Help me choose a colour for a Kanken backpack :)

[Marghe87]

After months of thinking and researching, I have decided to get a Kanken as the next changing bag/toddler days out bag. I want a backpack that is practical, a good size, but also nice to look at (I like the look of a Kanken although I appreciate some of you won't) and colorful. I might occasionally also use it to carry my laptop at work.
I want it in an interesting color but not too flashy, iykwim. These are the ones I shortlisted, which one is your fav? If you have it, what color did you choose?

(This is just a frivolous Monday chat, not to be taken too seriously with answers like "just pick the one you like" please :) )

If there is anything remotely heavy in it, the straps are uncomfortable. Me and several mum friends have all agreed it is not a good backpack for carrying kids stuff. See you have said you are decided, but I couldn't not add a comment as soon as I read your op I thought don't do it! I only use mine for literally purse and phone etc/shirt trips. Osprey and Patagonia both do really good backpacks with wide straps and designed with practicality but also look good - I think anyway

In response to the people saying it’s impractical - it’s really not I use one for the same reason as you, OP, and it works great. Clips onto the pram as well.

Green or the blue. I'd probably pick the blue, just because it would go with more things that I already have.

We have a yellow one and it really shows the dirt. Go dark. Also be aware that you can’t fit a standard water bottle in the side pockets, rendering them (the pockets) pretty much useless. Other than that they are great though.

Blue for me and I like the pink handles

That's mine, it's a nice colour.

I would go for the turquoise. I have been wondering whether to get one of these. Are they worth the £££

Re fitting water bottles in, I have Chilly bottles and they do fit in the side pockets.

I like the teal and the terracotta.

I find a smaller bag keeps me disciplined. No adding x, y and z just in case.

Do they ? Mine don’t or I’ve not managed to get them in when I’ve tried it

@justabigdisco everyone complaints about that but it's actually meant to be an umbrella holder, not for bottles :)

I’ve got an Osprey and it’s so much better and easier to find stuff as well

@Terriblethirtytwos such different opinions! I don't understand how it can feel so different for some?! What do you usually carry in yours?

I like the pink straps for a contrast

@EasterIssland it's meant to be to carry umbrellas, that's why...

I like them, they're great but there were so many copycat versions around.

I agree with the burgundy from that range, but the black mini 2, where the logo is also black, might be nice, or the art mini in 'landsort' colour.

@Marghe87 I have a toddler and a baby, so: nappies, wipes, snacks, water, changing mat, a few first aid bits, sling, spare clothes, sun cream etc. I don’t find it uncomfortable, and it’s really roomy.

if you do decide to look at other backpacks I would recommend Vans- come in some lovely colours, straps are comfy and mines been going strong for 12 years now.

I’ve got a light grey one with grey straps and it looks as good as new. I’ve also got a dark green one which looks worse as it’s shed as the creases look kind of lighter. So I’d choose a lighter colour actually.

yes the straps are thin but I find it very comfortable.

the boxy shape holds everything together really well and I can find things I need more quickly in this than my other rucksack with compartments etc. I much prefer the kanken.

from the colours you’ve shared I prefer either the burgundy or the terracotta.

Love my Kanken, from your selection. I would go Blue and pink or the teal and pink.

Straps are fine unless you're carrying bricks about.

It was our nappy bag, we did cloth nappies (which take up more space) and we managed absolutely fine.

DD has a mini Kanken as her nursery bag, it's super cute.

I do have a "big" rucksack which I switch to if I need to take mountains of stuff.

You can get an "adapter" which turns the side pockets into a waterbottle pocket. (I've never bothered as they're ££) I've never felt the need to carry around 2 umbrellas though... I keep a bag for life rolled up in each side.

Don't get the burgundy. Mine looked worn out very quickly and had to ditch it after a year or so. I also noticed it on burgundy Kanken's on other people.
I suspect the dye they have used for burgundy does not wear well.

Thanks all... I think the green is the winner, so far, just don't know whether to get the teal-green one with peach straps or the other lighter sage green version?!

DD keeps a water bottle in her side pockets, a Chilly style one from WHSmith (so much cheaper)^^.

I actually like the thin straps as they’re less sweaty than big padded ones in summer and fit more neatly over bulky coats and jackets in winter.. I mostly use them for DS’ clothes/toys/snacks which aren’t heavy enough for me to need anything more.
Ours have been in daily use for nearly 4 years and they still look great, I would go for the darker green personally as the contrasting pink straps really pop.