The Kanken family of Fjallraven backpacks is now an iconic global fashion staple. Why is it such a successful bag? Is it worth the price? Let's find out. First Time Skiing: • Culture and Crashes | ... - Chapters -
The seat pad is not gimmicky in Sweden, trust me 🙈 We all were raised with these seating pads all through kindergarten and school for all hikes and walks in the forest. It’s awesome 🤩
@@sohodream It’s handy when you want to sit on a cold or damp spot. Keeps the little bum dry and away from cold surfaces. And probably prevents some girls getting urinary tract infection from sitting on cold surfaces. 🙃
Damn that makes it all the more worth it...i was always infatuated with swedish design and engineering...and even sqagger XD i love what this comment made me envision on a geological aspect
Of course its gimmicky, i live in Sweden to and hike qnd cam in the outdoors, great seating pads qre cheap and easy to fins, so this cheap A×#padd is just i tricky way to give the frelimg thst they are giving away somthing extra with your purchase. I totally agree on the side pocket comment, most fjällräven have theese tight side pocket(filson also by the way, love the brand and there clothes and bags but dont get the purpose of the side pockets). But what i don't agree on is the comment about difficulty of organizing the main pouch, if you had more unne side pockets or pouches it would make it clumsy and have less room. Im wondering what kind of gym bag or edc bag would have a better solution and have easy accec to finding items without unziping almost the whole pocket🤔? Genuinely curious. Also it woorks great both as a day bag or carry on luggage when flying.
One thing to note is that this bag was originally designed for Swedish school children. Bright colors, boxy shape, simple functionality and durable. These qualities have made it popular across age groups around the world, but at the end of the day, it may not meet your needs if you are carrying many small items (instead of a few school books and a lunch box).
I got my first medium Kanken pack in Sweden when I was in high school. Back home in Canada, NOBODY had seen this pack before, they were nowhere. I'm 45 now and I gladly bought one for my young daughter and happily use one myself. It's popular for a good reason, no shame in that!
I have one green that is about 40 years old from the 80ies. It misses the small fox on the buttons and has no laptop storage. The general design is still exactly the same. The Fjällräven Kånken logo has just got a smaller ring and dots over the Å and Äs. But I think the simplicity of the bag and the light weight makes it a classic. I still use it from time to time and amazingly it looks just a little worn. I live in Sweden and was born 150 km from where the company was started. It is cool to see this little minimalistic bag all over the world today.
I actually really love this bag for its strict utility, its large square compartment allows it to hold A LOT for its small footprint compared to a lot of other bags I've tried. I have the 13" laptop version and thus far I've used it everyday for 2 years for my work bag. Its got incredibly durable water resistant material and I like to organize with pouches anyways and the fact that it doesn't have built in organization means as my needs change and grow for my daily EDC, this bag can adapt with me.
Very fair take. Despite my criticisms of the bad, I use it everyday as well, and it hasn’t failed me. If you put in the work to pack it in an organized manner to begin with, then i think the bag is solid for many shoppers! Thanks for watching :)
@@tudormiller887 I havnt had any issue using shampoo and a hand brush for surface stains. Do NOT put this bag in the washer and dryer though, you'll ruin it.
@@lololroccoon5560 I had the 17 inch but it sat in my closet because I don't need a bag that big for everyday, I'm not in school anymore. Also the harness system can feel uncomfortable at that size. With the weight of books and stuff in the 17 lunch I would go for something with more padded straps. However ill never get rid of my 14"
I have a 17" gaming laptop so my options for bags were limited. I got this one and a Kenneth Cole one and I love my fjallraven. I use it for weekend trips, it's simple and it opens almost all of the way up! Chargers go into the front pocket and I can organize the inside the way I want to. Yes, it could be improved, but the wearability is amazing too.
Hai @charlottejanzen2639, what dimension of laptop do you have? i have Lenovo Thinkpad P72 with dimension (Length x Width x Height) is 416 mm x 281 mm x 25.9mm. Are you think this dimension wil be fit on it? Thanks.
I was looking for a bag that literally just has one main compartment, nothing else. I needed it to hold a lot of smaller bags so this is perfect for me.
