Chances are, you've seen the iconic square backpacks everywhere. Fjallraven Kanken has mastered the art of creating durable, functional, and effortlessly cool bags that look just as good on a hiking trail as they do on a city-bound train. Their minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic and water-resistant Vinylon fabric have made them a staple for just about everyone.
But if you're looking to branch out or find something a little different - maybe a bit more technical, more fashion-forward, or just a new vibe altogether - there are plenty of other amazing brands to explore. Here are 19 brands similar to Fjallraven Kanken that deliver on style, function, and adventure-ready quality.
Herschel brings a dose of vintage-inspired cool to the world of backpacks and duffels. Known for their classic streetwear vibe, quality craftsmanship, and bold color options, Herschel gear is perfect for city life and daily commutes. While Kanken is all about simple Scandinavian design, Herschel leans more into fashion-forward, urban looks with unique prints and signature details.
Shop now at herschel.com
If you prioritize function and affordability, Quechua is your go-to. As Decathlon's hiking and camping brand, they offer incredibly reliable and lightweight outdoor gear without the hefty price tag - most of their popular backpacks fall between $30 and $80. While they don't have Kanken's distinct style, they deliver serious performance for anyone on a budget who needs gear they can count on for their next adventure.
Shop now at decathlon.com
Patagonia is a titan in the world of sustainable outdoor gear, creating backpacks designed for serious adventures and eco-conscious shoppers. Like Kanken, they have a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. However, Patagonia's packs are generally more technical and larger, built with durable, eco-friendly materials to withstand rugged conditions on the trail. If you need a bag for more than just carrying your laptop, this is the one.
Shop now at patagonia.com
Known for high-performance hiking and travel backpacks, Osprey is a favorite among serious trekkers and world travelers for a reason. Their gear is engineered for incredible comfort and stability on long journeys, often coming with lifetime guarantees. Unlike Kanken's simple, one-compartment design, Osprey bags are feature-rich with adjustable suspension systems, multiple pockets, and a focus on pure technical performance.
Shop now at osprey.com
Kipling brings a sense of fun and playfulness to functional bags. Their lightweight backpacks are instantly recognizable by their crinkled nylon fabric and signature monkey keychain. While Kanken excels in clean, minimalist design, Kipling embraces bright colors, quirky patterns, and a more youthful vibe perfect for school, travel, or anyone who wants a functional bag with a dose of personality.
Shop now at kipling.com
Topo Designs merges vintage mountain culture with modern functionality. Their backpacks are crafted from tough materials like waxed canvas and heavyweight nylon, giving them a rugged, retro feel. Compared to Kanken's lightweight build, Topo's packs are more substantial and often more technical, built to handle tough weather and demanding outdoor use while still looking great.
Shop now at topodesigns.com
A household name in outdoor gear, The North Face makes backpacks for everything from mountain climbing to daily commutes. Their gear is known for being extremely durable, highly functional, and packed with advanced features for weather resistance. While a Kanken is perfect for casual, everyday use, a backpack from The North Face is what you grab for more demanding outdoor adventures without sacrificing street credibility.
Shop now at thenorthface.com
O bag stands out with its modern, customizable, and eco-friendly approach. Made from durable and lightweight materials, their packs feature sleek, minimalist designs that appeal to style-conscious and environmentally aware shoppers. Unlike Kanken's fixed designs, O bag puts a major emphasis on customization, allowing you to create a bag that feels uniquely you.
Shop now at obag.com
L.L.Bean is an icon of classic, dependable outdoor gear. Their backpacks are built to last, prioritizing sturdy construction, practical features, and timeless designs that work for school, travel, or hiking. Where Kanken has a distinct minimalist fashion edge, L.L.Bean offers a more traditional, all-American outdoor look that has been trusted for generations.
Shop now at llbean.com
For the organized traveler, Eagle Creek is a game-changer. The brand specializes in durable travel backpacks and genius packing solutions designed to make your journey smoother. Their gear is lightweight, efficient, and filled with clever organizational features. Compared to Kanken's simple aesthetic, Eagle Creek packs are more technical and squarely focused on maximizing efficiency for globetrotters and frequent flyers.
Shop now at eaglecreek.com
Gregory is all about comfort and performance on the trail. They create high-quality hiking backpacks renowned for their ergonomic designs and durability over long distances. With features like adjustable suspension systems and technical fabrics, their packs are built for serious outdoor enthusiasts. If you love the outdoor ethos of Fjallraven but need something more rugged and performance-driven for big hikes, Gregory is a top contender.
Shop now at gregorypacks.com
Cote&Ciel blends fashion and function with an architectural, avant-garde twist. Their backpacks are known for their truly innovative silhouettes and premium materials, creating pieces that serve as functional art. While Kanken's beauty lies in its understated simplicity, Cote&Ciel is for the urban explorer who wants to make a bold style statement without compromising on practicality.
Shop now at coteetciel.com
Arc'teryx is synonymous with high-performance, precision-built outdoor gear. Their technical backpacks are designed for extreme conditions found in mountaineering, skiing, and trekking, using cutting-edge, weather-resistant materials. While a Kanken is the perfect companion for a day in the city, an Arc'teryx pack is engineered for the harshest environments imaginable, making it a choice for serious adventurers.
Shop now at arcteryx.com
For a sleek, stylish, and sustainable option, Matt & Nat is a must-see. The brand creates chic, minimalist backpacks using vegan leather and recycled materials. Their designs feel modern and are perfectly suited for daily use, work, or travel. While they share a minimalist aesthetic with Kanken, Matt & Nat's focus is on eco-conscious urban fashion rather than outdoor-inspired gear.
Shop now at mattandnat.com
Cabaia brings joy and personality to the world of backpacks with its fun, colorful, and customizable designs. What makes them unique is their system of interchangeable front pockets, allowing you to change your bag's look in seconds. While Kanken offers a wide range of colors, Cabaia takes personalization to the next level, appealing to those who want a truly unique and eco-friendly accessory.
Shop now at cabaia.com
If you love the Fjällräven brand but want something tougher than a Kanken, look no further than their Greenland line. Made from the brand's ultra-durable G-1000 fabric, these packs offer a more traditional, vintage-inspired trek look. They share the same roots and quality craftsmanship as the Kanken but are built to handle more serious outdoor conditions.
Shop now at fjallraven.com
Another beloved Swedish brand, Haglöfs creates technical and reliable outdoor gear including backpacks for hiking, mountaineering, and travel. Their products emphasize functionality, durability, and a clean Scandinavian design aesthetic. Think of Haglöfs as Kanken's more performance-focused cousin - less focused on urban style and more on withstanding the elements during serious expeditions.
Shop now at haglofs.com
Bellroy excels at making sleek, minimalist bags with a major focus on smart organization. Their slim, thoughtful designs are perfect for urban commuters and modern professionals who need to carry their tech and essentials in style. If you admire Kanken's simplicity but need more internal pockets and a more refined, office-ready look, Bellroy is the perfect fit.
Shop now at bellroy.com
Originally famous for their messenger bags, Timbuk2 now creates a wide range of incredibly durable and highly functional backpacks designed for city life. Their gear is built tough for bike commuters and urban adventurers, often with customizable options and a focus on practicality. Compared to Kanken's simple charm, Timbuk2 offers a more rugged, street-ready, and practical vibe for navigating the urban jungle.
Shop now at timbuk2.com
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