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Fjallraven Kanken Backpacks

FlyingLotus

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Anyone have one of these ? opinions ?
They look kinda cool from the pictures, but wondering if they look cheap in person.
 

Riio

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i have one, it's alright but i'd rather have another bag now. they do look a little cheap, especially the back straps, which aren't padded.

the bag itself feels solid and is waterproof though. no doubt they last years
 

ben39

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I bought one for christmas but haven't really used it since. It's okay but it is smaller than what I thought it would be. It kind of looks like a backpack for children. Appears very durable that's for sure. Like Riio said, the straps are thin and cheap looking. For the price I would probably pass on it but I guess it depends what you want to use it for.
 

Superb0bo

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^^ I have a Kånken Big, which is, well, larger (22L) and with padded straps. Recommended. Although the classic size kånken is good for what it is, it´s on the small side for me.
 

jaac

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Simple, lightweight bags that hold up to pretty rigorous activity. I like mine for just chucking things in and running out the door. I find they don't go well with many "fits" mostly due to the straps, it looks best over just a white t imo. The best thing about them is the ability to get swedish beezies to talk to you, no joke i have had 4 different girls approach me whilst walking around and ask about my bag.
 

bigbjorn

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Had one since kindergarten. It's held up well for the last 28 years... As to whether it looks cheap - it looks like a Swedish children's backpack to use for outings in the woods and for going to school. I don't think I can disentangle the cultural baggage from the baggage itself. It's no better or worse in general build than say a Jansport.
 

Superb0bo

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^^even so, they are worn by all ages. I have one that used to belong to my grandmother, I think she used it when out in the woods, and picking various berries.
 

phildo

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I have a yellow one, but I kinda dress like a hipster so it fits in with my style.

Comments I've gotten:

"You paid $60 for that? It looks like it costs $10" - from a girl who is kinda stylish

"That looks like a kids backpack" - from an azn dude i go to school with

"That looks very 70's, I like it" - from a stylish azn girl I go to school with

They're a good size for biking or going to the beach or something but not really big enough for a laptop.
 

AlecEiffel

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Haha, I get a lot of "looks like a kid's bag" comments too. That or "that looks like something a Japanese girl would wear"

I find it very convenient to have such a small backpack, it makes me really downsize on what I bring with me, and plus it's waterproof. If you really want to, you can rearrange the straps to have a tiny ass duffle bag or purse, which has only been useful to me when I was in a museum. It holds my EEEpc fine too.

So far I've had it while on campus and while at home, I find it useful when I'm commuting by bike. What's the point in having a huge ass backpack anyway? Carry and lug more **** you don't need?

I gotta say it was definitely worth the $75 I bought it for.
 

ben39

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Speaking of Jansport...
Picture%20224.png
Might be a good alternative if your after a simple backpack?
 

jaac

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if you can seam rip the tag off itd be fine, not really into the big branding.
 

nativebelle

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I think they do look cheap and dated and small, but that's part of the appeal for me. It looks like something you dug out of your parents' basement. I'm not really into bringing a lot of gear around - I'd never need it as more than an overnight bag or a laptop/two books bag, which I think it does well enough. It's a refreshing change from the North Face heavy duty gear I see on campus all the time.
 

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