To hold bigger water bottles there’s an accessory you can buy that’s attached to the umbrella pockets. Also there’s another accessory to have better organization inside the bag. Ofc it would be cool to have stuff like this to be included with the backpack from the start but it is what it is
For such a pricy backpack the shoulder straps should also be included in the original and 13” backpacks. Have only seen the 17” backpack have it. For the others you need to purchase that extra. 😒
Absolute max diameter is 3.6" on the latest Kanken 17 model. I tested with a can of Argo corn starch. It fits a 24oz aquafina bottle easily. I prefer a flat flask style bottle as you are merely stealing space from the inside of the bag with these non-expanding pockets.
Totally agree. I got the no.2 15 laptop yesterday in black on black color that was on a big sale (half its price)...and I couldn't understand why, probably for the black logo that nobody wanted because doesn't stand out, which I think it's cool. I wanted a simple bag to throw my stuff in like a mini suitcase for weekends.
I’ve had my Kanken 15 in black colour for about 6 years now. I love it it’s been everywhere with me - all the travels, trains, planes, boats…. It is almost perfect ‘cabin bag’ for travel, save for the lack of inner compartments and organisations. But I wouldn’t use it everyday. I am not a student and don’t need to carry several large books with me. I say this bag is good either for that or packing several sweaters and pants for a trip. The only thing I dislike is how narrow the straps are and that the cut into the shoulders in the summer. This bag is the best if you need to carry several big objects, like college text books and a big water bottle. Other that that you fill it with smaller items and then have to rummage inside of it to find them. I bought additional padded straps and it;s better now. Additionally to my big classic kanken I also bout a mini version in gorgeous emerald-green-forest colour, and it is better for everyday, but is still dislike the narrow straps and how few the pockets are. Only one zipper pocket on the outside.
Very astute evaluation. I definitely agree with the straps actually they are a little narrow. I also like traveling with this bag, it’s good for weekend trips! Ty for watching
I have the black & tan 15’’ and grey 17’’ and i really love them, super lightweight, simple, nice design. I already put all my belongings in small pouches so i don’t need extra pockets in a bag. The only thing i don’t like is the side pocket for the bottle 🤨 (maybe they drink directly at the stream in Sweden 😂)
I think you answered your own question about why backpacks aren't stylish - because people tend to want function out of them. I'm sure there's a happy medium. I love the look of Fjallraven bags but could never commit to buying one because I need my bags to expand and contract. I need them to compartmentalize and organize. I think Fjallraven bags are probably an excellent investment if you have a singular purpose for one, like hiking. But as an everyday bag, they're lacking, though pretty. I've been on the fence about getting one again just to use for plein air painting, where most of my art supplies are contained in smaller containers anyway, and when I get to where I'm going, I would just open the bag all the way up, as opposed to just needing to stop to grab one small item out of it real quick. Aside from the backpack, really well-done video. You structured it well and spoke clearly and concisely. Keep it up.
Thanks for watching Travis! Yeah kanken I think would be solid if you just used it for one purpose (gym, hiking, etc) but when it needs to hold many different sorts of things I agree it falls short. Appreciate the feedback :)
Aesthetically it’s a nice bag, I was considering picking one up for my day to day. But the lack of compartments and utility keeps me away, I’ll just stay with TNF
I got one for college and the lack of compartments is an issue for me bc it’s easy for miscellaneous stuff to get lost in my bags, so I need pouches for them. I kinda wish I went for the Herschel pop quiz as it has the compartments I need in a college backpack
You can buy a slide in organizer for the main compartment and a slide in bottle holder for the side pocket. I love your way of telling. Nice review :-)
I can attest to that. Taken it on many trips through many airports. Really have thrown this thing around. It looks and feels almost identical to when I first bought it!
I'm glad I watched your video before making a commitment. I use L.L. Bean totes - just like Kanken, they are super durable and hold a lot but I always dislike having to dig inside to find car keys and stuff. It's nice to see all the testimonies that kanken bags last generations but... if I have to pay extra 40 for an "organizer insert"... I'm not too sure if I want to invest in it. Although, their "sling"s are super cute, so I'd prob get that one for my little hikes. I'm sure I will be totally happy to own a baby kanken!
