The Backpack Icon

When Fjallraven founder Ake Nordin first hatched his design for a backpack in 1978, he didn’t think it would become the icon it is today. The small, soft bookbag — actually an odd totebag that is not a rucksack like the ones Reese Witherspoon wears on the PCT — looked more suited to carrying a few books and snacks than a hefty load over long distances. But the kanken was designed to solve a serious problem: Back pain in Swedish school children caused by heavy loads lugged around. Nordin’s solution was a simple, soft bookbag with no frame and a removable foam pad to spread the load across the back. The kanken, named after the Swedish word for carrying (and also meaning “to carry”), was an instant hit.

It took a little longer to make its way over the Atlantic, but once it did, a wave of Kanken ART started as people personalised their bags and shared their travels online. In a way, the kanken became an extension of its owner, a part of their identity.

Besides being an iconic product, a kanken is also a sustainable one. The woven vinylon F material used in the early versions of the bag is hard-wearing and water-resistant, with no need for chemical treatment or synthetic fibers that swell when wet. The kanken’s square shape reduces fabric waste during production and its modest capacity encourages people to bring only the essentials.

The kanken has never gone out of fashion, but its story is very much still in the making. In this age of disposable culture, the kanken’s emphasis on efficiency and longevity feels more relevant than ever.