Fjallraven Raven vs Skule - What’s the Difference?
How do you choose between the Fjallraven Raven and Skule backpacks? What’s the difference?
Turns out, choosing between these two popular models is pretty easy once you know the details. In this backpack comparison, we are reviewing the Raven 28 and Skule 28, breaking down the comfort, pockets, and durability of each backpack so you can pick the right one.
Video Review
Quick Specs
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Volume | 28L | 28L |
| Materials | G-1000® HeavyDuty, leather | 600D Polyester |
| Dimensions | 18.5” x 12.2” x 8.26” | 19.68” x 16.14” x 7.08” |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs | 1.65 lbs |
| Laptop Storage | 15" Laptop Compartment | 15" Laptop Sleeve |
| Total Pockets | 12 Pockets | 7 Pockets |
| Chest Strap | No | Yes |
| Hip Belt | No | Yes |
| Price |
Raven vs Skule: Design Philosophy Explained
First, let's break down each backpack’s design philosophy. The Fjallraven Raven 28 was designed as a premium everyday laptop backpack, perfect for work and school. Meanwhile, the Fjallraven Skule 28 has a hybrid design – great for daily use but also ready for outdoor adventures. Think of the Skule as a two-in-one hiking and laptop backpack.
Skule 28 features that are missing on the Raven 28
This design philosophy is important because it explains why the Skule 28 includes so many features that are missing in the Raven:
Side compression straps
Reflective loops on the front for safety
Bike light loop
Clip and passthrough port to turn the laptop sleeve into a hydration pocket
Front bungee cord and daisy chains for attaching items
Despite all these features missing on the Raven, there is still a reason the Skule is the less expensive of the two, and you’ll find out why as we review the details.
Size and Comfort
Fjallraven Raven 28 vs Skule 28 Fit - Model Height 5’6” (167.6 cm)
Size Difference
When it comes to size, both the Raven and Skule are offered in 28-liter and smaller 20-liter versions. In this comparison we will focus on the larger 28-liter backpacks but you can learn the difference between the sizes in our Fjallraven Raven 20 vs 28 comparison.
Although both backpacks offer a 28-liter capacity, the Skule manages to be a bit taller and wider. Below are the external measurements for each backpack:
Raven: 18.5” x 12.2” x 8.26”
Skule: 19.68” x 16.14” x 7.08”
Raven vs Skule - The Raven is missing a chest strap and hip belt
Comfort Difference
When testing the Raven 28 and Skule 28 for comfort, we found a few important difference:
The Skule includes a chest strap and hip belt, which are both missing on the Raven
Both backpacks have airmesh padding on the shoulder straps, but the Skule’s perforated mesh sections offer better breathability.
The Raven has a stiffer frame sheet, which gives the backpack a more structured fee when worn. The Skule has a flexible back panel that moves with you.
To be completely honest, neither backpack is noticeably more comfortable than the other. Our only suggestion is to go with the Skule if having a chest strap and hip belt are non-negotiable. Along with the side compression straps, the chest strap and hip belt allow you to have better control of weight distribution. This makes the Skule a better choice for activities like hiking and bike commuting. Could the Raven benefit from a chest strap? Sure. But Fjallraven has really perfected the fit of the Raven with cushy shoulder straps and a stiffer supportive back panel.
Pockets and Compartments
Pockets and compartments are where the Raven 28 wins over the Skule 28. We counted the total number of pockets in each backpack and were surprised at the huge difference.
Number of total pockets:
Raven 28: 12 pockets
Skule 28: 7 pockets
Raven vs Skule - The Skule has less pockets in the front organizer compartment
Both backpacks have top quick-access pockets and side water bottle pockets, but the Raven's organization is next level. Its front organizer compartment includes three slip pockets and two mesh zippered pockets, while the Skule's front organizer is more basic with less pockets.
The main compartment of the Raven also includes a mesh zippered pocket, which is another pocket missing in the Skule.