Congrats for your purchase and thanks for this cool video about the artic fox.It s not really my type of bags but it of course depends on what you carry with you. Seems like it could work with other small organizer bags and packing cubes. You are right they are everywhere in France (well i saw mostly tourists with them...) I have not found the perfect bag, so i am more into a different bag for a different case situation...so i got a few and none are really my every day or travel bag
@@sohodream No problemo. it might be old news but if you want to spend a bit more, Fjallraven also sellls accessories for the Kanken including an external bottle pocket :)
I love this backpack its durable . Beach, public transport, i can wash it simple but practical. I use the top handle when i need to give my tickets to the bus driver
I was also always a fan of multiple compartments in backpacks. Often, however, it is so that then one compartment presses into the other and one therefore comes - despite more sorting options - bad to the things. Therefore, I find the Kankens quite good I really like using mine. but would be cool if inside there would be maybe a small mesh compartment or so for keys or phone : ) (btw, all models except the 17 inch backpack have 2 side pockets. no plan what the point is that the larger backpack has only one -.-)
Ah yes that’s an interesting take on multiple compartments. Hadn’t considered that! Also had no idea the other models had two side pockets. What a strange design choice for the 17 inch…
Hey, great video! I occasionally find myself get pulled back into considering a Fjallraven purchase because of the strong branding and ubiquitousness, plus the pleasing minimalist silhouette of the Kanken. But there are quite a few things I don't find practical e.g. the almost complete lack of modern ergonomics in its design. Pretty smart of the brand to sell additional water bottle holders and organizers to convince & convert those who don't prefer the "suitcase" vibe. My 30L TNF backpack is slightly too large & long for EDC, but _great_ for backpacking. The search for the perfect EDC bag continues :)
Thanks for watching!! Yeah it really comes down to practicality. I’ve tried to make this bag work, but I’m with you I’m gonna have to look elsewhere. Appreciate you stopping by!
You definitely helped me out. I have to ask, this company claims the criss cross stitching for the straps helps with comfort. How do you feel when wearing it long term?
Hmmm I personally don’t find it to be the most comfortable bag. Not uncomfortable either. Haha guess I’m kinda neutral on it from that standpoint! Thanks for watching :)
I like the durability of this bag, I went through 3 other big name brands that broke in less than a year, and this one just keeps going .however I agree with you, the pockets are not the most functional for me which is why I’ve tried others .
Try packing cubes bruh. You don't need a million pockets to organize your stuff. The boxy shape of the bag is perfect for packing different size cubes to organize your stuff.
Got mine because my father literally encountered a new one on the street with it's tag still on. Good for me because I wasn't going to buy one. Support pads for the shoulders that come with every bag from factory have to be bought for these ones for some odd reason. You don't get much in terms of pockets and substorage to split items inside the bag and the bottle pocket is a joke that only fits narrow bottles. It's an ok to good level bag, but I only like it because of the design. I have the 13" one and I love it to carry small stuff around though but for travelling I am going to stick to my brandless practical sturdy bag that has more functionalities and pockets.
Great video! I recently run into city to do an errand & walk past Meatpacking store (I thought better than the EPIC store) bc I thought ok I have to see what these bags are all about seeing them everywhere. Come out $300 later 😂 But like you mention, the issue has been clutter related so I use little zip bags for everything in it. It's a great bag & like you said kinda cool being in the "Kanken Club" lol but is it the most practical? Not sure. I absolutely love the three I own now (one is the large tote) but don't seem practical for work. Thanks for taking the time to review this style- I'd been looking at it!
