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Original poster

Fjällräven Kånken classic backpack... disappointing

99 replies

JaffaCake70 · 14/05/2023 19:02

I've wanted a Fjällräven Kånken backpack for aaaages

Someone has recently bought one for me as a gift and I have to say for the price of it (£95) I really don't think it's very good quality. I do like it, I like the look of it, it's a good shape and size but I'm slightly underwhelmed with it.

I'm not sure what I was expecting but it just seems flimsy and the stitching looks a bit, well, not particularly well finished. It just feels and looks cheaply made.

I'm very grateful for the gift and thanked the person profusely for buying something they knew I'd wanted for a long time, and I will use it every day for work. I'm just a bit disappointed with the quality of it as I think £95 is quite expensive for a small backpack.

Has anyone else bought one and thought the same?

I'm also interested to know if you've made any purchases or had gifts bought for you that you've felt a similar way about? Paid a lot but been less than impressed with the quality.

I've attached a pic of said backpack, not that you can really gauge much about the quality of the item from the pic.

Fjällräven Kånken classic backpack... disappointing
OP posts:
MyEyesAreBleeding · 14/05/2023 21:14

@jaffacake70 there are a few articles and videos which showcase the original vs fake and what to look for.

www.mycasualstyle.com/fjallraven-kanken-real-vs-fake/

I'm gonna start a kipling appreciation thread 😁

2ndMrsdeWinter · 14/05/2023 21:17

I don’t know if I have a different bag to everyone else on this thread but I find they’re not roomy enough at all: can barely fit anything in besides my laptop. The straps are very uncomfortable and a nightmare to adjust. Worst £95 I’ve spent in a long while.

GracePalmer33 · 14/05/2023 21:24

I like mine (I use as a baby changing bag and carry it with me everywhere) but I don't think they are worth the price tag either. I bought mine second hand. I wouldn't buy them new.

plasticpens · 14/05/2023 21:26

I have one and I use it for travelling as it fits nicely on top of a cabin sized suitcase. It's black though and looks faded and scruffy even though it's only been used a handful of time. I do like the bag though.

ohsuzannah · 14/05/2023 21:26

I'd rather have one from Kindbag!

AndIKnewYouMeantIt · 14/05/2023 21:29

I have a mini which is about 4 years old and great quality but I find the square shape annoying to unzip around the corners. I've put mine away for DS to use for school and moved on to Roka which are more like £60/70 (mine was £30 from T K Maxx). I've got 2 Longchamp backpacks from Brandalley which were cheaper than £95 and indestructible.

If anyone does get one I 100% suggest avoiding light colours.

SecretVictoria · 14/05/2023 21:37

Yeah, I hear you. Got one a couple of years ago as a present from DH. I have used it, but like pp, have found my Vans/Cath Kidston ones superior. The straps are thin and dig in and I’ve not got much confidence if I needed to carry a lot of stuff as it doesn’t feel robust enough.

Fedoos · 14/05/2023 21:37

I bought one recently after wanting one for a while (same colour as yours - I know that's not important). Like you, I was pretty disappointed when it arrived. Was expecting something more robust for the money paid. Would have considered returning it but I was going on holiday the next day and really needed a new bag.

Two months on, I've used it a lot. I like how it looks and I can fit everything in it that I need to, but still feel a bit like I've been ripped off.

TheChosenTwo · 14/05/2023 21:42

mamaca · 14/05/2023 20:39

I didn't know you could put them in the washing machine - can I ask what colour yours is and what cycle you put it on at? I've had mine for 4 years, I like it - spacious, fairly sturdy and I often use the seat pad when out for a picnic 😊

Show quote history

I have a yellow one, wash it on 30 and dry it upside down over the back of a wooden dining chair!
It washes really well, maybe do it every 6 months or so despite it being a light colour it’s not terrible for getting grubby. I’m not saying they’re supposed to be washed, but I figured that it couldn’t do it much damage so risked it.

baffledcoconut · 14/05/2023 22:12

Wait. They should have a pad in it?! Mine doesn’t…. And it’s a genuine one. I feel
this might change my mind about it.

