Kanken Classic vs Mini: #1 Bestselling Backpacks

The Fjallraven brand is the creator of the infamous Kanken backpacks. These backpacks run into different sizes; regular and mini. Some use the word ‘classic’ to describe the regular. But in reality, the Classic is really both the Regular and the Mini. But for the purpose of this article, we will be referring to the Regular as the Classic.

In this Kanken Classic vs Mini comparison, we cover all that you need to know about these wonderful backpacks.

You may like to read: Fjallraven vs Herschel: Is It About The Size?

Kanken Classic vs Mini

Preview
Kanken Classic
Fjallraven Women's Kanken Backpack, Graphite, Grey, Blue, One Size
Kanken Mini
Fjallraven Women's Kanken Mini Backpack, Graphite, Blue, One Size
Title
Fjallraven Women's Kanken Backpack, Graphite, Grey, Blue, One Size
Fjallraven Women's Kanken Mini Backpack, Graphite, Blue, One Size
Price
$59.70
$76.92
Materials
Vinylon F
Vinylon F
Volume
16 L
7 L
Dimensions
14.9" x 10.6" x 5.1"
11.4" x 7.9" x 5.1"
Weight
0.7 lb.
0.5 lb.
Special Feture
Two-way zipper with rain flap, Dual top snap handles
Two-way zipper with rain flap, Dual top snap handles
More Information
Kanken Classic
Preview
Fjallraven Women's Kanken Backpack, Graphite, Grey, Blue, One Size
Title
Fjallraven Women's Kanken Backpack, Graphite, Grey, Blue, One Size
Price
$59.70
Materials
Vinylon F
Volume
16 L
Dimensions
14.9" x 10.6" x 5.1"
Weight
0.7 lb.
Special Feture
Two-way zipper with rain flap, Dual top snap handles
More Information
Kanken Mini
Preview
Fjallraven Women's Kanken Mini Backpack, Graphite, Blue, One Size
Title
Fjallraven Women's Kanken Mini Backpack, Graphite, Blue, One Size
Price
$76.92
Materials
Vinylon F
Volume
7 L
Dimensions
11.4" x 7.9" x 5.1"
Weight
0.5 lb.
Special Feture
Two-way zipper with rain flap, Dual top snap handles
More Information

A Bit Of History

The Kanken backpacks have been popular since 1978. In fact, they still have a cult following. You can now see people posting about their Kanken backpacks on Facebook and other websites. One popular Facebook group called ‘I love my Kanken’ has people sending photos of what they put inside their backpacks.

What Makes The Classic And Mini Similar

These backpacks are exactly the same except for the size. We will go over what the practical differences are between them in the next section. But for now, lets go over the similarities.

  • Fjallraven, Kanken Mini Classic Backpack for Everyday, Graphite Water-resistant: The Kankens are made of a water-resistant Vinylon F material. Customers say that water beads off of it quite nicely.
  • Pockets: There is a front zippered compartment and two side pockets.
  • ‘X’ shoulder straps: This is more of a style thing than anything practical. When the backpack is off your back, you can see the X along the back panel, which gives it a cool effect.
  • Dual top handles: There are dual top handles at the top. This is for transforming the Kanken into a simple purse.
  • Stowable shoulder straps: In order to carry your Kanken by the top handles, simply tighten up the shoulder straps all the way and snap the ends to the top of the straps.
  • Name and address label: For personalization, there is a name and address label on the inside of the Kanken. This is great if you happen to misplace it and someone is nice enough to get it back to you.
  • Color options: One of the great things about the Kankens is that they come in many different color options. There is bound to be something for everyone.

Comparing The Kanken Classic And Mini

Let’s take these two backpacks one by one and compare them. The sections below cover the main practical differences between the backpacks.

Features Of The Kanken Classic

  • Volume capacity: The Classic can hold 16 liters of gear. This is enough for school purposes, as there is plenty of space.
  • Dimensions: The dimensions of this backpack are 11 x 10.6 x 5.1 inches. This is large enough to carry regular-sized binders.
  • Side pockets: The side pockets are large enough to carry slim water bottles or regular water bottles.
  • Front pocket: The front pocket can be used to a variety of items. You can fit a large smartphone into it.
  • Laptop sleeve: The laptop sleeve in this backpack can fit a 15 inch laptop.

Features Of The Kanken Mini

  • Uses: The Kanken Mini is more of a handbag. Although it can still be carried on your back, it cannot be used as a school bag. For example, it is too small for regular-sized paper/binders.
  • Side pockets: The side pockets of the Kanken Mini are too small to fit a water bottle; even the slim size. However, you can still fit a smartphone into it, or some sunglasses.

Price Comparison

If you would like to compare the prices of the Kanken Classic and the Kanken Slim, please see below.

Kanken Classic vs Mini: The Verdict

We would almost like to suggest that you purchase both these Kanken backpacks; one for school/work, and one to be used as a purse. Which one(s) you get will depend on what you need it for. If you want a backpack that can carry binders for school or work, you would need the Kanken Classic, but if you want something that is more like a purse, we recommend the Kanken Mini.

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