Fjallraven Kanken Fanny Pack - Review 2023

Fjallraven Is Hot Right Now

If you haven’t heard about Kanken bags by Fjallraven, you’re not looking around. They’re everywhere, and for good reason — their sustainable profile makes them stand out from many other fanny packs on the market. The Kanken Hip Pack is no different.

It’s an appealing purchase for those who prefer spending their money on eco-conscious gear. Or maybe grear quality gear with a green profile. Fjallraven certainly markets its brand along these lines.

Manufacturing clothing and equipment “on nature’s terms”, Fjallraven uses Vinylon F for the material of this fanny pack. It’s the same material used on the Kanken backpacks.

Vinylon F is a synthetic fiber that doesn’t feel like it’s man-made. We like how sturdy (at times stiff) and water-resistant it is because you can bring it with you no matter the weather.

The 2-liter capacity and simple design automatically draw comparisons to Patagonia’s Black Hole Mini.

Great Utility in a Small Pack

Some people may expect the hip pack to be bigger. It’s not supposed to be. Although significantly smaller than the Cotopaxi and most sling bags, it can still fit a handful of things. It’s ideal for your phone, keys, small wallet, sunglasses, and even a power bank. If you want to fit larger items and leave your backpack at home, you’ll need a larger belt bag.

Use the front pocket for cards, the back pocket for either your wallet or phone, and the main compartment for bulkier items like sunglasses, earbuds, and hand sanitizer. You can also write your personal details on the name and address label sewn into the inside of the bag so that it finds its way back to you in case you lose it.

The compact design makes the Kanken Hip Pack ideal for music festivals, short road trips, and hiking trips. It fits the essentials and gives you some peace of mind since your valuables are always in front of you. Being a tourist with this fanny pack from Fjällräven should be as stress-free as possible.

Throw your basic items inside of it and wear the hip pack on your hips or even over your shoulders. It does pretty well as a crossbody pack too.

How a Fjallraven Kanken Feels

Aside from the hip pack not being able to fit a lot of items, there are a few more things to look out for. If you’re new to Fjällräven products, you might not be used to the stiffness of the products’ material.

It has something of a rustic feel to it, with almost a waxy sensation. We like it because it’s a rugged material, but it can be something you might think feels strange. But the more you use the fanny pack, the more the material gets worked in and looks and feels better.

One potential downside is the dangling of the zippers that can clink when you walk. Even though they’re great-quality zippers that don’t let your stuff fall out when the compartments are open, they just need to be positioned where they don’t dangle and jangle.

We appreciate the convenience of having the top handle to carry the fanny pack in your hands. It acts as a daisy chain. Hook on a carabiner for smaller accessories.

The adjustable webbing strap comes in handy too. There’s a lot of design in this little pack.

A Kanken is Cool and Solid

If you’re looking for a timeless accessory that’ll serve you well with good care, pick Fjällräven’s Kanken Hip Pack. All you need to do is wipe it clean with a wet sponge, and your hip pack will look brand new. It’s compact and low-maintenance, which is handy for avid travelers, hikers, and bikers.

An amazing alternative to this is the equally revered Patagonia Black Hole Mini.

You might want to look for a different fanny pack if you need it to be large and in charge. If you’re easily irritated by small things like clanking zippers and rigid material, this one is going to be a miss for you too.