Review: Fjällräven Kånken Backpack @BureauDirect @Fjallraven_Swe

Thank you to Misha and Bureau Direct for making this review possible! The Fjällräven Kånken backpack is cute, stylish, and it's really hard to pick just one color.

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ABOUT

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Straight backs are happy backs. Kånken was launched in 1978 to spare the backs of school children. Back problems had begun to appear in increasingly younger age groups and shoulder bags were popular. Kånken has many simple, clear functions. The backpack soon became a common sight at pre-schools and nature schools around the country. The idea of using a backpack quickly spread, as did Kånken. It is just as popular today, and an excellent choice for school, outings or biking to work. Kånken is made out of durable, lightweight Vinylon F. The large main compartment with a large opening makes it easy to put in/take out items. Two side pockets and a zippered pocket in the front. Handle at the top, narrow, supple shoulder straps, sitting pad in the pocket in the back and logo that doubles as a reflector. - Fjällräven

Color: Black
Material: Water-resistant Vinylon F - 100% Vinylal
Weight: 300 g
Height: 38 cm
Width: 27 cm
Depth: 13 cm
Weight: 300 g
Volume: 16 L
Non Textile Parts of Animal Origin: No
Laptop pocket: No
Price: £65.00
Where to buy: Bureau Direct

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APPEARANCE

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This black Kånken backpack is a pretty flat, simple backpack at first glance. This is just the black, but there are 43 colors available! This outside has a reflective Fjällräven on the front, as well as a front zippered pocket. The backpack straps are adjustable, although quite thin, and there is a carry handle that can be buttoned closed. The main compartment has two pockets, and the inside has a separate compartment at the back. There are two side pockets that are quite deep, located on the sides of the backpack. When it's empty, it's flat, thin, and easy to carry. It also holds a heck of a lot!

The inside pocket has a tag where you can leave your personal information, should your bag ever be lost and found. This kind of stuff is pretty important!

The color is not a super deep, solid black, in case that is what you are looking for. It is certainly black, but it has a touch of grey to it. Pictured on a black coat below.

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PERFORMANCE & FEEL

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As I mentioned, when the backpack is empty, it weighs practically nothing and is really easy to carry - for example if you want to fold it up and have it as a back up bag. The zippers are really smooth to use, they don't catch on material and get jammed, nor do they stop moving. It's a great system. Who wants to struggle and fight with their zipper? It's also convenient because it's not a very loud zipper. The zippers have holes so you can attach a lock to them, or a keychain, light, or other personal items.

The material is very durable and holds up well to regular use, wear and tear, even to sharp objects. It is a really easy to clean as well, using a soft brush and lukewarm water. It tolerates water pretty well, and I have been stuck in Dutch down pours while wearing it. It eventually starts to soak up water, but for brief encounters with showers, your goods inside will be safe enough. I wouldn't describe it as 100% waterproof. I love that the bag maintains its shape and form for the most part. It's durable, can be used in many conditions - ie. for school, work, and outdoor activities, and even for every day use. It doesn't flop over if there are few items in it. The zippers in the main compartment open quite wide, so it's easy to pack your bag all the way to the bottom.

The carry handles work well, especially when buttoned closed - it also adds some security to your bag while traveling. If the bag is really heavy, it can hurt your hands a little, because the handles are not padded.

Incredible capacity for a bag that looks so small, especially if you utilize the pockets and have your own pouches for sorting and organizing.

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PROS

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• Very light when empty. 
• Outer pockets are great for a water bottle and an umbrella!
• Can be folded up to carry. It's not a foldable bag, but it's not bulky when it's empty.
• Several pockets, including ones on the outside, for organizing your items.
• Durable material that is easy to clean.
• Fits most shoulders and backs perfectly!
• Great quality - should last a long time.

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CONS

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• Expensive.
• Colors can be hard to get due to erratic supply.
• Carry straps are not padded.
• Backpack straps work fine for most loads, but a really heavy load requires padded straps.
• Not 100% waterproof.

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OVERALL

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I'm a pretty big fan of Fjällräven products in general, especially their bags and pouches, which I think have very natural colors, work well, and are stylish to carry. I'd probably use a fanny pack if they made one. ... Do they?

I love using this bag because it's low key, and if I don't load it up, it has a very flat, thin profile. If I fill it up, it maintains shape so well that it doesn't even look bulky or funny.

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I received this item free of charge for the purposes of this review. I was not compensated monetarily for my review. Everything you've read here is my own opinion.