Raven vs Skule - Skule is missing mesh pocket in main compartment
Laptop Storage
Fjallraven Raven vs Skule - The Raven has a separate laptop compartment
Fjallraven offers completely different solutions for laptop carry in the Raven 28 and Skule 28:
The Raven 28 has a separate laptop compartment with an additional flat pocket for a tablet or notebook.
The Skule 28 has its laptop sleeve inside the main compartment. This location is less convenient for quick access to your laptop.
Both laptop sleeves are elevated about 1/4 inch from the bottom of the bag and feature near identical padding.
Although Fjallraven says both backpacks have 15-inch laptop sleeve, we tested each laptop sleeve and found that a 15.6” laptop or a 16-inch MacBook Pro can fit just fine. Both backpacks also provide similar amounts of laptop protection. The choice here is whether you prefer a separate laptop compartment with an extra pocket (Raven) or are okay with having the laptop stored in the main compartment (Skule).
Front Storage
The exterior front storage options are quite different in each pack. The Skule features a bungee cord, handy for attaching jackets or sweaters. However, its narrow design isn't too useful for attaching bulkier items like shoes or a large blanket. If you are looking for alternative backpacks with much better bungee systems, check out our North Face Borealis vs Patagonia Refugio backpack comparison.
The Raven, on the other hand, has a front pocket that spans most of the front panel, perfect for storing large headphones but too small for a bulky item like a jacket.
Main Compartment (Packing Space)
Raven 28 vs Skule 28 - Packed with running shoes + 12-inch foam roller
Although both backpacks say they have the same 28-liter capacity, the Skule’s extra height and depth means its main compartment is a bit larger.
Here’s a packing example: when packing for a workout with a pair of running shoes and a 12-inch foam roller, the Skule 28 has more width and space on top, while the Raven 28 is a bit more cramped. It’s safe to say that if you need the backpack with the most wide-open packing space then the Skule 28 is the way to go.
Materials and Durability
Materials and durability are where the Raven 28 really stands out. It's made with G-1000® HeavyDuty fabric, which is water-resistant and super rugged. In contrast, the Skule is made from lighter 600D polyester, which feels much flimsier in comparison. Despite its straps, loops and lighter weight (1.65 lbs vs. the Raven’s 2.2 lbs), the Skule doesn't match the Raven’s durable feel.
G-1000 HeavyDuty on the Raven 28 vs 600D Polyester on the Skule 28
But it's not just the main fabric where the Raven surpasses the Skule in quality. There are tons of small details. The Raven has a leather top handle, while the Skule uses a bare strap for a top handle. The top pocket on the Raven is fleece-lined, while the Skule's is bare polyester lining. The side pockets on the Raven are made with the same G-1000 HeavyDuty fabric, while the Skule uses mesh, which is more likely to wear out over time.
Raven vs Skule water resistance test - the Fjallraven Raven 28 is more water resistant
Our water resistance test showed that the Raven does much better than the school in wet conditions. Although both backpacks are water resistant enough to do fine in light rain, but the Raven offers much better weatherproof protection with its zipper rain guards on all exterior zippers. Unfortunately, the Skule’s exterior zippers are all exposed and act as weak points for leaks in the rain. You can also gain more water-resistant protection by using Fjallraven’s Greenland Wax on the Raven, which you can't do with the Skule.
Raven vs Skule: How to Choose
Fjällräven RÄVEN 28
Fjällräven SKULE 28
Choose the Raven if you want better rain protection, more pockets for organization, and a backpack built to last with high-quality materials, go for the Raven 28. It's a bit pricier, but you get what you pay for.
Choose the Skule if you need a chest strap, hip belt, and the ability to attach items to the outside, the Skule 28 might be your best bet. Its hybrid design makes it versatile for both daily use and outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.
More Helpful Resources
Osprey Quasar vs Nebula - Great alternatives to the Fjallraven Raven and Skule
The North Face Borealis vs Jester - More great bungee backpacks
Backpacks Similar to Fjallraven - We researched and tested the best Fjallraven alternatives
More Backpack Comparisons - We compare backpacks from The North Face, Patagonia and more to help you make the best choice.