@@sohodream you rock! Yes, Meatpacking seemed to have more of a selection the few times I went now. They have a special NYC Kanken version they dropped not too long ago that I only saw there- it's green like 🗽 with orange for the flame & says NEW YORK in the Fox logo on it if you've seen it. I travel for work so I need to stay fresh so I'm tempted on that one 😂 You have a great channel - a real natural RU-vidr! 😊
Love your video ❤️ could you plz try if a 17.3 inch laptop can fit in it. I really would like to buy it but not sure if my laptop will fit in the laptop compartment. Thank you (my laptop dimensions 41.48x27.22x2.45cm)
Do you think I can walk up to Hotel Chantelle with one of these and still get in? Looking to send it this weekend but want to keep that water bottle on me so my boys stay hydrated🥲
I know when the vsco girl trend was going on in 2019 everyone was getting a Fjallraven kanken bag because it was trendy but then when the vsco girl era was already not trendy people started to trow away there kanken bags which idk why 💔 ik some people said it’s because its not trendy anymore or the bag is ugly
Oh yes I remember that era. That’s sad. Trends definitely come and go. I would think the Kanken is classic enough to stick around for the most part, but I guess maybe not :/
Everyone had these when I was little (80s) in school here in Sweden, the foam pad was great when we were out in the excursions. When I became older (90s) it was considered lame and mostly used by people at the left wing, the semi and hardcore commies;-) The clothing were mostly worn by older men watching birds and flowers, the ones that hated goretex. But then for a couple of years ago a bunch of new generations took over, including my kids. In the rest of the world Fjällräven didn´t have that socialist stamp and the brand got a new fanbase, thats great! Their outdoor stuff is great and simple, always has been, the Kånken is more of a "civilian" day to day bag. And hold your horses, I found your video because I now consider skipping the molle webbing, the velcro and the cordura - going full 80s in a Kånken now when they have made these 15" and 17" laptop versions. ;-D
Glad you like the bag, and that’s some interesting historical context! I feel like fashion is a cycle and often trends are revived with new meaning by new generations. Keeps things fresh. Thanks for watching!
It’s quite common to have these kind of seating pads for hikes here in Sweden (you don’t want to sit on cold surfaces) so I think they just incorporated it in the design primarily for that purpose.
This bag is for any looking for simplicity. I don't think Kanken is for people that are looking for compartments. That's like going to the zoo for exotic fishes, yes, the zoo might have some fishes, but you should really go to an aquarium to look for fishes. I just got mine, I love it. I had a bag before that had a pocket or compartment for everything which is a nightmare for anyone that has have ADHD. I fund misplacing things constantly. God bless my apple tags. I totally age that this bag is expensive for what it has to offer. I can see easily being $35 bag. They have made this bags modular in order to make the customer buy more stuff, which is a bit of scam. That being said, if you want compartments they sell plenty of them.
Really loved the quality of this video and in depth review, it really helps potential consumers decide wether they want to pull the trigger or not. However critique for headphone users. The juxtaposition between your voice audio and the music is off by a wide margin and hurts your ears when you're wearing headphones. Maybe turn the music down a bit on the transition.
Clutter I just mean things get jumbled in the bag since there is no separation built into the main compartment. It’s reasonably comfortable when it is full in my opinion. Thanks for watching!
This bag is the perfect dimensions to fit under the seat on airlines, if you need to take your laptop then you obviously need to take it on board. Might as well max out the amount of capacity you can take with you. That's my reasoning for buying it. Regarding the price point, if what you are saying is true that they last a lifetime and you can pass them down to your children, then surely they are not expensive.
Try packing cubes bruh. You don't need a million pockets to organize your stuff. The boxy shape of the bag is perfect for packing different size cubes to organize your stuff.
More of that this wasn't really designed as a city bag. I loved my kånken bag in 1-3rd grade, and it was a great bag for taking into the woods, but if you need a bag for carrying electronics and documents around you need a different style! I used multicompartment backpacks from like 4th grade forward (my 3 years younger little sister got the kånken) even though that was in the 1990s. I still use a single-compartment bag (a Lk-35 I bought at the start of the 00s i think) if I go hiking, because it just works out better.
Great review. thanks but honestly, i didn't know about this brand til my 8 years old niece wanted one and then I realized that it's this ugly stupid bag everyone is carrying around that looks like a garbage bag nicely designed. The catastrophe was when I went online to get her the bag, I thought how bad can it be. It doesn't look like it's made of a luxurious material but little to my surprise the price was astronomical for such product. This proofs the point that people are like monkeys. Monkey sees, monkey wants..Sad story really.
