and it turned out to be a 7 day trek in the Andes. My 16 L daypack from my Osprey meridian and it’s tiny sternum straps saved me, and I had to tie my scarf underneath it to use as a hip belt. Never again will I travel with a bag without a sternum strap lol. Where did you get that little stuff sack? Is it for a jacket?
I could not agree with you more. The list you included is what I am looking for in a bag, but I would add lightweight as well. So many brands (I'm looking at you Nomatic) are so heavy.
I agree that a chest strap is an important feature, but you can easily add one yourself. It not coming with one though annoying, wouldnt be a dealbreaker for me
The organization of the Raven for EDC is the boss, that dirt-catching G-1000 just gives it character. Don't let it fool ya it's great if you work in the field like I do. A little canvas wax and the Raven stays completely dry in wet weather. I was thinking about the Skule but now I think ill stick with my Raven, Thanks for the work in making this video.
Yey, as promised you delivered the review, thank you! I got my hands on both in store and went with the Raven 28. Personally I think the material feels way nicer and sturdier and looks better as well. Had it for about 2 weeks now, very satisfied with my purchase. (I've got a lot of compliments as well hehe) And as someone else mentioned on your Raven 28 review, you do have the ability to add a sternum strap (kanken chest strap), tho it prbly only works if you're on the taller spectrum and wear the bag a bit lower on your back. For me it's perfect. Great review and comparison as always :)
Thank you for watching and for the support! That’s great to hear you got the raven and that it’s been working well for you, I’ve been liking mine a lot and that’s good to know on the sternum strap!
Thanks for this super in-depth video review. Just wanted to say that it helped me make my decision between the two bags. It basically came down to whether or not I wanted a sternum strap, and the material difference. Normally I'm a 100% sternum strap guy, but being able to waterproof the Raven like my jacket with Greenland wax ended up being the deciding factor. And you're right about the tilting, it's by far the most annoying factor of the Raven...with a 40 oz Hydroflask in the side, it just immediately plunks over, haha. Still, not a dealbreaker for me, and I'm finding I'm not missing the sternum strap as much as I might've expected.
I bought the skule like 2 months ago and there was no reviews for it on youtube at all, nothing that I could find at least. the Revan need a bit more care I think because that fabric is easier to get dirty I think and I know the G-1000 can be impragnated for water resistance but the Skule get both a desent level of water resistance and doesn't get dirty easily. and I was looking for the aesthetics too with a brand .
Thank you for watching and good points! Although g1000 feels a little more rugged I agree the Skule fabric feels like it might need a little less maintenance overall
Great comparison man! I was torn between the 2....im definitely gonna grab a Skule! Now...stuck between a 20 and the 28 lol. Im probably gonna get the 20 because i want the smaller EDC and dont carry a laptop with me!
Great video and detailed explanation. i bought my skule 28 waiting for it to be shipped. I had a smaller Raven its my favourite bag. Now they have breathable backs it really helps sometimes my back do feel sweaty haha. I almost got the 28raven but figured lets give the skule a chance. Its still similar pockets overall and water bottle compartment is nice hopefully it gives me the same joy as the raven
One thing that drove me crazy about the Raven is that it can’t stand up from the bottom. Whenever I would set it down, it would fall over. Also, lack of sternum strap is also a deal breaker.
Hi and thanks for the review. I have the old version of raven 28. I don't really like the stiffness of the bag, and the shoulderstraps are thicker than skule, also more stiff, it wasn't comfortable for me. I also don't like the fabric of raven bc it gets dirty much faster (I also have a dog). I really like the skule, I was looking for a bag to bring outside on short hikes but also to use for everyday life. The hole for the water-bladder seems very useful. I ordered the forest green version. I was looking at the bag irl before ordering. I really like the different colors, it was very hard to choose between the navy blue and the forest green. Forest green was my final choice. Looking forward to recieve it.
Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! I agree The fabric and straps on the Skule were nice and the bag overall is really solid. Hope you enjoy using it a lot and the ranger green looks really nice!:)
I have this now, purchased it today, but it's the 20L not the 28L. The 20L is also not a 28L directly shrunken down, it's got some differences, be sure to seek out 28L-vs-20L comparison videos before buying. I am only 5'6" so this smol'er one is perfect for me for everyday, I plan to keep as empty as possible in the bag cus as everyone pointed out, including Danny Packs, it doesn't do well with very-fullness. It will take some getting used to trying to curb my enthusiasm to stuff the turkey but I'll try my best :)
Thank you for watching and for the suggestion! Both are really solid options, I prefer the look / size of the Skule and it feels a little lighter, but the Borealis offers better laptop protection and a more robust harness
Think I’ll be getting the Skule 28. I was thinking about getting the north face borealis, but looks like they use some type of water repellant, which isn’t PFC, but I’m sure it’s just as bad. Fjall Raven doesn’t use a water repellant 👌🏽
@@dannypacks: If you go for the North Face Recon, you can add a bungee shock cord to it, it is similar to the Skule 28. The North Face has a mesh pock in the front, and you can add the bungee or remove the bungee shock cord.
This Skule 28 is pretty similar to the North Face Recon. I own the North Face Recon because it has the similar feature as the Skule 28. I can actually buy a bungee shock cord to the North Face Recon, so it will looks like the Skule 28. If you don’t want the bungee Shock cord, you can just remove it. The loop on the side, you can add an additional bungee shock cord, so you can hold your tripod or on the side pocket more stable.
