By Administrator Introducing the Kanken and Its Laptop Companion
The Kanken. The name alone conjures images of simple, functional, and undeniably stylish backpacks. Crafted by Fjallraven, a Swedish brand steeped in outdoor heritage, the Kanken’s story begins with a social mission. Designed in 1978 to combat back problems in Swedish schoolchildren, the Kanken quickly became a symbol of practicality and enduring design. The bag’s clean lines, distinctive silhouette, and use of Vinylon F material have solidified its status as a modern classic, embraced by students, urban professionals, and adventurers alike.
The Kanken family has grown over the years, and one of the most practical additions to the lineup is the Kanken Laptop series. Recognizing the ever-increasing need to carry technology, Fjallraven cleverly adapted the original design to accommodate the demands of the digital age. This review focuses specifically on the Kanken Laptop 17″, a model engineered to house and protect larger laptops, offering a blend of Fjallraven’s iconic style with a focus on functionality for today’s tech-dependent world. Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive assessment of this bag, analyzing its strengths and weaknesses to help you determine whether it’s the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Examining the Design and Construction
At its core, the Kanken Laptop 17″ retains the fundamental design DNA of the original Kanken. The defining features, from the boxy shape to the prominent logo, remain instantly recognizable. However, this model boasts several specific adaptations to accommodate a laptop of a significant size.
The bag’s construction relies on Fjallraven’s signature Vinylon F fabric. This synthetic material is known for its inherent durability and water resistance. While not fully waterproof, Vinylon F is inherently resistant to water; the fibers swell when exposed to moisture, making them effectively block the passage of water. This is a significant advantage for protecting your valuable electronics from light rain or accidental spills. The fabric is also exceptionally resilient, able to withstand the daily wear and tear of school, work, or travel.
The dimensions of the Kanken Laptop 17″ are specifically designed with laptop protection in mind. The defining feature of this model is of course the dedicated laptop compartment, designed to safeguard devices up to 17 inches in size. This compartment is usually padded, providing cushioning to protect your laptop from bumps and scratches that can occur during everyday use. The main compartment, accessible via a U-shaped zipper, offers ample space for books, folders, or other essentials.
The external design also includes a front zippered pocket, ideal for smaller items like pens, keys, and a wallet. The bag retains the traditional side pockets, perfect for carrying a water bottle or an umbrella. This ensures all your daily essentials are readily accessible and well-organized. The shoulder straps are adjustable, ensuring a comfortable fit for a variety of body types, while the top carry handle adds another convenient way to tote your belongings. Reflective logos are featured on the bag for increased visibility in low-light conditions, making the Kanken Laptop 17″ a smart choice for those who navigate urban environments. The inclusion of a foam sitting pad adds another layer of convenience, offering a quick and clean surface to sit on anywhere.
Exploring the Advantages of the Kanken Laptop 17″
The Kanken Laptop 17″ offers a compelling combination of style and functionality, making it an attractive choice for many users. There are several compelling reasons to consider this backpack for your needs.
The design itself is a huge draw. The Kanken is globally recognized for its iconic and minimalist aesthetic. Available in a vast array of colors, the Kanken Laptop 17″ allows you to express your personality while remaining practical. This bag works in a classroom, an office setting, or even on a casual weekend outing. It is versatile. Its simplicity is timeless, ensuring it remains in style for years to come.
Beyond aesthetics, the Kanken excels in offering great functionality. The generous main compartment and dedicated laptop compartment provide ample storage space for all your essential belongings. The well-placed front zippered pocket and side pockets further enhance organization, making it easy to find and access items quickly. The thoughtful layout is perfect for students, professionals, or anyone looking for a convenient way to transport their belongings. The U-shaped zipper design on the main compartment enables a wide opening, making it easy to pack and unpack your belongings.
Durability is another strong suit. The Vinylon F material is renowned for its resilience. This fabric is engineered to withstand the rigors of daily use, resisting tears, abrasions, and other types of damage. The stitching and overall construction of the Kanken Laptop 17″ are typically robust, meaning you can rely on this bag to handle your daily adventures for a long period. The quality construction, combined with the material’s properties, make it a worthy investment.
Comfort is also a consideration. The adjustable shoulder straps allow for a customized fit, helping to distribute the weight of your belongings evenly. The foam sitting pad, while serving a functional purpose, also offers an extra layer of comfort against your back. These features combine to create a backpack that is comfortable to wear, even when loaded with books, a laptop, and other essentials.
Considering the Potential Drawbacks
No bag is perfect, and the Kanken Laptop 17″ has a few limitations to consider. Recognizing these drawbacks will help you to make an informed decision that suits your requirements.
