Fjallraven Raven 20 vs 28 Backpack - What's the Difference?
Right behind the Kanken, the Fjallraven Raven backpack stands out as the brand's most popular model, and for good reason. Whether you require a laptop backpack for daily wear or a rugged pack for outdoor activities, the Raven is versatile enough to meet your needs.
It's no secret that the Raven is available in two sizes: the Raven 20 and the larger Raven 28. However, what sets them apart? Is it just the size of the main compartment? Well, not exactly.
In this Raven 20 vs Raven 28 backpack comparison we will showcase each bag side by side so that you can decide which is the best for you.
Video Review
Quick Specs
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 20L | 28L |
| Materials | G-100 Heavy Duty | G-100 Heavy Duty |
| Dimensions | 16.5” (H) x 11” (W) x 7” (D) | 18.5” (H) x 12.2” (W) x 8.25” (D) |
| Weight | 1.4lbs | 2.2lbs |
| Laptop Compartment | Up to 15" - padded sleeve in main compartment | Up to 15" - seperate laptop compartment |
| Chest Strap | No | No |
| Waist Belt | No | No |
| Price |
Size: Fjallraven Raven 20 vs 28
Exterior Dimensions
Raven 20: 16.5" H x 11" W x 7.08" D (42 x 28 x 18 cm)
Raven 28: 18.5" H x 12.2" W x 8.26" D (47 x 31 x 21 cm)
Along with having more internal packing room, the Raven 28 is the larger backpack all around. When worn, it takes up a bigger area on your back compared to the Raven 20. The Raven 28 also sticks out more when worn thanks to its extra laptop compartment (more on this below).
Padded Back Panel Dimensions
Raven 20: 16.5" H x 10" W (42 x 25.4 cm)
Raven 28: 18" H x 11" W (45.7 x 28 cm)
For those with shorter torsos, we generally recommend the Raven 20 for its smaller back panel. Its compact size provides a more comfortable fit for shorter people. If you prefer a backpack that doesn't stick out as much, then the Raven 20 is also the better option. In general, this small backpack is perfect for daily essentials and as a personal item bag during flights.
On the other hand, the Raven 28 will be a good fit for most people, especially as a school bookbag or as a main bag for short trips.
Materials and Comfort
When it comes to materials and comfort, both Raven backpacks are nearly identical. Fjallraven products are renowned for their durability, and the Raven packs are no exception. Both the Raven 20 and Raven 28 are crafted from the same water-resistant G-1000 HeavyDuty fabric, and they both showcase a leather Fjallraven logo and top handle.
Regarding comfort, these backpacks have the same padded airmesh back panel and padded straps for extra comfort. Despite their different sizes, the shoulder straps maintain the same dimensions. However, you will be disapointed if you are looking for a backpack with a sternum strap since neither backpack have one. While you might not need one for the smaller Raven 20, it is surprising that Fjallraven did not include a sternum strap on the larger Raven 28.
Raven 20 vs 28: Exterior Pockets
The Raven 20 and Raven 28 both include the same exact exterior pockets and compartments.
Both packs have two side pockets for water bottles. Despire the backpacks being different sizes, both the Raven 20 and 28 have the same water bottle pocket size. The photo below shows a 24oz Hydroflask bottle but we found that they can easily hold up to a 40oz Hydroflask bottle.
On the top of each pack, there's a fleece-lined pocket that can hold a phone or a pair of sunglasses. Additionally, each Raven backpack features a large zippered pocket on the front for quick storage.
Both Raven backpacks also include a roomy organizer compartment at the front. Inside, there are smaller pockets to keep items like pens and chargers organized.
The difference starts to show in the size of the pockets themselves. Apart from the water bottle pockets, each pocket on the Raven 28 is slightly larger than those on the Raven 20. This is because the Raven 28 has an overall larger size.
Laptop Storage: The Biggest Difference
The main difference between the Fjallraven Raven 20 and Raven 28 is the location of the laptop storage. In the Raven 20, the laptop sleeve is inside the main compartment, while in the Raven 28, there's a separate laptop compartment at the back. Additionally, the laptop compartment in the Raven 28 includes an extra sleeve for a flat item like a tablet or notebook.
The laptop sleeve in the Raven 20 is padded all around, but we noticed it lacks a false bottom to protect the laptop from drops. A false bottom is a space between the bottom of the laptop sleeve and the bottom of the bag. This space prevents your laptop from hitting the ground if the bag is ever accidentely dropped on the hard floor.
Instead of a flase bottom, the laptop sleeve on the Raven 20 relies on a strip of foam at the bottom for safety. On the other hand, the laptop sleeve in the Raven 28 we tested does include a little bit of a false bottom, adding an extra layer of protection along with the bottom padding.
In conclusion, the laptop compartment in the Raven 28 offers a bit more protection and is more convenient to use. Retrieving the laptop from the separate compartment in the Raven 28 is much simpler compared to having to take out items from the main compartment to reach the laptop in the Raven 20.
Note: We tested each pack with a 13 inch Macbook, however both Ravens can accommodate up to a 15-inch laptop.
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What Fits Inside Each?
Let's take a look at what you can actually fit inside the main compartments of the Fjallraven Raven 20 and Raven 28 backpacks after exploring their sizes and pockets. The examples below should provide you with a realistic idea of what you can comfortably pack in each main pocket.
While it's clear that one Raven offers 20 liters of packing room and the other provides 28 liters, what is suprising is that both main compartments have 5-inches of depth. However, the Raven 20 has slightly less functional space due to the presence of a padded laptop sleeve that occupies room, even when empty.
What fits inside the Raven 20?
Laptop inside padded sleeve
2x Folders
2x 1-inch binders
1x Single Subject Notebook
What fits inside the Raven 28?
2x Folders
2x 1-inch binders
1x Single Subject Notebook
2x Large Notebooks
Laptop (inside the laptop compartment)
In the Raven 20, we managed to fit a laptop, two folders, two one-inch binders, and a single-subject notebook. On the other hand, the Raven 28 can accommodate two additional large notebooks, given that the laptop resides in a separate compartment. When it comes to bulkier items like a camera cube or lunch box, the Raven 28 offers more ease in fitting them. Although the Raven 20 can still technically hold a camera cube or lunch box, it's a much tighter fit.
For travel purposes, the Raven 20 can hold a pair of shoes and a change of clothes, while the Raven 28 provides significantly more space for quick trips (2-3 days of packing). We found the Raven 28 easier to use with packing cubes.
Which Fjallraven Raven Size Should You Buy?
Fjallraven Raven 20
Fjallraven Raven 28
Choose the Fjällräven Raven 20 if... You want a backpack with a smaller footprint when worn. The Raven 20 is generally recommend for shorter people who don't like the look of a bulky backpack. With the exception of the laptop compartment on the Raven 28, you are getting most of the same exact pockets, making the Raven 20 a great choice for those who want a small pack to organize their daily essentials.
Choose the Fjällräven Raven 28 if... You want a full-featured pack with enough room for many large school books and notebooks or to use as a travel pack for short trips. The 28 liter size is also better for carrying bulkier items like a lunchbox or camera cube. Last but not least, if having a separate laptop compartment is important to you, then the Raven 28 is the way to go.
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