Fjallraven Kanken Classic vs Kanken Laptop (13", 15", 17") - What's the difference?
The Fjallraven Kanken Classic and the Kanken Laptop are the same exact backpacks except one has a laptop compartment, right?
Well, not exactly.
There are a few important differences that you should know about before choosing between the two. And some details can even be deal breakers depending on what you need in a backpack.
In this review, we provide an in-depth comparison between two popular backpack models from Fjällräven: the Kanken Classic and the Kanken Laptop versions to make choosing as easy as possible.
We will have the 16L Kanken Classic side by side with the Kanken Laptop 13” and 15” versions to look at pockets, features and size differences. If you are looking to get a Kanken Laptop 17”, don't worry, all of the major details discussed here will still apply! And for those considering the Mini, check out our Kanken Classic vs Mini comparison.
Video Review
What's the same?
The Kanken Classic is a traditional backpack that was designed for students. Because of this it's large enough to fit standard A4 papers, documents and books. With the Kanken Laptop, Fjallraven has modernized the Kanken with a separate laptop pocket while still keeping the same overall design.
Despite their differences, the Kanken Classic and Laptop have a lot in common. Both versions will be made with the same Vinylon-F fabric and have the same exact zippers and hardware. Quality-wise, these backpacks feel exactly the same.
You can also expect all Kanken versions to include a removable foam seat cushion that also acts as the back panel padding. On the Kanken laptop version however, this seat cushion also acts as extra padding for the laptop compartment.
Lastly, all Kanken versions are convertible backpacks that allow you to tuck away the shoulder straps and convert the backpack into a tote bag.
Price Difference
There is a big difference in price between the original Kanken Classic 16L and the laptop versions. You can expect the Kanken Laptop price to increase the larger you go, with the Kanken Laptop 17" being the most expensive.
For many people, price alone may be enough reason to choose the Kanken Classic. This is very true for people who don’t plan on carrying a laptop at all times or choose to just use a padded laptop sleeve.
Kånken Classic
Kånken Laptop
More Pockets: Kanken Laptop
The Kanken Classic gives you three pockets total: the front pocket and the two side pockets. While the Kanken Laptop version adds a pocket on the inside of the main compartment and a separate laptop pocket against the back panel for a total of five pockets.
The extra pocket on the inside of the Kanken Laptop version is large enough for things like a laptop charger, pens, a phone or wallet. This pocket gives you easy access to small items without having to use a pouch or pencil case.
The side pockets of the Kanken Classic can fit up to a slim 24oz water bottle or an umbrella. You'll find that the side pockets on the Kanken Laptop 13" are smaller and will not fit most water bottles. If you would like a laptop backpack with larger side pockets you will have to upgrade to the larger 15" and 17" Kanken versions.
Kanken Classic vs Laptop: Size Difference
We have tested the Kanken Classic next to the laptop 13-inch and 15-inch versions so that you can see the size differences.
Kanken Classic vs Kanken Laptop 13" Backpack
The Kanken Laptop 13" is smaller with only 13 liters of packing room while the Kanken Classic has 16 liters of packing room. A big reason there is less packing room in the Kanken Laptop 13" is because the laptop compartment takes up room where the main compartment would be. In order to keep the Kanken Laptop 13" small, Fjällräven decided to just shrink the main compartment.
The laptop sleeve in the Kanken Laptop 13" can fit up to a 13 inch laptop or tablet. This is a small laptop compartment and will not fit a 14 inch laptop. The inside of the main compartment can fit A4 papers, standard sized notebooks and binders but keep in mind that you will have less depth so you will not be able to fit as many items because of the smaller main compartment.
The side pockets on the Kanken Laptop 13" are a little smaller than the side pockets on the Kanken Classic which is bad news for anyone hoping to use them as water bottle pockets. We found that slim water bottles are still too large for the 13-inch Kanken. You can still fit an umbrella or other slim items.
Kanken Classic vs Kanken Laptop 15" Backpack
Where you'll start to see more packing room is with the Kanken Laptop 15" backpack. The Kanken 15" has 18 liters of packing room versusthe Classic's 16 liters.
Most of the extra space inside the Kanken Laptop 15" can be found in the width and height of the bag. This means that you can fit the same amount of notebooks and binders inside the 15" as you can in the classic but there will be extra room on top and sides.
The laptop sleeve on the Kanken Laptop 15" can fit a 14-inch or 15-inch laptop but is too small for a 15.6" laptop.
Kanken Classic vs Kanken Laptop 17" Backpack
The Kanken Laptop 17" is the largest Kanken laptop backpack with the most packing room. With a 20 liter main compartment, here is where you will start to see the biggest size difference when compared to the Classic. The Kanken Laptop 17" is best for anyone who has a laptop larger than 15-inches, this includes 15.6" laptops that are too small for the Kanken Laptop 15" backpack.
Kanken Laptop: Shoulder Strap Padding
The Kanken Laptop version gives us shoulder straps that have built-in padding. These shoulder strap pads were added to support the extra weight of a heavy laptop.
But are the padded shoulder straps enough of a reason to upgrade from the Kanken Classic?
Fjällräven offers a ton of Kanken accessories, including ad-on shoulder strap pads and a chest strap. You could always attach shoulder strap pads to your Kanken Classic for a more comfortable fit. And if you need even more support, Kanken offers a chest strap ad-on for even more support. Unfortunately, the chest strap cannot be attached to a Kanken Laptop backpack.
With shoulder strap and chest strap ad-ons, the Kanken Classic can be even more comfortable and supportive than a Kanken Laptop.
Kanken Classic: Laptop Carry
One question we often hear is: Can you use the seat cushion sleeve as a laptop pocket?
Although you could technically use this sleeve to hold a laptop, we would not recommend it. The seat cushion sleeve was never meant to be used as a pocket and is made with very thin material. As a result, it does not have the same protection as a dedicated padded laptop pocket.
If you plan on using your Kanken Classic as a laptop backpack, we recommend grabbing a padded laptop case. Keep in mind, that the Kanken Classic can only fit a device 13-inches or under with a padded case inside the main compartment. If you have a bigger laptop, you will have to upgrade to the larger Kanken Laptop 15" or 17".
Explore Kanken Backpack Alternatives
Which Kanken Backpack is Better?
Kånken Classic
Kånken Laptop
Choose the Kanken Classic if… you want the most versatile Kanken backpack with the most color and accessory options. The Kanken Classic a great choice if you don’t plan on carrying a laptop all of the time. It’s compact size gives you more packing room than the Kanken 13-inch without the bulk of bigger sizes.
Choose a Kanken Laptop if… You need the protection and convenience of a dedicated laptop pocket and want an extra compartment for small items. Upgrading to the Kanken Laptop 15-inch and 17-inch will also allow you to store larger devices and give you more packing room inside the main compartment.
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