The price point is one area that some users might find challenging. The Kanken Laptop 17″ is not the cheapest laptop backpack available. While the price reflects the quality of the materials, the iconic design, and the brand reputation, it could still be considered a premium purchase. Comparison shopping with other laptop backpacks is recommended if you are looking for something that is more budget-friendly.
Some may find the organizational features to be somewhat limited compared to other, more technically-focused laptop backpacks. The Kanken Laptop 17″ favors a more streamlined design, which means it may lack the specialized pockets and compartments that can be found in some other bags. Those who require many pockets for accessories, chargers, and small gadgets may want to consider bags with more specialized layouts.
When heavily loaded, the comfort levels of the Kanken Laptop 17″ might not be equivalent to backpacks with more heavily padded straps. Backpacks designed specifically for carrying heavier loads often include features like padded back panels, sternum straps, and hip belts. The Kanken offers adequate support, but if you regularly carry a significant amount of weight, you may find that a bag with more sophisticated support features is preferable.
While water-resistant, the Kanken Laptop 17″ is not fully waterproof. While Vinylon F will resist light rain, prolonged exposure to heavy downpours could result in water seeping into the bag. If you live in an area that experiences frequent heavy rainfall or if you’re concerned about extreme weather conditions, you may want to consider a fully waterproof backpack.
The form factor can also pose an issue to some. The shape might be deemed as inflexible for certain items, and it’s best not to overfill it. The main opening zipper also means that your things might fall out more easily compared to a top-loading backpack.
Who Is the Kanken Laptop 17″ A Good Choice For?
The Kanken Laptop 17″ is a versatile backpack that suits a variety of individuals, but there are certain profiles where it excels. Understanding who would benefit most from this bag will help you to determine whether it is suitable for your individual needs.
The ideal users are students needing a stylish and functional backpack to transport their laptops, books, and school supplies. Its roomy compartments, durable construction, and stylish design will appeal to students of all ages. The organization also allows students to manage their supplies and books effectively, and the iconic design will attract those who value aesthetics.
Professionals seeking a reliable and stylish bag for work will also find the Kanken Laptop 17″ an excellent choice. The dedicated laptop compartment will protect your valuable devices, while the understated design is appropriate for a variety of work environments. The simple aesthetic also projects professionalism and style.
Individuals who value style and simplicity, will find the Kanken Laptop 17″ exceptionally appealing. Its clean lines, timeless design, and many color options allow you to easily match your personal style. It can fit many styles, from casual, to preppy, to minimal, and more. It’s a statement piece, and it also comes with a degree of functionality.
Those who prioritize a durable and lightweight bag, should also consider the Kanken. The Vinylon F material is known for its toughness, and the backpack itself is relatively lightweight. The combination of these factors makes it an excellent choice for those who want a reliable bag that won’t weigh them down.
Conversely, the Kanken Laptop 17″ might not be the best choice for certain users. Those who need maximum organizational features may want to look at bags with more specialized pockets and compartments. Individuals who frequently carry heavy loads, and need significant support, might prefer a backpack with a more advanced support system. Those who live in areas with constant heavy rain, and require a guaranteed waterproof bag, may want to seek out other options.
The Verdict: Should You Get the Kanken Laptop 17″?
After a thorough examination of its features, advantages, and disadvantages, it’s time to reach a conclusion. Is the Kanken Laptop 17″ the right backpack for you?
In short, the Kanken Laptop 17″ is an excellent choice for those who value style, functionality, and durability. Its iconic design, coupled with its practical features, make it a versatile bag suitable for a wide range of users. It is an investment in quality and timeless design. The dedicated laptop compartment ensures the safety of your valuable devices, while the various compartments and pockets help you to stay organized on the go.
Considering your personal needs is very important. If you’re looking for an organizationally sophisticated backpack, or a bag that is exceptionally weather-resistant, you might want to explore alternative options. However, if you appreciate its style, need a dependable laptop compartment, and want a bag that will last, then the Kanken Laptop 17″ is an outstanding choice.
Therefore, we wholeheartedly recommend the Kanken Laptop 17″ to students, professionals, and anyone who values a combination of style, functionality, and durability in their everyday carry.
It’s a bag that has endured time, and it’s a bag that is well-regarded for a reason.
Concluding Thoughts
The Kanken Laptop 17″ perfectly embodies the Fjallraven philosophy: a focus on timeless design, functionality, and sustainable materials. It offers a winning combination of style, practicality, and durability, making it a worthy investment for anyone seeking a reliable and stylish backpack. If you need a great bag, and you want to carry your laptop safely, then the Kanken Laptop 17″ is a great option.
