Kanken backpacks.....

[onlyconnect]

They're on sale at the moment and I'm very tempted. Just wondering if anyone has any comments/ thoughts on them please.
I'm specifically looking for something to take on holiday. It's a French villa holiday in quite a smart town there'll be beach, pool , meals out in the evening and I'm aiming to take just two bags: a small cross body one for phone etc that I can use in the evenings and a bigger one for traveling and beach. Any thoughts on these as the "bigger" bag ?

They're OK but not better than any other backpack.

Had mine for 4 years and for the last 2 it looked pretty grubby. I followed their advice of not washing and just spot cleaning it but that didn't help much. In the end I finally (hand) washed it properly and it still looks a bit shit.
I'd probably buy a Jansport from TK maxx over another Kanken.

My children (9 and 11) have those bags. They’re quite sturdy and robust but quite small for an adult.

I’d worry those weren’t genuine also. That’s some hefty price drop!

For traveling I like Brics bag- the sportina tote is lovely (and has a smaller detachable bag inside). They’re expensive but cheap unwanted originals on eBay probably because they’re Italian and not popular here. Straps are leather.

They sit on your shoulder comfortably, gets loads in and look smart. I’ve had mine 4 years and still going strong- it repels dirt!

For comfort I like osprey backpacks

Agree about authenticity- bought one for dd and did not buy from there as no reputable site had prices anywhere near as low

Here is a pic of mine

I have 2 kanken bags, one bright, one darker & smarter. I like them a lot but agree with MsNobody they seem to attract dirt. They are comfortable though & you can fit a lot in them.

I think the Kanken bags are just trendy and not actually that great so I’ve avoided

Yes, it did occur to me that they might be fake and that puts me right off. Will look at the Italian one now. Thank you.

The brics one is a bit like the Longcgamp one I've seen mentioned on here before. It's not really my style, hard to describe why. I think I like something a bit more relaxed looking. Thank you though, I love looking at bags!

I saw loads of fakes for sale in touristy bits of London recently.

I also think they're a bit over - every other person seems to have one.

This is the official site, that one you linked OP is def dodgy, the contact details and the fact they accept Western Union and Bank Transfer and not paypal for such a big brand is a dead giveaway.

www.fjallraven.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKCAjw7IbaBRBqEiwA6AyZghwwkMRL5TmSHU6PhHqUGULRCqdEeKTihyyfQurZNYtLa2Ywu6hd9BoCwycQAvD_BwE

We tried using a backpack as a beachbag last year and it got horribly stained with sweat and suncream. Carrying a heavy bag on your back in 35 degree heat, seems practical and not something you need to worry about here (well ok these past few weeks maybe!) but it's incredibly hot and sweaty to do so. That kind of canvassy fabric just doesn't wash well either, as another PP has said.

The chicest big bag for a smart French town would be either a wicker or rattan or hessian tote style.

I also like O Bags, you can buy canvas inners, but the rubber main bag is perfect for beach as you can wipe it clean. The website is a bit of a mess and there are some quite tacky accessories and colours, but a neutral colour outer bag with a cream canvas inner and rope handles would look really nice.

www.obagonline.com/O-bag-classic-s/1854.htm

Kanken are rubbish cheap nasty material and mine is not a fake it’s an original before they got their ‘cult’ status and now the prices are even more through the roof than before. It’s ridiculous. Avoid. Worst buy ever.

I wouldn't say they're rubbish, material is waterproof that's why you're not suppose to wash it, just spot clean. But mine looked dirty, got washed, the colour faded and looks pretty bad.
I'd say they're OK for occasional use but won't look great if used everyday.
Site is definitely dodgy though.