Customer Reviews Fjällräven Re-Kånken Mini

I initially bought this bag in grey, then returned for the full size. After a few months, I re-purchased in black in this mini size, and ended up liking it better than the full size. I use the mini for weekends or lighter work days (when I don't have to carry a laptop). My iPhone 6s plus will fit in one of the side pockets, as long as a really thin case is on it. I also really prefer this re-kanken material to that of the originals. I like the classic kankens, but I've always had trouble with the stiff canvas getting dirty and scuffed easily. I think this material is much softer and easier to clean. I have a little dog who sheds white hair, but a quick run over with a lint roller quickly cleans it off.

I got this in the spring green color to replace my Everest Jr. backpack which I use as an everyday bag when traveling or just running errands. I absolutely love the color! I've been wanting a Kanken Mini for a while, but the big logo in the middle always put me off. With the Re-Kanken Mini, I find the more subdued/embroidered logo a lot more attractive. I love the shape, and it fits all my daily essentials and then some. My only minor complaint is that the little outside pocket is a little stiff, but I'm hoping it will soften up with wear. Overall, I highly recommend it.

I purchased the dark olive color which just looks like a dark brown to me. I didn't want anything flashy so this was good for me. I use this bag as a purse and it suits my needs well. I am able to fit an iPad Air (9in), a Kindle paperwhite, Nexus 5x, umbrella, 16000ah power bank (about the size of my phone but heavier), wallet purse kind of a clutch, and a 32oz hydroflask, in the main compartment. The little one in the front I basically keep some first aid items and on one of the side pockets I stick pens/pencils and a tiny notebook. The side pockets also fit my phone if I want it to be more accessible without putting it in my pants pockets but it doesn't hide it completely. I'm usually holding or using my keys but if not I will throw it in the main compartment. I'd have to make sure the weight is packed in fairly evenly, especially when I decide to bring the full water bottle but it's good for a couple of hours with this max load. I start to get tired of carrying it around after that but I usually don't walk around that long with it. Not much in the way of padding and protection for you or your items so beware if you carry fragile things and are rough with your bag. If I go very light and just put my wallet, phone, and ipad in there then I find that the contents bounce a little against my back when I move but otherwise not a big deal. Since it's just one big compartment I think an added organizer would be useful if you tend to carry small items and can't get them all in that little pocket on the front, or just get a different bag. Not a problem for me since I have fairly large items and I was looking for a non rounded bag to hold as many things as possible. If you tend to get things in and out of the bag frequently then I think it is not that convenient for that. If I'm a little rushed I tend to leave the bag a unzipped at the top and carry by those top handles until I can sort everything out and get it back on my back. Those handles on top are very useful. Plus I don't have to worry about weight distribution if I carry it like that.

This backpack is durable and fits quite a lot. It fits my iPad Air 4 with a case on and a lot of other essentials such as my kipling pencil case also purchased from Zappos, my hobo wallet purchased from Zappos and two battery packs. I purchased the pink color. I plan to use it as a purse.

It’s small but mighty! Was looking for a small bag I can use when I take short trips with my kids. I use the back slip pocket to hold a pouch filled with 1 pull-up, 2 size 6 diapers, and travel wipes. Main compartment I can hold my small wallet, phone, a 18oz water bottle, a bag of snacks, small blanket, sanitizing wipes, sunglasses, with room to spare. Front zip pocket holds keys and chapstick. One side slip pocket holds our masks, and other side pocket holds a small container filled with bandaids. I will say that those slip pockets are pretty small but luckily I found use for them! With it all filled it’s comfortable to carry. Zippers can be a struggle at times but I don’t mind it. Great quality bag for me to have on when chasing after kids!

This is not a big back pack, but that is what I wanted. The outside pockets are small, wont really fit a water bottle but will fit my iPhone and my sunglasses - one on each side. I really like the bag a lot. Adjustable and comfortable.

This is a great little backpack! The fabric is softer than the original version with the white and red patch. I like how the embroidered logo replaces the white patch. Looks classier. The dark olive looks more like dark chocolate brown, and its a beautiful, rich color. It holds a lot more than you think it would. Love the side pockets; I put my phone in one of the pockets. The bag opens nice and wide to get in and out of the bag easlily. I haven’t had a need to wash the bag yet, but I anticipate cleaning it will be simple. Very pleased with my purchase.

Love this little bag! Easy to adjust handles and top handles makes it very versatile. Like others have said, front pocket is tiny but works perfect for those small things you don't want to loose in the big compartment. Side pockets can hold my Google pixel XL phone but only because I have a slim case on it. Inside pocket is perfect for a book! Also, the material is not as stiff as the original bags and that's a huge plus to me!

