OK, I lastly get the hype. Ever since I used to be a child, I’ve seen retro-style Fjällräven backpacks in every single place. From school rooms and low outlets to worldwide airports, I all the time noticed the “hip children” rocking these colourful cubic packs from the well-known Swedish firm.
I used to be stunned to be taught that the long-lasting 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 protected to imagine that they’re doing one thing proper over in Örnsköldsvik.
I used to be initially skeptical of the Kånken — how might such a small rucksack that appears extra fashionable than purposeful be an excellent laptop computer backpack? Boy, was I mistaken.
Since its inception, this backpack was really designed to be extra purposeful than trendy: The inflexible dice form was meant to assist schoolchildren’s posture and alleviate the shoulder stress that extra frequent shoulder luggage 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 expertise as extra people 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 properly — performing as each a spacious piece of bags and a sturdy companion.
Briefly: The Fjällräven Kånken 17” Laptop computer Pack soars in any classroom or journey surroundings because of its modular storage capability, timeless model, and laptop computer safety issue. Out there in an array of shade choices, this backpack is good for college students or working professionals needing loads of area for his or her gear with out having to fully 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 obtainable at this time.
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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 measurement
17″ -
Finest use
College and journey
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Dice design extra conducive to storage -
Further foam insert doubles as a seat pad -
Trendy and carry-on compliant
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Facet pockets usually are not stretchy sufficient for bigger bottles -
Solely two zipper pockets -
Material is definitely creased
Fjällräven Kånken 17″ Laptop computer Pack: Assessment
First Impressions — No Scarcity of Character
Out there in 12 earthy shade 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.
Once 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 manage my requirements.
Although the Kånken seems considerably small, it was able to becoming my MacBook Professional, a keyboard, a big novel, headphones, a digicam, and its equipment. At airport safety, you sometimes have to unload a few of these gadgets, so with the ability to open the bag fully simplifies the normally 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 middle of the backpack is Fjällräven’s staple branding, the purple fox emblem. There aren’t any additional straps, buckles, or attachments. This look is fairly common in many 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 time beyond regulation with out compromising sturdiness.
When it comes to water resistance, the Vinylon F fibers really constrict when moist, in order that they repel water with out an additional chemical coating. Nevertheless, make word that this laptop computer backpack isn’t 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, people preferring a extra “classic” look to their attire, might respect that the material has a extra rugged look after some use.
While you need to retailer your Kånken or throw it in an overhead bin on a flight, you’ll be able to tighten the straps and connect the unfastened 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 Completely satisfied Backs!
In contrast to the unique Kånken mannequin, the laptop computer model has included padded straps. When packed frivolously, this backpack is fairly comfy, 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 might 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 good on the spot under my shoulders and didn’t jostle round a lot in any respect, even when strolling rapidly between airport connections. The inflexible, boxy form of this pack actually upholds Fjällräven’s “Straight backs are completely satisfied backs!” branding.
Higher but, the Kånken’s foam insert is detachable, so you should use it as a seat pad throughout connections between flights or chilling in your college’s garden. You would 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 threat getting it soiled.
While 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 tissues have been absolutely grateful for them!
Total, when packed frivolously, the Kånken is an excellent, comfy backpack possibility for shorter workplace commutes by means of 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 Day by day Work
The Fjällräven Kånken has a entrance panel loading system, which means you don’t need to fumble with a bunch of zippers and blindly dig round such as you’re on a mapless treasure hunt. Somewhat, the whole backpack opens broad so you’ll be able to simply see and manage its contents.
This specific design alternative makes packing and unpacking fairly seamless. Actually, due to this backpack, I want all packs have 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 rather more than anticipated, as I might puzzle every merchandise collectively inside the primary compartment. Simple loading and unloading are main pluses, particularly for folk who’re continually 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 brand. It’s excellent for keys, chargers, and your cellphone, but it surely does stick out a bit when packed.
It will 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 facet 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 internal 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 similar to passports, money, or your pockets. I appreciated this pocket for its capacity to carry an SD card case and small onerous drive, as these are gadgets I can’t afford to lose on account of their priceless information.
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. Somewhat than having to maintain your laptop with your entire different packed items, it could possibly sit in its personal particular place away from something that may scratch or harm it. This compartment is accessed from the highest of the pack by way of a zippered opening.
The padding on this compartment might undoubtedly be thicker, but it surely did the trick defending my smaller 13-inch MacBook Professional. Nevertheless, I wished to actually take a look at out how properly the Kånken might preserve a pc protected 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 need to say the thunk was a bit loud, so possibly err on the facet of warning when swinging this pet round. If the laptop computer compartment had some kind of suspension or Velcro to assist preserve a pc elevated, I feel that would definitely assist its case.
What I really like in regards to the Kånken’s laptop computer compartment is the silky delicate 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 if in case you have a pill or e-reader in there that doesn’t have a protecting case.
Bonus Factors
The general model of this bag is among the most iconic and timeless within the business. Sometimes, laptop computer backpacks are solely obtainable in plain colours like black or grey, however Fjällräven really stands out with its intensive shade choices obtainable for the Kånken’s Laptop computer model.
From muted earth tones to extra vibrant hues, there’s a Kånken shade for everybody. I like the model’s sustainability and enchancment of the unique Kånken design, slightly than shuffling by means of 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 reduce its environmental footprint. When searching the web site, I seen that the “Sustainability” tab is straight 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 significantly admire in regards to the model.
Fjällräven makes use of sustainable and moral strategies by means of naturally derived textiles, recycled supplies, and membership by means of 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 by means of testing this backpack, there are a mess of causes the Fjällräven Kånken Laptop computer model has change into a timeless piece of bags for folks all around 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 actually think about 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 digicam case.
People who want elevated padding or multifaceted organizational programs in a backpack would possibly need to think about a distinct product since this one merely simply opens up like a small suitcase.
If you happen to have a tendency to hold a heavier packout on the best way to highschool or work, the shoulder straps on the Kånken will not be sturdy sufficient for you. Nevertheless, if you would like a pack perfect for a weeklong journey to Europe or a summer season hike in your favourite nationwide park, undoubtedly think about 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 accessible from Fjällräven and REI for $125. The smaller variations in 13- and 15-inch sizes retail for $113 and $120 if in case you have a extra compact laptop or pill. Fjällräven additionally has additional equipment obtainable for buy so as to add to your Kånken, like rain covers, gear luggage, chest straps, and extra.
In conclusion, the Fjällräven Kånken Laptop computer backpack is a improbable carry possibility for folk needing a bit 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.
