First Impression of Fjallraven Kanken 17" Laptop Backpack
Fjallraven Kanken 17" Laptop Backpack
Fjallraven Kanken backpack has gained quite a following in recent years. Due to its simple form and structure, and vast options of colors, it has captured people's hearts. At this point, the traditional Kanken has about 60 color options! You literally can find any colors you want to match your wardrobe.
Fjallraven logo patch and the hang tag
I have known about Fjallrave for years now, but I didn't get one till recently. I had always wondered if the backpack was really worth the hype? Would it be one of those things that trending for a second, and then nobody talks about it soon after? When I buy bags or backpacks, I like pockets and compartments for organizing my things. However, Fjallraven Kanken is not that. When you unzip the main compartment, you see a slot for the seat pad at the back, and that's it! Would I really like a backpack like that? I was always not sure about that.
After purchasing the Himawari backpack's classic size, I decided if I was going to buy more, I needed something bigger! Hence, when I was shopping for a Fjallraven Kanken backpack, I decided to purchase one of their biggest Kankens, the Kanken Laptop 17"! It doesn't have as many color options like the classic Kanken, but I love blue, and the deep blue option looked gorgeous!
The 17" laptop backpack only has 1 side pocket
As a friendly reminder, after watching millions of Fjallraven Kanken reviews on YouTube, I learned that there are many counterfeits, fake Kanken backpacks out there. Common sense is, if the price is too good to be true, it probably is fake. If you are buying on Amazon, eBay, or anywhere other than the Fjallraven website, make sure you check if you have the option to return and get a refund. I am an REI member, and they were having a member's 20% sale, so I took the opportunity and bought my Kanken on REI's website. I went into my local REI to see if I could pick it up at the store, but it seemed they only sell Fjallraven products on their website.
Inside Fjallraven Kanken backpack
Finally, I received my first Fjallraven Kanken backpack! First thing first, I checked to make sure it's real. I don't think REI would sell counterfeit, but after watching so many fake Kanken videos on YouTube, you get paranoid, lol. The color looks a tad brighter than the pictures on the website, in a good way. It's a beautiful blue. Looking at my backpack, I can see why people could love Kanken just because of the colors! The backpack looks uniform, and the color is consistent throughout the whole backpack other than the reflective logo patch and a few hardware.
Kanken backpack stitches detail
The material feels solid. The backpack was made in 100% Vinylon F, and the touch of the fabric is very similar to wax cotton. I splashed some water on the bag, and the water did mostly runoff. I could easily wipe the remaining water droplets off without leaving stains. It can probably withstand a brief light rain without getting your stuff wet inside, but I don't think it is waterproof. Water is going to sip in eventually if the bag is wet for a long time.
Kanken backpack top handle
The webbing and the top handle are made with Polypropylene, and it is very sturdy and strong, not likely to break easily. However, the strap buckles are made of plastic; in my opinion, the metal buckles on Himawari and Doughnut Macaroon backpacks may outlast a plastic one. As a photographer, I get used to many modern-made backpacks. Most of the camera backpacks allow you to adjust the strap easily by pulling it. It is not the case with Kanken. You can't adjust the strap on the go or when you are walking on the street. You have to manually thread the strap through the plastic bucket to adjust it to the right length.
Button on Fjallraven Kanken backpack
I know people have talked about how good their Kanken backpacks are and how long they last, with some even passed them down to their kids. Personally, that sounds like an urban legend. Unless you rarely use your bag and store it somewhere cool and dry, I doubt that it would last that long. I have seen many YouTubers who used their Kanken daily, and the backpacks started to break after a few years.
Fjallraven Kanken backpack strap buckle
If you purchased their Kanken No. 2, it comes with a better-made seat pad, and I believe they should include the improved seat pad in all their Kankens, not just No. 2. I don't care what other reviewers said; the traditional foam seat pad does look like a cheap packing foam. I highly doubt that I would ever use the seat pad; the idea sounds silly, to be honest.
Fjallraven Kanken backpack zipper
Since it is basically a big space once I open the flap, I am looking into getting a camera bag insert or a bag organizer. Kanken does sell bag organizers for their backpacks, but since I will use it to carry my cameras, I would prefer to get something that would provide a little extra padding at the bottom.
So far, so good for the first impression. I definitely like it enough to use it when I am out or when I go camping. With the ample space it has, no wonder many people use it for travel. I imagine I can pack quite a lot of clothing in it, and with the Kanken 17" I have, I could easily use it for a weekend getaway or a week's travel.