Love the Mini! I have a bigger size as well which I love but this one (the black) is perfect for running errands, grabbing lunch, hiking, traveling, etc. Exterior side pockets fit my phone (iphone 6s) and front holds tissues, chapstick, etc. Inside is much roomier than it looks. Super lightweight, comfortable to carry. Top handles are handy too. Love this backpack!

This is a good size if you don't want to use a regular full-size backpack. Perfect for taking on hikes, walks, amusement parks, etc. The exterior pockets are tiny, but the interior compartment can hold a lot more than you would think.

I absolutely love this bag! It is small but holds so much and is so comfortable to carry. I've received so many compliments on it and I would recommend it for everyone. I'm very pleased!

Very cute bag, but too small for my purposes. Should have looked more closely at the dimensions. Sadly, it had to go back.

This is a great backpack, well made, small enough to fit just the essentials during travel. Love the embossed emblem, instead of the patch.

I love every bit but it's too small so I'm going bigger! P.S. Zappos has the best price!

The size and the look of the backpack is really cute and small, but holds all my essentials for work and for everyday use.

We are big fans of the kanken minis. Even though they’re pricey, they are sturdy and and have lasted a long time. My kids have taken their backpacks everywhere and is the perfect size for them to carry all their little belongings. Worked great for them on our recent trip to Japan - they were able to pack things to keep themselves occupied on the planes and trains.

I purchased the all black Re Kanken and I love it. It's perfect for an every day bag.. but if you do load it down with many heavy things, it loses a bit of comfort. It does get a bit linty if you've got pets, something about this material! I always leave the back pad in it, but that pocket is awfully handy for papers or passports. It fits my Nalgene bottle when laid sideways, holds a pack of cigarettes in the front pocket plus a few other small items (keys, lip balm, lighter, hairties). The side pockets (when the bag is not stuffed) hold my sunglasses perfectly in one and a vape stick in the other; they can also hold an iPhone 8 Plus, but very snugly (has a case and Popsocket on it too!). The bulkiest load I've carried in it so far is a Nalgene and a six-pack of cans with room for a thin hoodie. It always surprises me with how much it can actually hold. I've been eyeing this Mini for years, but finally decided to buy the all black Re (the original patch is a bit too loud for me). Since the straps are adjustable, I love using it as hand luggage on flights while I'm wearing my carry-on backpack. Especially since it fits all the size requirements for all budget airlines.

I LOVED this bag, but it was a little small for work, so I returned and bought the exact same backpack in the bigger size. I have had classic Kanken backpacks, and I prefer the material of this are-Kanken- it is softer and not as stiff, and seems easier to keep clean. This smaller size is ideal for travel and it truly holds a lot to be a smaller bag, but I wanted something with extra room for work.

Fabulously well made. Wish the exterior pockets were larger to carry cell phone and easier access to items in side pocket. Returning only because of size of exterior pockets.

side pockets and front pocket too small to hold and easily access iphone, but love the construction and quality of this bag. Returning for a larger one!

This bag was smaller than I expected but exactly what I was looking for anyway. It's the perfect size for my iPad, phone, two water bottles, wallet, and keys for the gym. I will say that the zipper is high quality but a bit tricky because the fabric flap that covers the zipper covers it a little too completely. But it's a good little bag for the price. Highly recommend.

Very noble gray. Size is perfect for a girl to take wallet, water, phone and a book.

I use it as an everyday purse as I like my hands free and don't always want a crossbody. It is small but fits so much, including regular purse items, my full size water bottle, scarf, and a thin jacket! I like not having that bright white/red company label, but a better looking embroidered one matching the bag color. One star off as I'm tall and ideally I could make the straps a little longer.

This backpack is small, similar to what a large fanny pack might hold. Also, it's a utilitarian look so not for those seeking something fashion forward.

I wanted to love the re-kånken mini. The positives outweigh the negatives in number, but unfortunately, the two negatives were critical for me. First the POSITIVES: The size is awesome, just right for an everyday purse. The color (oxblood red) was rich and beautiful. The clever backpack strap design is genius; why haven't US backpack manufacturers figured this out? There are details that allow you to secure the strap ends so they aren't hanging down and getting in the way. The material is strong and the workmanship flawless. AND, there is no velcro; hallelujah! Now, the negatives, for me at least. The side pockets are not big enough for a water bottle, but too deep for glasses or pens. The front pocket is not big enough for a smartphone or glasses. The only thing I would use the front pocket for would be maybe keys. So alas, while it has so many good qualities, the lack of useful outside pockets was a deal-breaker for me.