24.10.2014

For pretty much all intents and purposes, this is a great bag. I'm a city bicycle commuter and student that regularly bikes between 5 and 10 miles a day with lots of books, and I'm really impressed (and frankly somewhat baffled) by how well the flimsy looking straps distribute weight. As others have mentioned, the side pockets are far too small for any normal sized water bottle, but I find that they're great for holding an umbrella on one side and my iPod on the other, without any fear that either will fall out. Even when stuffed, this bag is quite slim (great if you ride lots of crowded, rush hour buses or metros) and it really does fit a lot more than you would expect.I've attached a photo of my Kanken with a fairly standard day's worth of stuff: umbrella + iPod (side pockets), keys, pepper spray, headphones, phone charger, and lip balm (front pocket, along with other small miscellany), wallet, light jacket, scarf, deodorant, water bottle, snacks, six books of varying sizes, and a small sketchbook (main compartment). If necessary I could also slide my 13" laptop into the designated compartment, and the bag would still feel pretty weightless, somehow. In the past I've found that my standard $40 Target backpack felt quite heavy with the same amount of stuff in it, but the Kanken somehow pulls its weight, and doesn't bother me even while scaling big hills on my bike. There are just two issues that I don't by any means consider deal-breakers, but wish I had seen them mentioned in other reviews prior to purchasing:1. Scuffing - As you can see from the photo, my Warm Yellow Kanken is quite dirty, just after roughly one month of use. That said, I am very active and use the bag daily, so it's somewhat expected. Even so, my very first outing with this bag was an evening of barhopping, and I was pretty shocked by how many inexplicable black marks it picked up by the time I got home. I haven't yet tried running it through a gentle wash cycle, as some sites have recommended, though dabbing plain water with a little bit of gentle detergent was helpful for bad spots the first and only time I tried it. After using it a bit more, the dirt has blended in better with the regular wear and tear, meaning it's not nearly as shocking as it first was, but nevertheless it's still sadly noticeable. Long story short: don't go with the light colors. I think I would love this bag twice as much if I had opted for a darker color, but alas. Don't make the same mistake I did.2. Lack of interior pockets - Though the bag holds a lot, you're kind of out of luck if you're trying to quickly grab your wallet from the bottom of your packed bag without holding up the bus fare line. Besides the laptop slot closest to your back, the large compartment is a free-for-all, and you kind of have no choice but to unzip it all the way, and maybe even remove most of the contents, in order to find things that aren't right on top. This probably wouldn't be much of an issue if you were using this bag as more of a purse full of lots of small things instead of a book bag, but because it has a zipper that extends down both sides (as opposed to an opening on top) you need to lay it down on its back and shift things around instead of casually rifling through to find what you need.All in all, I really do like this bag. It's so far proved very sturdy, waterproof, and perfect for serious bike commuting as well as casual daytime use. If you're ready to move up in the world from generic backpacks that barely last a season before falling apart, or just want a way to carry your things without killing your back and shoulders, I'd definitely recommend this to you!

17.10.2019

By far the best backpack I've ever bought. I'll be honest and say that the higher-than-average-price tag put me off a bit as I've bought numerous other high-end backpacks before but none of them lived up to their name or their price, so I was sceptical and hesitant about shelling out such a large sum on a backpack. One year down the line however, I'm very very glad that I took the chance and bought it!Hands down it is the best backpack I have ever owned. For normal use I stuff it full of books and files and walk for miles with it. And when I travel I just stuff it full of whatever is needed and take it everywhere.It's easy enough to take as hand luggage and - if not stuffed to the gills - can be pushed under the seat in front of you.It's waterproof as far as it goes - I've not put it to the test in monsoon conditions, but other than that, it keeps your stuff dry.The straps are a little thin and this could give you pause if you're used to padded straps. However, unless I'm wearing sleeveless tops, I've found that I don't even notice the straps. For those of you who want, Fjallraven does sell larger width straps seperately. I checked them out but found that I don't really need them.The color is nice (I got the black with red straps) but as it's canvas, the black tends to be a lighter shade of black and not midnight black.The canvas at first is very stiff and gave me cause for concern as it looked nothing like the other Fjallraven's I've seen adorning people on the street. This gets rectified with time and use. And if you take away the seat padding/ laptop padding that they've included in the inner pocket, the backpack (after use) looks like all the other ones - crumpled and comfortable. I've kept mine in because it also acts as padding against the books I lug around.For those of you used to multiple pockets in your bags, there is only one outer pouch, and one slim inner pocket to store your laptop in. While this may seem very basic, it actually helps you to begin to manage the clutter. For instance, I now have two pencil case type pouches where I store all the little bits and bobs I don't want getting lost.There are two slim-ish slots on either side of the bag, and while they can't be used for over-sized anythings, I use one for my umbrella, and the other for a not-large water bottle.The stitching on the handles is good and sturdy, and although I worry that my book-weight will eventually tear it out, so far it's held up. Fingers crossed it continues to do so.Also, although the inside compartment looks small, it holds a *lot* of stuff - don't be fooled by its apparent small size!Overall, I would have to say that I love the bag and would definitely buy it again if ever the need arose.

