Fjallraven Kanken
Fjallraven Kanken backpacks, the iconic Swedish daypack loved for school, work and travel. Shop the classic Kanken Backpack 16L, the Kanken 15 inch Laptop Backpack 18L, and the Kanken High Coast Hip Pack and Hip Pack for hands free days out, in a range of colours.
Explore more luggage, from daypacks to travel bags.
See the Kanken colours in person at our Grey Lynn concept store at 36 Pollen Street, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Fjallraven Kanken Travel Bags
About Fjallraven Kanken
Fjallraven was founded in Sweden in 1960 by Ake Nordin, who began by making a backpack with a wooden frame in his family's basement. The Kanken followed in 1978, designed to help Swedish schoolchildren avoid back problems by giving them a simple, well proportioned backpack to carry their books. It quickly became a classic, and today the Kanken is one of the most recognisable bags in the world, with its rectangular shape and round fox logo.
The design has hardly changed in over four decades, which is a big part of its appeal: it is simple, tough and easy to live with.
The Kanken range
The classic Kanken Backpack 16L has one large main compartment with a wide zip opening, a front zip pocket, two side pockets and two top handles, so you can carry it by hand as well as on your back. A seat pad tucks into the back panel, handy when you need somewhere dry to sit. It is made from Vinylon F, a hard wearing fabric that resists dirt and water and keeps its colour.
The Kanken 15 inch Laptop Backpack 18L adds a padded laptop sleeve and a bit more space for work or study, and the Kanken High Coast Hip Pack and Hip Pack keep your phone, keys and wallet close at hand on walks, festivals and travel days.
Everyday, travel and Kanken at Land & Sea
Kanken bags work as a daily bag for school, uni or the commute, as a light daypack for short walks, and as a carry-on companion when travelling. They come in a huge choice of colours, so it is easy to find one that suits you.
At Land & Sea we stock the Kanken range alongside our wider travel and luggage collection. Come in and see the colours for yourself, or ask our team which size suits the way you carry your gear.
Frequently asked questions about Fjallraven Kanken
What is a Fjallraven Kanken backpack made of?
The classic Fjallraven Kanken is made from Vinylon F, a durable fabric that resists dirt and water and keeps its colour well over years of use. It has a simple rectangular shape with one main compartment, a front zip pocket, side pockets and top carry handles. Most marks can be wiped off with a damp cloth, and because of its simple construction, a Kanken can last for many years as an everyday bag.
Will a laptop fit in a Fjallraven Kanken?
The classic Kanken Backpack 16L does not have a dedicated laptop sleeve, so for a laptop choose the Kanken 15 inch Laptop Backpack 18L, which has a padded sleeve made for laptops up to 15 inches and a little more space for books and accessories. Check your laptop's dimensions against the sleeve before buying, as some 15 inch laptops are larger than others, especially gaming and workstation models.
Why was the Kanken backpack designed?
Fjallraven introduced the Kanken in 1978 after reports of back problems among Swedish schoolchildren. The idea was a simple, lightweight backpack that spread the load of school books evenly across both shoulders. Its practical design, tough fabric and distinctive look made it popular well beyond the classroom, and it has since become one of the best known backpacks in the world, used every day by commuters, students and travellers.
Is the Fjallraven Kanken good for travel?
Yes. A Kanken makes a handy travel daypack because it is light, simple and easy to pack into a larger bag. The 16L size suits a day of sightseeing with a water bottle, jacket and snacks, while the 18L laptop version works as a personal item on a flight. The Kanken High Coast Hip Pack and Hip Pack are useful for keeping passports, phones and cards close at hand when you are on the move.
What is the seat pad in a Kanken backpack?
Inside the back panel of the classic Kanken there is a removable foam pad. It adds a little structure to the bag and helps protect your back from sharp edges in the pack, and you can pull it out to use as a dry, insulated seat on cold or wet ground, on a bench, on a rock or at a festival. It is a small detail, but it is one of the things Kanken owners often say they use the most.
How do I clean a Fjallraven Kanken?
Spot clean a Kanken by wiping it with a damp cloth or a soft brush and a little mild soap. For a deeper clean, hand wash it in lukewarm water and let it air dry away from direct heat. Avoid machine washing and tumble drying, as this can damage the fabric's finish and shape. Remove the seat pad before washing, and let the bag dry fully before refitting it to stop any mildew from forming.