OK, I lastly get the hype. Ever since I used to be a child, I’ve seen retro-style Fjällräven backpacks all over the place. From lecture rooms and low retailers to worldwide airports, I all the time noticed the “hip youngsters” rocking these colourful cubic packs from the well-known Swedish firm.
I used to be stunned to study that the enduring Kånken has been round since its genesis in 1978, with little or no change to the general aesthetic of the bag. Seeing as that was 45 years in the past, it’s secure to imagine that they’re doing one thing proper over in Örnsköldsvik.
I used to be initially skeptical of the Kånken — how may such a small rucksack that appears extra fashionable than useful be an excellent laptop computer backpack? Boy, was I mistaken.
Since its inception, this backpack was truly designed to be extra useful than trendy: The inflexible dice form was meant to assist schoolchildren’s posture and alleviate the shoulder stress that extra frequent shoulder baggage supplied on the time.
By the 2000s, the Kånken Laptop computer backpack was launched to accommodate a altering market that got here with developments in know-how as extra of us bought laptops. The 17-inch mannequin is what I dove straight into testing over the previous 3 months.
This backpack got here with me on home flights, journeys to the workplace, and strolls to my native espresso store. Contemplating its wealthy historical past, this backpack has aged effectively — performing as each a spacious piece of bags and a sturdy companion.
In brief: The Fjällräven Kånken 17” Laptop computer Pack soars in any classroom or journey atmosphere because of its modular storage capability, timeless model, and laptop computer safety issue. Obtainable in an array of coloration choices, this backpack is good for college students or working professionals needing loads of house for his or her gear with out having to utterly break the financial institution.
Take a look at GearJunkie’s Finest Laptop computer Backpacks Purchaser’s Information to see how the Fjällräven Kånken compares to the remainder of the choices out there immediately.
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Dimensions
16.5 x 11.8 x 7.1 in. -
Weight
1 lb., 1.6 oz. -
Capability
20L -
Laptop computer compartment dimension
17″ -
Finest use
Faculty and journey
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Dice design extra conducive to storage -
Additional foam insert doubles as a seat pad -
Fashionable and carry-on compliant
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Aspect pockets should not stretchy sufficient for bigger bottles -
Solely two zipper pockets -
Material is well creased
Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop computer Pack: Overview
First Impressions — No Scarcity of Persona
Obtainable in 12 earthy coloration choices and three totally different sizes, there’s a Fjällräven Kånken Laptop computer backpack for everybody. The iconic Swedish firm has been perfecting its Kånken backpacks for nearly 50 years, so the stress was undoubtedly on once I started testing this pack. For context, I examined the 17” mannequin in Graphite, a smoky grey hue.
After I first used this laptop computer backpack, it was for a home journey to the East Coast of the U.S., so what higher place to check out a backpack than an airport and aircraft? The primary facet I famous was the entrance panel loading model on this backpack. This made for a super-streamlined packing course of as I used to be capable of modularly arrange my requirements.
Although the Kånken seems considerably small, it was able to becoming my MacBook Professional, a keyboard, a big novel, headphones, a digital camera, and its equipment. At airport safety, you usually have to unload a few of these gadgets, so having the ability to open the bag utterly simplifies the often irritating course of.
An Iconic Look With Added Safety
At first look, the Fjällräven Kånken has an iconic look. The cubic-shaped bag has hidden zippers and a retro-outdoorsy aesthetic. Positioned within the heart of the backpack is Fjällräven’s staple branding, the crimson fox emblem. There aren’t any further straps, buckles, or attachments. This look is fairly common in a lot of the firm’s backpacks.
The outer materials is constructed with Vinylon F, an artificial mix made in-house by Fjällräven. I might describe it as a waxy canvas-like textile. It’s stiff, however I seen that it did soften a bit extra time with out compromising sturdiness.
By way of water resistance, the Vinylon F fibers truly constrict when moist, so that they repel water with out an additional chemical coating. Nevertheless, make word that this laptop computer backpack shouldn’t be waterproof and is simply meant to final throughout a lightweight bathe or snow.
