Morgan Scott February 17, 2020 Travel, School

21 Backpacks Similar to Fjallraven

Morgan Scott February 17, 2020 Travel, School

Fjallraven is a brand based out of Sweden that has grown in popularity amongst outdoor enthusiasts and city-dwellers alike. I’m sure you’ve seen their Kanken backpack. It’s everywhere.

This leads to an important question: Are there any good Fjallraven alternatives?

The answer is yes! There is a lot out there and even some of our favorite brands have a similar outdoorsy-style with an emphasis on daily functionality. This is why we have compiled this large list of backpacks and brands like Fjallraven that sport some of the same design, functionality and price (don’t worry we also peppered in some budget options)

This guide is divided into two parts

Backpacks Like Kanken
Brands Like Fjallraven

Backpacks Like Kanken

For anyone looking for a different or cheaper alternative to the popular Kanken backpack these picks might be up your alley. These backpacks are similar in size and style and we even included some cheaper options for anyone that is on a budget. This unique boxy backpack style is perfect for travel, school or work commutes.

Doughnut Macaroon

Buy on Amazon

The Doughnut Macaroon is a crowd favorite thanks its fun design and endless color options. If you are looking for backpacks like the Fjallraven Kanken then you’ll love the Macaroon’s simple box profile and clamshell backpack style that allows full access to all of the contents inside the main compartment. What stands out about the Doughnut Macaroon is it’s interior organizer panel that gives you access to small items like pens, wallets and snacks without having to rummage through the main compartment.

Day Owl Backpack

Day Owl

We highly recommend taking a closer look at Day Owl if you are looking for a backpack like the Kanken from a unique brand that values high quality and environmental responsibility. Each Day Owl backpack is made from recycled and socially responsible materials and the bags themselves can be repaired by Day Owl for the life of the product. Day Owl offers their backpacks in new colors each season so you are sure to find the perfect match!

Lily & Drew Mini Travel Backpack

Buy on Amazon

Lily & Drew offers a cheaper Kanken alternative with their Mini Travel backpack. What makes this aesthetic backpack special is its variety of pockets and organizers. The front features an easy-access zip pocket and the inside is lined with organizers and mesh pockets for all of your essentials. If you are looking for backpacks like the Fjallraven Kanken but with a little more pocket storage then the Lily & Drew Mini Travel backpack is a great choice.

Helly Hansen Oslo Backpack

Helly Hansen

The Oslo is a versatile backpack that can be used for daily urban carry or during your next outdoor adventure. Like the Fjallraven Kanken, the Oslo features grab handles on the top of the bag so that it can be carried like a tote. The Helly Hansen Oslo comes in a ton of different colors and with only a $55 price tag it makes a great cheaper Kanken alternative that doesn’t compromise in quality or style.

Patagonia Tamangito Pack

Buy on REI

Patagonia’s Tamangito Pack is great for anyone looking for backpacks similar to the Fjallraven Kanken with a compact profile. The 20-liter main compartment gives you plenty of room for essentials while internal organizer pockets and water resistant material will give you peace of mind on busy days. The Patagonia Tamangito also comes in a bunch of different colors so you are sure to find one you love.

Anello Clasp Backpack

Buy on Amazon

Anello is a brand based out of Japan that offers the perfect Fjallraven Kanken alternative. Just like the Kanken, these unisex backpacks are available in a ton of colors and sizes. The bags themselves are top-loading with zipper access to a very large and roomy main compartment. These bags are a great option for anyone who needs a casual backpack to use at school, the gym or overnight travel.

Members only: Featured backpack deals

The Ridge – 10% Off Sitewide with Coupon Code

Db – 15% Off with Exclusive Coupon Code

Everyman – 15% Off Sitewide with Exclusive Coupon Code

HEX – 15% Off Sitewide with Coupon Code

Day Owl – 20% Off Sitewide with Coupon Code

Solo New York – 15% Off All Bags & Cases with Coupon Code

Chrome Industries – Save 10% with Coupon Code

Filson – 10% OFF Your Next Purchase

Brands like Fjallraven

While we are all familiar with Fjallraven’s awesome bag designs – it doesn’t hurt to see what else is out there when shopping for a new backpack. There are a few brands like Fjallraven that offer outdoorsy designs and tough as nails construction. Below are a list of our favorite brands and some of our top picks.

Patagonia

We believe Patagonia is one of the best brands like Fjallraven in terms of backpack quality and outdoor-focused designs. Their wide range of outdoor and daily-use backpacks are out-rivaled by few and you can find just about any type of backpack to fit your needs. Patagonia is worth a closer look if you are looking for a hiking, travel or daily use backpack that is built to last.

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack

Patagonia

The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack is a 27 liter bag that can be carried as a backpack, hand bag or tote. It’s designed to be ready for use at the weekend farmer’s market or as a travel daypack thanks to its pack-away design. The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack is a good alternative for those on the hunt for bags like the Fjallraven Totepack. We like its lightweight yet super strong fabric and zippered exterior pocket for quick access to essentials.

Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack

Patagonia

Patagonia offers a modern take on a classic rucksack design with their Arbor Lid Pack. This backpack features a water repellent finish for ease of mind during outdoor adventures and a large main compartment for easy storage of things like a laptop and daily essentials. At 28 liters the Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack is a good choice for anyone looking for heritage-style bags like the Fjallraven Greenland.

REI Co-op

REI Co-op is retailer known for quality outdoor gear and apparel offerings and the company has recently started offering their own branded items that match their focus on high quality and sustainability. Many of REI’s bags are made from eco-friendly and recycled materials and are built to specific standard for the task at hand: camping, hiking, travel and everyday carry. We recommend REI backpacks if you are looking for affordable brands like Fjallraven with a similar focus on sustainability and practicality.

REI Trailsmith Pack

REI Co-Op

The REI Trailsmith is a built-tough backpack that features everything you need to conquer the day. An interior padded laptop pocket allows you to carry your tech securely while a the top flap design and DWR-finished nylon fabric allows for great protection on rainy days.

One thing we really appreciate about this backpack is its quality and minimalist design. Fans of Fjallraven’s classic designs will really appreciate the REI Trailsmith’s minimalist exterior, intuitive pocket placement and rugged 1050D nylon construction.

REI Co-op Rucksack - bags like Fjallraven

REI Rucksack Recycled Daypack

REI Co-Op

The Rucksack Recycled Daypack is REI’s own take on a classic hiking bag but with more everyday carry features that also make it a perfect choice for school and commuting. Available in both a men’s version and women’s version, the Rucksack is built with comfort in mind for easy hauls on the trail and in the city.

The Rucksack Recycled Daypack’s rugged construction and minimalist exterior make it a great alternative for anyone looking for bags like Fjallraven that focus on a stylish design that doesn’t compromise on great quality.

Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi is a backpack brand that deserves to be on your radar if you are looking for high quality multifunctional backpacks. The brand’s business model is “Do Good” and that’s something we can definitely get behind. Cotopaxi gives a percentage of their profit to organizations that fight poverty around the world. Their backpacks are bright, fun and technical. Cotopaxi is a great option for anyone looking for brands like Fjallraven geared towards hiking and travel.

Cotopaxi Cusco Del Día Backpack

Not many backpacks have a special story like the Cotopaxi Cusco. This backpack is part of Cotopaxi’s Del Día Collection that uses excess materials from other production runs. Alongside this environmentally responsible approach to manufacturing, each Cusco backpack is also put together by a Cotopaxi production employee who has full creative control over the colors of the bag so no two backpacks are ever alike.

Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi Tasra Cada Día Backpack

Cotopaxi

The Cotopaxi Tasra is a roomy daypack for hikes and everyday carry. The 20 liter cinch-top main compartment offers the room you need for daily essentials while a separate suspended laptop compartment gives you quick access to your tech. Pair these features with a highly water-resistant construction and a soft mesh back panel and you have a versatile pack for work and play.

Helly Hanson

Helly Hanson is a Norwegian brand that specializes in clothing and accessories for people who love staying active outdoors. Their backpacks can be best described as daily-use functionality with retro-inspired style by incorporating hard-wearing fabrics and leather trims. This a great brand to try out if you are looking for brands like Fjallraven with an emphasis on Scandinavian design.

Helly Hansen Vika Backpack

Helly Hansen

Inspired by minimalist Scandinavian design, the Vika Backpack will come in handy for daily carry and outdoor adventures alike thanks to its highly water resistant rolltop construction, roomy 28 liter main compartment, laptop sleeve and adjustable sternum strap so that you can dial line a perfect fit.

Helly Hansen Dublin Backpack

Helly Hansen

Made for short hikes and daily commuting alike, the Helly Hansen Dublin is a small daily carry backpack designed to thrive on even the busiest of days. Packed features such as water bottle pockets, external quick-access pockets and two separate main compartments – the Dublin is a great option for anyone looking for a backpack like the Fjallraven Kanken with a similar size and footprint.

Osprey Packs

Whether you are looking for technical hiking backpacks or everyday bags – Osprey Packs has you covered. The brand has made their mark in being a leader in travel and outdoor gear but they have also released some serious contenders in the laptop backpack space. Anyone looking for backpacks similar to Fjallraven’s more technical outdoor bags will like the options Osprey offers for hiking, backpacking, running and mountain biking.

Osprey Arcane Roll Top

Shop on Osprey

The Arcane Roll Top is a versatile urban to trail backpack by Osprey that combines a city-focused carrying system with the brand’s classic focus on durability and comfort. This roll top backpack features a 16” laptop sleeve, a roomy 22 liter main compartment and a hidden low profile side water pocket that blends into the pack when not in use for a streamlined look.

Osprey Arcane Daypack

Shop on Osprey

Don’t be fooled by the minimalist exterior – inside the Osprey Arcane is a myriad of pockets for organizing your daily items. Each Osprey Arcane is equipped with a padded laptop sleeve, plenty of pockets for essentials and is made with water resistant fabric for peace of mind during busy commutes.