Dwightlovesmichael · 14/05/2023 22:26

I’ve got a knock off one from ebay. It was 12.99 a few years ago and is still going strong.

feralunderclass · 14/05/2023 22:45

I'm very happy with both of mine, but they were £7 in a Turkish market.

Freezylap · 14/05/2023 22:49

I use mine every day and have had it for about 4 years. It’s still going strong. I find it incredibly comfortable to use despite the narrow straps so I’d buy another one even if it was falling apart.

applespearsbears · 14/05/2023 22:51

You need an osprey daylite or arcane backpack, absolutely brilliant

Zampa · 14/05/2023 22:53

flowertoday · 14/05/2023 19:37

I have just bought a Fancy Forest Kalidi rucksack - same style , much cheaper and nice quality. Would recommend

I have this one. Convinced it's made in the same factory with just a different label.

SeasonsBleatings · 14/05/2023 22:53

DH and I have used ours for the last four years and find they are really comfy and fit in far more than you would think. I would definitely get another if this one ever wears out.

Harrythehappypig · 14/05/2023 22:54

I bought my DC one for school when they were 6, now nearly 17 and still using the same bag. Other DC has same but wanted a new bag last year as no longer liked the colour. The zip has now burst on the new bag so price per use of the Kanken is winning.

Ouchiebum · 14/05/2023 22:59

Fjällräven now look and feel flimsy. I’ve got a Sandqvist rucksack for work and it’s brilliant. Padded straps, lots of room. Love it. Even better is their travel rucksack. Has a zip round the back so you can open it like a suitcase as well as having a top opening. I can pack for a long weekend in it. Definitely recommend
https://www.sandqvist.co.uk/p/roald-dark_-slate_-with_-black_-leather

Roald - Backpack - Dark Slate Blue | Sandqvist

Sandqvist’s Roald is one of our classics. A timeless rucksack made in an organic cotton and recycled polyester mix, featuring an inner laptop compartmen...

https://www.sandqvist.co.uk/p/roald-dark_-slate_-with_-black_-leather

hotdiggetydog · 14/05/2023 23:02

Ive had one since 2011 and it's bombproof

SemperIdem · 14/05/2023 23:24

Floralie · 14/05/2023 19:43

Oh and also yes I've done this with a Mulberry bag. I bought one second hand a while ago and it was excellent quality, treated myself to one new a few years later and the quality was no way near as good. Just another brand that builds a following as PP says and then cuts corners and relies on their reputation to keep them going.

Agree re Mulberry!

I have an Alexa circa 2010 and recently whilst shopping recently looked at a newer model (not to buy, just out of curiosity), everything from the leather to the gold hardware feels cheaper on the new ones.

Divorcedalongtime · 14/05/2023 23:43

i grew up wearing these for school 40 years ago. I have one now, it’s ok and I like it.
I’ve had Nike backpacks that were way worse quality.

Wallywobbles · 15/05/2023 05:51

DSD has had one for about 5 years. It is still in good condition. Probably because it gives her back ache so she doesn't wear it that often.

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 15/05/2023 05:57

adulthumanfemalemum · 14/05/2023 19:37

My daughter insisted on getting one for a school bag. The straps are very thin and flimsy compared to the padded rucksack straps she had before and it wasn't really suitable for carrying heavy books as it would dig into your shoulders.

Thin straps are what puts me off too.

TheOpenRoad · 15/05/2023 06:09

I have had a Fjällräven Kåken for about 15 years and it's in good shape, I'd say it's excellent quality

Noodlepoodles21 · 15/05/2023 06:34

Ive got one. Had it for about 5 years and it’s in perfect condition. I agree that it’s sort of flimsy though. Straps are too thin for good support. I like to use it for light use.