Whereas this materials is sturdy, it does scuff fairly simply. Simply after just a few makes use of, I seen that my Kånken had some creases and white marks that I couldn’t brush out. Nevertheless, of us preferring a extra “classic” look to their attire, could respect that the material has a extra rugged look after some use.
Whenever you wish to retailer your Kånken or throw it in an overhead bin on a flight, you’ll be able to tighten the straps and fasten the free ends to the place the straps meet on the shoulders. You don’t need the free-hanging straps to snag or get ripped off by chance.
So far as zippers go, we had no points with the YKK #5’s Fjällräven used on the Kånken. Regardless of months of use, the zippers and pulls remained robust and simply opened and closed.
Straight Backs Are Pleased Backs!
In contrast to the unique Kånken mannequin, the laptop computer model has included padded straps. When packed evenly, this backpack is fairly snug, however as a result of the straps are thinner, we wouldn’t advocate it for all-day closely packed use. Heavy gadgets like books and binders could dig into your collarbones when carried.
The place the Kånken does soar in consolation is its resting place when worn. I discovered that it sat excellent on the spot beneath my shoulders and didn’t jostle round a lot in any respect, even when strolling shortly between airport connections. The inflexible, boxy form of this pack definitely upholds Fjällräven’s “Straight backs are completely happy backs!” branding.
Higher but, the Kånken’s foam insert is detachable, so you should utilize it as a seat pad throughout connections between flights or chilling in your college’s garden. You can all the time sit on a daily backpack, however as a result of the froth is detachable, you don’t have to unpack the bag or danger getting it soiled.
Whenever you don’t really feel like carrying the Kånken in your again, merely use the included high handles to hold it like a briefcase or grocery bag. These high handles made the backpack easy to maneuver round on the airport or leaping between conferences on the workplace. My again muscle groups had been absolutely grateful for them!
General, when packed evenly, the Kånken is an outstanding, snug backpack possibility for shorter workplace commutes via the town. Simply take into account that the heavier you pack it, the much less nice will probably be to haul round because the shoulder straps are thinner.
Group for Every day Work
The Fjällräven Kånken has a entrance panel loading system, which means you don’t should fumble with a bunch of zippers and blindly dig round such as you’re on a mapless treasure hunt. Reasonably, your entire backpack opens broad so you’ll be able to simply see and arrange its contents.
This specific design alternative makes packing and unpacking fairly seamless. In truth, due to this backpack, I want all packs had been entrance panel loading model. Actually, I can’t return to the “black gap” prevalent in top-loading backpacks.
When packing the Kånken, I used to be capable of match far more than anticipated, as I may puzzle every merchandise collectively inside the principle compartment. Simple loading and unloading are main pluses, particularly for people who’re always on the go or utilizing their backpacks in touring environments.
Now, what this backpack does lack is pocket choices. There is just one zippered exterior pocket positioned slightly below the emblem. It’s excellent for keys, chargers, and your cellphone, nevertheless it does stick out a bit when packed.
It may also be a ache to entry when twisting the backpack round when on, because the zipper has a lip of cloth over it. The Kånken additionally has two aspect exterior sleeve pockets for water bottles or a small umbrella. We advocate utilizing a slender bottle with these as they aren’t roomy sufficient to accommodate a full-size (32-ounce) Hydro Flask or Stanley.
There’s an inside sleeve the place the froth insert sits. This can be utilized only for the detachable foam or for a Kindle or pill. A small zippered pocket, positioned throughout from this sleeve, is good for securing gadgets comparable to passports, money, or your pockets. I appreciated this pocket for its skill to carry an SD card case and small onerous drive, as these are gadgets I can’t afford to lose attributable to their priceless knowledge.
Laptop computer Safety
The place the Fjällräven Kånken Laptop computer backpack differs from the common ol’ Kånken is the separate, zippered laptop computer compartment positioned on the again panel. Reasonably than having to maintain your laptop with all your different packed items, it will possibly sit in its personal particular place away from something which may scratch or harm it. This compartment is accessed from the highest of the pack through a zippered opening.
