Fjallraven Kanken Mini - Review 2023

A Small Yet Heavy Duty Carrier

A sized-down version of Classic Kanken, Fjallraven offers you the same durability and look in this small backpack. Kanken Mini has 7 liters of organized carrying capacity, available in many color combos.

Take advantage of its excellent build and water resistance, plus a thick and comfy seating pad hidden in the inner sleeve. Still equipped with the signature Kanken strap adjustment mechanism that were designed for better posture, you can adjust the length accordingly for a snug fit. Carry your valuables, stay lightweight, and always on the move.

Kanken Mini seemed to prove Fjallraven’s ability to deliver high-quality products that live up to its promises.

Construction and Design

Fjallraven Kanken Mini Classic is oozing with traditional rugged rucksack look with solid and 2-tone colorways. This small backpack can transition from the great outdoors to your daily urban explorations. More than 60 variations include Frost Green, Acorn, Air Blue-Rainbow Pattern, Black, Brick, Corn, Flamingo Pink, Deep Turquoise, Foliage Green, Ocean Green, Pink, Purple, and Royal Blue/Ox Red.

Technically, Kanken Mini used Fjallraven’s signature Vinylon F material. It’s a synthetic fabric, although some of its properties are also present in other natural fibers. It’s also durable and can handle rugged use. What makes vinylon fabric famous is its ability to absorb moisture, swelling each fiber, tightening the weave, and leaving no pore for water to penetrate. With an additional layer of PU coating, you get an almost waterproof small backpack.

If you’ve always had a small nylon- or polyester-made small backpack, trying Kanken Mini will be a whole new experience. The stitches are clean with almost no snags at all. Though it only carries a relatively small capacity, strong seams play a vital role in your mini bag’s lifespan.

YKK zips with Fjallraven branding guard the compartments. You can open/close them up, and the pulls sails smoothly. Snaps also have the Fjallraven logo and WASA 6 underneath. You’ll also see an overhanging flap over them like in MADISON & DAKOTA. Your small backpack has more protection from weather and thief access than exposed zips like in JanSport Half Pint and Dickies Mini Festival.

There’s no doubt that Kanken Mini Classic’s excellent build will serve you for years. The feel of the fabric might not be everyone’s preference. But its heavy-duty service is sure to appeal to anyone.

Want more options? Click here and detour our main guide to the best mini backpacks. 

Harness System

This mini bag from Fjallraven has a typical non padded webbing. They feel a little rough on the skin if you carry them for an extended period. If you still prefer padded shoulder straps, you might want to see its look-a-like alternative, MADISON & DAKOTA. TNF Berkeley and Mountain Warehouse Mini are also comfy to walk around with.

One of its signature designs hides in the harness. Adjustment is quite a challenge but fun once you get used to it. Kanken Mini Classic is not your usual adjust-on-the-fly model like Outlander and Herschel Nova Mini. There are no tri-glide buckles to allow smooth slides. You need to unclip the ends of the webbings and pull them through the D-rings on top. Then after calibrating to your torso length, roll any excess and lock the side snaps together for a clean look.

The dual top haul of this Fjallraven mini bag makes it easy to hang your Kanken when not in use. It also provides a wide comfy grip and quick access to the main compartment. Once you unzip your small backpack, grab the top handles to open it up effortlessly.

Storage

Kanken Mini Classic keeps you lightweight with its 7-liter capacity. It may not seem a lot, but surprisingly, it can accommodate a bit more than just essentials for a small backpack. Take it to school or work, or use it as your go-to for your park visits with your little ones.

Main Compartment

There’s quite a lot going on in the main compartment of the Kanken Mini Classic. But first off, the broad access via the 2-way zip is a major plus for us since you can see all the items inside with one look. There is no need to peek down and sift through the bag looking for your stuff as you would with classic cuts like in the HITOP mini bag and Adidas Linear Mini Bag.

