Fjallraven Kanken Backpack 16L Reviewed in 2025

Why Is the Kanken So Popular?

Like many before us, we had heard many things (mostly great) about the Fjallraven 16L Classic backpack. Like some others, we were understandably put off by its pricier price point and its relatively simple structure.

After a few years of regular use, we have certainly put our Kanken 16L through the works.

So how has the famous Fjallraven Kanken 16L fared after all this time and is it worth the hype?

First and foremost, it has surpassed expectations in a surprising way. We’ll detail how the unique pack does it.

Iconic Design of the Kanken

Generally, the Scandinavian lifestyle has been celebrated across the globe for their less-is-more attitude to the everyday. Like many Scandic brands, such as Rains, Helly Hansen, Suunto, and Fjallraven, their designs seem to have a beautiful balance of form and function.

Although the Kånken was initially created for Swedish school children over 40 years ago, it made its modern breakthrough in 2006.

It was decided that the classic Kanken was no longer to be in a few basic colors but a whole spectrum. From that moment on, people learned about the durability and sustainability practices of Fjallraven and their outdoor products, including their classic 16L Kanken backpack.

One of the backpack’s winning features is that it’s not too sporty or too sophisticated; a simple unisex backpack with a universal design. Having been around for decades, the Kanken seems to work well for various people and their needs, whether for school, work, or other casual activities.

So, what makes the 16L Kanken backpack such a great backpack that can stand the test of time? As we’ve been using the Kanken, we saw its strength lay predominantly within two design choices: the external canvas material and the straps. 

Enduring Materials and Quality

The Kanken backpack is crafted from a material known as Vinylon F, which is unique to Fjallrvaven. Vinylon F is a synthetic fiber that originates from South Korea and Japan. Though man-made, it functions much like a natural material. When Vinylon F fibers become damp, they swell, and the weaves become tighter. So, the wetter the Kanken gets, the more water resistant it becomes. 

Vinylon F is relatively lightweight, and an empty 16L Kanken weighs 10.6 ounces (300g). The canvas-ness of the backpack, coupled with its waxy feel, makes the bag resistant to all kinds of dirt and dampness and easy to clean. A few years later, our Kanken has been used regularly. There are a few stains and the bag is obviously not new anymore, but we are still impressed with its resistance to dirt.

We should note that we have quite a light-colored Kanken, the Sky Blue. We can imagine that some stains would be less obvious on a darker-colored bag. We recommend that if you think of using the Kanken every day/commuting or on muddy adventures, a darker color is favorable.

Kanken’s Straps Have Got Your Back

Another way that the Kanken backpack sets itself apart from other everyday backpacks currently on the market is with its backpack straps. The Kanken features cross-strap back straps, which are secured on the top of the back panel between the shoulders. We found that the X-shape of these backpack straps helps to keep it flat against the back and doesn’t sag when wearing it or when placed on the ground.

The harnessing system is snug and pleasant enough for short-term journeys or medium loads. We won’t recommend the Kanken for all-day carry or heavy loads, where the padded shoulder straps of North Face backpacks are much more comfortable.

Also, the shoulder straps have only two length adjustments: You can lock them at the top snap, which may be too short, or at the bottom snap, which may be too long for some. If you decide to go in between, your Kanken will have dangling straps.

Capacity and Compartments

In terms of pockets and compartments, the Kanken is relatively simple. It has one main compartment with a laptop sleeve, two side pockets for bottles, and one front pocket.

Main Compartment

The main compartment has a 2-way zipper closure, which means we can access the inside from any point, whether it be the side or the top of the pack. The Kanken also has a clamshell opening, so the zips go all the way around the bag. This is particularly useful when we had packed a reasonable amount into the backpack and needed to access the bottom. For example, if we needed to get to the lunch box in the bottom, we didn’t have to remove everything else to get it.

As well as a clamshell opening, the Kanken has a stiff boxy shape which also helps with stacking items inside. The Jansport Superbreak, for example, has less structure and belongings tend to move around. With the Kanken’s square shape, the bag doesn’t sag on your back and is much more comfortable to carry. 

There is a laptop sleeve in the main compartment, which can fit 13- or 14-inch laptops. All Kankens come with a seat pad in the sleeve, a relic from the Swedish schoolchildren era. The seat pad now doubles up as padding for your laptop and gives the spine of the bag a bit more firmness. The sleeve is not raised off the ground so we would recommend having your laptop in a neoprene case to protect it.

Side Pockets

The Kanken has two side pockets, which are too small for most water bottles. Slim thermos bottles can fit, but the pockets aren’t elasticated and push into the bag, taking up internal space. We know that this is a classic backpack, but elastic on the pockets like on the TNF Vault could help a lot.

Front Pocket

The front pocket is 25m x 20cm and roomy enough for smaller items such as keys, a phone, lip balm, etc. This pocket is very basic, and we think a few organizational features, such as a key catcher or a smaller pocket to tuck away a wallet or a few pens, would be useful.

Price/Quality Ratio

There’s no denying that the Fjallraven is a relatively expensive bag, especially when compared to others on the market today. Considering the simplicity and lack of organizational features, we feel that the Kanken is overpriced. For a little less, the TNF Vault has 10 extra liters, two big water bottle pockets, and plenty of packing options.

Do we recommend Fjallraven Kanken?

We do recommend the Fjallraven Kanken, and even though you do pay for the brand, Fjallraven is a trustworthy and durable brand, and the Kanken Classic can last for decades.

Many backpacks today, like the Borealis, have many features and perhaps aren’t the prettiest. The Fjallraven Kanken stands out from the crowd with its unisex and dialed-back design, making it a great addition to many activities and outfits.

For reasons we can see, the Kanken tends to be worn by women more often than men. But our editor doesn’t mind using it. In fact, the primary Kanken bag used for testing has been borrowed from his wife, who complains about wanting it back.