The padding on this compartment may undoubtedly be thicker, nevertheless it did the trick defending my smaller 13-inch MacBook Professional. Nevertheless, I needed to really take a look at out how effectively the Kånken may hold a pc secure within the occasion of a fall or spill, so I caught a non-functioning, older laptop computer in there and gave her an excellent toss.
The pc survived, however I do should say the thunk was a bit loud, so perhaps err on the aspect of warning when swinging this pet round. If the laptop computer compartment had some kind of suspension or Velcro to assist hold a pc elevated, I believe that will surely assist its case.
What I really like in regards to the Kånken’s laptop computer compartment is the silky smooth liner it’s constructed with. This prevents any scratches in your tech and likewise makes for a nice expertise when you’re unpacking this pocket. This textile is essential you probably have a pill or e-reader in there that doesn’t have a protecting case.
Bonus Factors
The general model of this bag is without doubt one of the most iconic and timeless within the business. Sometimes, laptop computer backpacks are solely out there in plain colours like black or grey, however Fjällräven really stands out with its intensive coloration choices out there for the Kånken’s Laptop computer model.
From muted earth tones to extra vibrant hues, there’s a Kånken coloration for everybody. I love the model’s sustainability and enchancment of the unique Kånken design, quite than shuffling via totally different merchandise yearly.
Talking of sustainability, I can also’t assist however shout out Fjällräven for its eco-friendly enterprise practices and mission to minimize its environmental footprint. When shopping the web site, I seen that the “Sustainability” tab is instantly subsequent to the clothes and backpack sections. The model acknowledges that its mission to raised the planet is simply as essential as promoting its merchandise, an attribute I critically admire in regards to the model.
Fjällräven makes use of sustainable and moral strategies via naturally derived textiles, recycled supplies, and membership via the Truthful Labor Affiliation (FLA), which focuses on employees’ rights and bettering situations. The Kånken particularly makes use of the aforementioned Vinylon F cloth that’s meant to final a lifetime because of its sturdiness and water resistance.
Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop computer Pack: Conclusion
As I came upon via testing this backpack, there are a mess of causes the Fjällräven Kånken Laptop computer model has grow to be a timeless piece of bags for individuals everywhere in the world of various genders and ages. It has a basic, old-school look with out sacrificing any of the technical attributes wanted in a sturdy laptop bag.
People who want a laptop computer backpack for college, journey, or work ought to definitely take into account the Kånken for its separate laptop computer pocket, open-panel loading system, and ample quantity of space for storing. The cubic model form is conducive to equipment like packing cubes and onerous items like books or a digital camera case.
People who want elevated padding or multifaceted organizational programs in a backpack may wish to take into account a unique product since this one merely simply opens up like a small suitcase.
In the event you have a tendency to hold a heavier packout on the way in which to high school or work, the shoulder straps on the Kånken is probably not sturdy sufficient for you. Nevertheless, if you would like a pack ideally suited for a weeklong journey to Europe or a summer time hike in your favourite nationwide park, undoubtedly take into account this bag for its timeless aesthetic and twin carry modes. Because the Kånken is so fashionable, I discovered that it went with most of my winter and spring outfits, if that issues to you.
The Fjällräven Kånken Laptop computer within the 17-inch mannequin is offered from Fjällräven and REI for $125. The smaller variations in 13- and 15-inch sizes retail for $113 and $120 you probably have a extra compact laptop or pill. Fjällräven additionally has further equipment out there for buy so as to add to your Kånken, like rain covers, gear baggage, chest straps, and extra.
In conclusion, the Fjällräven Kånken Laptop computer backpack is a incredible carry possibility for people needing somewhat extra oomph than what the unique Kånken can provide. With a separate laptop computer compartment, seating pad and choice to customise its total look and performance, the Kånken Laptop computer model is nice for employees and college students on the go each internationally and domestically.