Millican

When it comes to finding companies like Fjallraven very few come close to the quality and designs that Fjallraven offers but Millican does a stellar job on both fronts. Millican is a UK brand that offers high quality handcrafted backpacks built to last through any journey. The brand is so committed to quality that they even offer a repair service for their backpacks and bags. Our favorite Millican bags include the daily carry Oli the Zip Pack and the outdoor focused Fraser Rucksack. All of their bags come in a variety of colors and sizes so you are sure to find one you love.

Millican Oli The Zip Pack

Millican

The Millican Oli is a simple 15L daypack perfect for lugging around your laptop, snacks and other essentials. The interior features a padded laptop sleeve a zip organization pocket for smaller items while the outside provides a side zip pocket for keys and other quick access items.

Milican Fraser Rucksack - bags like Fjallraven number 21 medium

Millican Fraser Rucksack

Millican

Millican offers a thoughtfully designed rucksack for those who like to wander off the beaten path. The Fraser’s carry versatility is made possible with hidden pockets and compression straps that double as holders for oversized gear. Made of canvas and equipped with aluminum hardware – the Fraser is a step up from other rucksacks in its class.

United By Blue

United By Blue is a brand driven by sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing. In fact, they are one of our favorite brands that offer recycled backpacks. They accomplish ethical manufacturing by holding their suppliers to specific environmental and worker standards. Along with being registered a B Corp, United By Blue takes the extra step and has pledged to remove one pound of trash for every product sold.

United by Blue is a great brand to check out for anyone looking for outdoor-inspired backpacks similar to Fjallraven with the added bonus of giving back to communities and the environment.

United By Blue Transit Pack

United By Blue

One of United By Blue’s most popular backpacks, the Transit Pack is a workhorse that can be used for everything from daily commuting to short hikes. With a 25 liter capacity, water repellent construction and plenty of pockets for items big and small the Transit Pack is United By Blue’s most versatile backpack yet.

United By Blue Carryall Tote Backpack

United By Blue

The United By Blue Carryall is a backpack that doubles as a tote bag thanks to its shoulder straps that can be tucked away as needed. Small organizer pockets, a laptop sleeve and a roomy 25 liter compartment makes it the perfect bag for anyone looking for a reliable backpack for daily carry.

Haglöfs

Haglöfs is a Finnish brand that offers eco-friendly gear and clothing for the outdoor adventurer. Those looking for outdoor backpacks like Fjallraven may miss the simplicity of their designs but we think Haglöfs does a great job at offering bags that have real functionality without being too over-engineered. Haglöf’s range of offerings is impressive with backpacks suited for the trail or your next downtown day trip.

Haglofs Nusnas Backpack

Moosejaw

The Nusnas is a 25 liter rucksack that can be used on the trail or during your daily commute. This is thanks to its water resistant DWR coating and modern features like a laptop sleeve and key holder. The backpack features a sleek minimalist profile and is constructed of highly durable recycled fabric to really drive its modern Scandinavian design home.

Haglofs Siljan Backpack

Moosejaw

Haglofs offers an attractive weather resistant daily pack with their Silja backpack. Made of durable recycled materials with chunky wear-resistant zippers, the Silja is constructed to thrive in any setting. This backpack is a good choice if you are looking for backpacks like the Fjallraven Kanken that are slim in design with a roomy main compartment.

Discover More

14 Best Backpacks with Chest Straps – School, Laptop, Travel

In this buying guide we list a few of our favorite backpacks with chest straps. From daily laptop to travel backpacks – you’re sure to find the best bag for you!

9 Best Patagonia Backpacks for School – 2021 Buying Guide for High School and College

Find the best Patagonia backpack for school with this helpful buying guide!

9 Best Under Armour Backpacks for School – 2021 Buying Guide

Find the best Under Armour backpack for school with this helpful buying guide!

10 Best One Strap Backpacks for School – Sling Backpacks for Binders, Books and More!

Looking for a sling backpack for long days on campus? In this buying guide we help you find the best one strap backpack for school.

14 Best Flap Backpacks for School – Canvas Buckle Flap Backpack Top Picks

Find the best flap backpack for school with this list of top picks! From colorful modern flap backpacks to classic canvas rucksack designs – we have something for every student.

Best Nike Backpacks for School – Ultimate 2021 Buying Guide

Find the best Nike backpack for school with this guide! We explore everything from the newest Nike backpack releases to stylish budget options.

The North Face Borealis vs Jester (2021 Update) – What’s the Difference?

What’s the difference between the North Face Borealis and Jester? We get hands-on in this updated North Face Borealis vs Jester backpack comparison.

23 Best Backpacks for Grad School – Find a Mature Grad School Backpack

Looking for the best backpack for grad school? In this buying guide we explore our favorite grad school backpacks that are mature and campus ready.

Best Backpacks with Shoe Compartments – Top Work to Gym Bags

Need a gym backpack with shoe compartment for those busy workout days? Take a look at our top picks that are stylish, functional and real-world ready.

Best Lunch Box Backpack For Adults – 11 Lunch Box Backpack Options

In this buying guide we explore the best lunch box backpacks for grown ups. Ditch the cooler and go with a versatile lunch box backpack for adults that will allow you to carry your lunch, daily items and much more!

21 Backpacks Similar to Fjallraven