27.4.2021

I had considered getting a Kanken a few years ago, but decided to go for a more traditional city backpack that would have better padding for the back and shoulders, as well as some more space. And now that I finally got it, I realised how wrong I was!My main use for my bags is just carrying some essential stuff when out and about in the city (like a water bottle, an umbrella, powerbanks and chargers, a couple of books and notepads, a lunchbox, my work uniform etc). That stuff fits comfortably in the Kanken and there is still enough space for some light shopping, even though it looked impossible when I first saw it.Here are some things that really make this bag so ideal for the city:- The size and the shape.

6.6.2017

I purchased 3 of these (in different colors) from different Amazon sellers and each one was authentic. I went through several steps to confirm and was very pleased that none of them were fake! The sellers were: Amazon, Happy Haus, and Pipeline24. I purchased ox red, royal blue, and leaf green. I am not sure which one I am going to keep yet but am leaning towards leaf green or royal blue! Each of the colors is gorgeous though!! The bag, as others have said, fits a surprising amount inside. I am having my third baby this fall and plan to use it as a diaper bag and I know that I will not have trouble doing this at all. I love that the zipper comes all the way down on the sides - this is what sold me!

20.9.2014

I've always wanted this bag after seeing so many people have them in the city and I decided to finally get it! It's pretty sturdy and I'm able to fit my MacBook Pro 13", a textbook and some other books and things in it with no problem. I know that the slot in the bag isn't really made for laptops but it fits my MBP fine and I just leave the styrofoam in for some extra padding. I'm thinking of getting a laptop sleeve soon and I'm sure that it would be able to fit inside the slot.The design of the bag is really cute and I love how this bag can be used as a tote and as a backpack. I tend to use it as a backpack but I have carried it as a tote! I've gotten several compliments on my bag and I really like how it's boxy.

18.6.2015

I really enjoy this bag!I have to say I'm almost certain the one I received is a total fake, but it's good nonetheless and lot cheaper than a real one. The design is exactly like a Kanken and it's super cute! At first I thought it was really really small and the fabric was very stiff but it fits everything I need due to its square shape which allows for organising and after a bit of wear it works perfectly!The fabric itself is still weirdish, i'm not quite sure if it's actually the fabric Kankens are made out of, but it feels fine enough. The colour sometimes appears quite washed out in bright sunlight and you'll notice little white scratches that are temporary.

17.12.2017

i've been wanting a kanken for years now but couldn't commit because of so many color options and the price, but finally after many of my friends' great reviews of theirs and comments on how they've lasted years of use, i decided to get one. i actually kept an eye on the price and checked multiple times a day for a week as it changed to try to catch it at its lowest. i ended up catching a "like new, used" one for $45 through warehouse deals (that's nearly half the list price!), and though i was nervous i'd get a roughed up or worse, a fake one (considering some users have gotten fakes ordering new ones!), i went and bought it. thankfully, the one i received was not only real (check the front reflector,

9.6.2017

This is a great bag. Normally don't leave reviews but - credit where credit's due. My daughter wanted it for school. She burns through bags like they're going out of fashion. I wasn't keen to spend nearly £50 on a bag that would be trashed in two months - did feel I was having my pants pulled down a bit. But - it's great. She has given it some serious hammer. It's dirty, dusty, dragged across the floor, chucked in the corner, trodden on, stamped on. There are no rips, no tears. It's solid. Would buy another but I don't think I'll need one because I can't see this one giving up soon.I am going to edit this review to say one year on - now July 2018 - she is still using the same bag! Still no holes,