Kanken Mini vs. Linear Mini

Inside, you’ll find a built-in sleeve with a thick sitting pad. Take it out wherever and whenever you need some rest. This sleeve can also double your tablet space while using this small backpack. We tried fitting in an iPad mini, and it slipped snugged, but for a classic iPad unit? Nope. And if you want a proper laptop sleeve, its big bro Kanken Classic is your best alternative. Fjallraven’s trademark ID tag is also there. Fill it out with your info, just in case.

Now, for the actual space in the main compartment. Kanken Mini can carry your everyday valuables like your wallet, phone, chapstick, glasses, water bottle, journal, Kindle/iPad, and hand sanitizer. Use this small backpack as a diaper bag for your baby’s diapers, change of clothes, wipes, and socks (you’ll have more space for small items like keys, phone, and AirPods!).

Take this Kanken mini bag to your upcoming workout if duffels and gym bags are too big for you. This small backpack from Fjallraven won’t disappoint on casual afternoon trips to the café or other mundane tasks. If you want to use yours for a day hike, it can perform all right. But it’s not the best for such a purpose since it’s not comfortable enough for long-term use. It’ll be wise to consider having a hiking daypack instead, like Outlander foldable.

Front Compartment

Put small items you need to access quickly in the zipped front pocket of your Kanken Mini. Your keys, some change, a Bluetooth headset, and a little pack of wipes. Sad to say, it’s way too small for your phone. But other than that, it’s a safe and easy-to-access storage room for teeny-tiny stuff.

Side Pockets

The side pockets of the Kanken Mini Classic are non-stretchy. They can fit in small bottles but are not ideal for your big water bottle. We managed to sneak in 250 ml/8 oz. but anything more than that, your drink will need to go in the main compartment. It’s the same problem we had while testing I IHAYNER. Your phone will sit just ok here. However, it won’t be a safe spot.

If you can’t live without your beverage, it’s better to get a small backpack with mesh side pockets like Nike Kid’s Brasilia, Outlander, and Mountain Warehouse Mini. They can stretch and snug around both small and big jugs. Plus, it’ll be a quick snatch whenever you need to quench your thirst.

It is a 7-liter mini bag, so manage how much load it can accommodate. It’s not for your multi-day off-grid adventures. We have hiking backpacks for that. It can work as a carry-on backpack but not as your primary travel bag.

There are more models on our main guide Fjallraven Kanken Mini is not your type. 

Spotting Fake Kankens

Fake Fjallraven Kankens are everywhere. It can be confusing which is which with all the information flooding the net. If you want to know if the bag you purchased is authentic, here’s a quick checklist for you:

• Find a reliable seller or buy directly from the Fjallraven site
• The reflective logo is actually reflective
• Straps are thick with strong weaving
• YKK zippers has Fjallraven name
• Snaps have the Fjallraven logo outside and WASA 6 engravement underneath
• Clean and equal stitching with almost no snags
• Check if there’s a Swedish flag inside
• the seating pad is thick with a circular seal at the corner
• Labels and tags are well-worded with no special characters, except on brand name

Don’t panic if you miss a thing or two. It’s still a smart move to check through customer comments for reality testing. It applies to any online purchase you make.

Summary

Fjallraven Kanken Mini Classic is a statement of quality– durable material, solid construction, and timeless look with roughly 60 colorways to choose from. It’s a small backpack that can adapt to your typical tasks, whether for work, school, or your all-purpose mini bag.

With this bag’s high water resistance, you can count that your items stay safe and dry even when pouring down. However, Kanken Mini’s shoulder straps aren’t the most comfortable and can be confusing to adjust. It might take a couple of adjustments before you get used to it. After that, it’ll be a piece of cake.

Stay clutter-free anywhere you go with all the pockets on board. Bonus, you get a free sitting pad! You can stop and rest without any problem.

This small backpack isn’t everyone’s dream mini bag, especially those trying to save a few bucks. Fjallraven Kanken Mini’s price can scale between $50 to over $100, depending on the design. But if you’re willing to fork out that much for a heavy-duty model, you can enjoy its perks for a very long time.

Buy this mini backpack if:

• You’re searching for a robust small backpack
• Want another addition to your Fjallraven collection
• A minimalist or light-packer
• Willing to invest in a durable mini bag