If Fjallraven sends you packs to review, then maybe you could take a look at the Keb Hike 30 as well, looks like a great hiking daypack and there aren't any proper reviews of it on YT. I added a few extra layers of Greenland Wax on my Raven 28. Now it feels super bombproof and rugged, with more water-resistance. Already has a nice patina too. Also, quick tip - if the material gets a bit wrinkly then hot air from a hair dryer should iron those out nicely. What a charming pack.
Thank you for watching and for the suggestion on the Keb bag! So far I’ve had to grab Fjallraven bags on my own but fingers crossed I’ll be able to feature more of their bags in the future. And that’s great to hear the raven has been working out well for you and that’s a great tip for the wrinkles, I’ll have to try that out!:)
Thank you for watching! I never realized how important a consideration that is until I started to have to clean the bags regularly and they were covered!😂
Thank You for this movie! It was exactly what I was looking for! My all hesitations disappeared 😊 My Raven arrived today it is everything I was hoping for! Thanks once again!
Thank you for watching! I do this using a third party strap and the attachment points on the side, there is footage of how I do this in the dedicated review I did for the raven
Fjallraven has a new Skule out called the Skule Top 26, looks gorgeous, see if they would send you one to review, would love to hear some hands-on thoughts!
Hi, This video comes at the best time. I ordered this week-end the Skule Kids for my son, it should arrive this week, a perfect little 15L for him. If the quality and I'm sure of it is there, I buy the Skule 28. I've been looking for a new backpack for a while for daily, weekends of 2-3 days and hikes and this Skule 28 seems perfect. - I don't like the design of the Raven and 20L is too small, not a big fan of the Northface design too, and the logo is too visible for me. - I wanted to buy the Evergoods half zip 22 or 26 l very often but for the same price I can have 1 Skule 28 and 2-3 packing cube, so the choice is made, 220 euros for a daily bag is insane for me. - I really like this kind of look, minimal but not not too technical ( like Evergoods half zip, I like half zip :) , the possibility of attaching things and putting a jacket or other in front. So the value for money is perfect. And is Sweden, I like it. - Thanks and best P.S : A mix of these 2 bags will be really the perfect bag and the perfect price.
Just to clarify, the Räven reviewed is the 'Räven 28' which has a 28 litre volume like the 'Skule 28'. There is a smaller 'Räven 20' which I think you are referring to.
Thank you for watching and good question! I believe the raven could have good weather resistance if you apply wax, but speaking only if the fabric I think the Skule would handle rain a bit better
Would you recommend the Raven 28L if you plan on taking it regularly on flights? I know you said you were able to use it as a personal item, but when I look at the dimensions, it's larger than most airlines technically allow.
Thank you for watching! The safest option will always be to get something that matches ups it’s the airline limits, with that being said I can say for myself i would feel comfortable traveling with the raven again, even though it’s a little bigger it’s not that rigid so it can squeeze pretty well and still looks smaller than many of the items others try to pass off as personal items :)
Hey! Great review! In your opinion, which one you do prefer overall--Skule, Raven or Ulvö? I'm looking for safe small pockets/compartments. My first option was the Ulvö, but I'm afraid that the top compartment is going to collapse all the time due to weight...
Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! All three are great but for me I like the Raven both for the aesthetic and the pocket layout and the laptop protection
Hey man, thanks for the review! Great job as always! If I my main purpose is EDC with a little bit of travel/hiking from time to time which one would you recommend, considering the raven lacks a chest strap (even though it can be added with some 3rd party options)? Still the raven or would you go for the skule? I also like the look of the raven better honestly.
Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! Although the Skule might be slightly better for hiking with the materials and the water bottle pockets and water bladder comparability, overall I still prefer the look and layout of the raven
Nice video, I was looking fowards with the Skule however the Raven looks better to use it with a laptop plus the fabric (I dont mind it gets dirtier easily). Btw what brand and model is the blue back on the left in the video background?
Hello Danny, thanks for the review. Is the front compartment of the Fjallraven Skule big enough to carry a pair of men's sneakers (about size 11)? It seems it`s not. All of the Skule backpacks are sold out in my city so I am unable to check it on my own.
Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! There’s a pretty good amount of space in the pocket so it’s possible, but will depend on the type of shoes (bulkier shoes like boots are athletic shoes likely won’t fit, but a pair of TOMs, converses are other slimmer sneaker might be ok) and how you pack out the larger main compartment
Hey, regarding the quick access pocket on the Skule 28, does your zipper on that small top pocket also get stuck just a little bit sometimes where the internal keyclip is sewn into the pocket, just near the zipper? Mine sometimes does when I open the top quick access pocket more slowly and I'm wondering if it's defective or is it just a design anomaly.
I'm looking for a day out backpack to carry snacks/kids jackets/lunch and all the other inevitable stuff when travelling with kids. I'm not bothered about carrying a laptop, just need a large space for stuff. Is the Skule a good option for this? Can you recommend any others? I've looked into the kanken 17" and I like the way it opens like a clamshell, I just think it's a bit more casual for my style
Thank you for watching! I think the Skule is a really great option for what you’re describing, another that might be worth checking out is the mystery ranch district backpacks or the Patagonia Refugio bags
Thank you for watching! For me so far it’s felt comfortable overall with the way the straps are shaped, it hasn’t felt like they want to slide off or anything like that
Thank you for watching! I’m not sure if the kanken is sold in a few different materials? The fabric in the ravens is g1000 which does tend to attract dust / dirt unfortunately
I had the opportunity to compare these backpacks. The volume in the Raven is distributed over more pockets and an external laptop compartment. The Raven is stiffer and sticks out more. I don't carry a laptop so I don't need the external compartment which adds to the weight of the backpack. Skule is flexible and has a larger main compartment . The video does not show how big the compartment is. Fastened compression straps made it difficult to open the compartment completely. I bought my skule 28