10.8.2017

I've seen this bag all over tumblr. Especially the ochre (the one I got). I've been hesitant to buy a bag this pricy, but after literally a year of wanting one I've decided to finally man up and get one. After it arrived I couldn't believe it. This is such a beautiful backpack! The color is gorgeous. Although when I first opened up the package my heart sunk, "...it's so small," I thought to myself. I wanted to use this as a school backpack and as a student, there is nothing worse than a tiny backpack. I kept it around though, holding on to hopes that I may be able to manage using this for something. I got all of my school supplies and then some and started trying to put it into my bag.

9.6.2017

This is a great bag. Normally don't leave reviews but - credit where credit's due. My daughter wanted it for school. She burns through bags like they're going out of fashion. I wasn't keen to spend nearly £50 on a bag that would be trashed in two months - did feel I was having my pants pulled down a bit. But - it's great. She has given it some serious hammer. It's dirty, dusty, dragged across the floor, chucked in the corner, trodden on, stamped on. There are no rips, no tears. It's solid. Would buy another but I don't think I'll need one because I can't see this one giving up soon.I am going to edit this review to say one year on - now July 2018 - she is still using the same bag! Still no holes,

9.9.2020

I purchased this for my girlfriend with some hesitation. A lot of review here said it was fake, and I think in fairness some of them do look fake. But based on the high price, and Amazon’s refund policy, I took the gamble that I’d get a real one.On arrival, it was pretty squashed and almost vacuum packed, lots of creases. I read a fair few articles online and compared to a friends bay that was purchased in a genuine fjallraven store. I can confirm the bag I got is REAL!Best ways to tell are the stitching quality, if the front pocket has a large crease, and stiffness of the material. Genuine bags are made of a really stiff material that creases when folded up.I followed instructions and hand

22.3.2016

I use it as a diaper bag for my almost 2 year old. I switched from a giant diaper bag to this one because I wanted a backpack so that it won't be as cumbersome to lug around (note: no need to buy extra stroller hooks because you can just hang the backpack straps on the stroller handles!) I like that because it doesn't scream "diaper bag", it's good for either myself or my husband to carry around.Although it's not as big as my old diaper bag, it's surprisingly roomy! In the main compartment I usually have a changing pad (in the inside pocket), a sippy cup, a small fleece blanket, napkins, a change of clothes, a thin jacket, a small container of snacks (as well as some other pre-packaged snacks floating around inside),

14.6.2018

This is my second kanken backpack. My first one was the mini also in the color brick. I have had this backpack for about a month and it's still in great condition. Watch out for fakes...you can tell by looking to see if amazon has either verified or fulfilled the seller or company. This has gotten me a real kanken twice (I only have two). Overall I completely love this backpack in the color brick, it surprising holds a lot! The front pocket holds a lot on its own (it holds my wallet, share size candy, deck of cards, battery blocks, chargers, ear buds, pens, floss, battery pack and my ipod) it will be super full but it holds all of it in the front. The middle can hold my Instax printer and some film,

13.1.2017

I purchased the warm yellow kanken in 2015 and just purchased another one (in sky blue), so i figured it was time to give it a review. I don't do reviews often (this is my first one actually...) but this bag has been my prized posession for years so how could I not?! It's been roadtripping across the country with me, travelling to LA, Florida, Georgia, Texas, and back to New York. It goes with me when I hike, explore, and is my school backpack too! (I get soooo many compliments on it.) it fits A LOT too. For class I can fit a couple notebooks, folders, my laptop, a snack, my wallet, pens, my keys, and usually a waterbottle as well. It's durable and will not rip or tear because of the tough fabric.

12.8.2015

I finally gave in and bought a kanken, and I have to say I'm definitely impressed. Great quality backpack, super stylish. I personalized mine with a bulky cute keychain and some pins, which is so easy to do with this backpack as it's not overwhelmingly designed (always a plus). I have received multiple compliments on it. The quality is perfect too, it's very durable and the material is not cheap at all. Personally, for me it is a great day to day backpack, I've used it for about a month now, and it's a great highlight to any outfit. It can very well be used as a school backpack too, which is what I intend to do once school starts. It fits my Mac, and can fit books.

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