Fjallraven Re Kanken Mini Backpack - Slate

Top-notch customer service & delivery as always. I am giving only 3 stars because of the bag design. The straps that make the bag both a tote and a small backpack can't be adjusted long enough to suit an adult body. I am 5'7 and relatively thin, and once the bag is filled up, I struggle to get it on and it's extremly tight and uncomfortable. I love the concept but it feels like a kid's backpack unfortunately. I also own a standard mini Re-Kanken, which is in my view a far better option if you are looking for a mini backpack to carry around (enough room and straps are longer to suit all body types).

To stay active during the pandemic, I have been taking walks in nature, biking, and hiking like it's my job throughout Upstate, NY. My purse was cumbersome and weighed one shoulder down on all my adventures. I have a Deuter day pack, which is great for bigger hikes, but feels bulky on a two-five mile walk. So I decided to get a backpack big enough for a water bottle, an extra layer, my wallet, maybe a book, and a snack.After reading and watching lots of reviews, I settled on the Fjallraven Kanken Mini. First of all, I love the company--they value long-lasting products and sustainability. Since it arrived a few weeks ago, I have done a several fairly strenuous hikes, biked 12 miles (on a super hot day), taken numerous long walks, and visited the grocery store a few ... MoreTo stay active during the pandemic, I have been taking walks in nature, biking, and hiking like it's my job throughout Upstate, NY. My purse was cumbersome and weighed one shoulder down on all my adventures. I have a Deuter day pack, which is great for bigger hikes, but feels bulky on a two-five mile walk. So I decided to get a backpack big enough for a water bottle, an extra layer, my wallet, maybe a book, and a snack.After reading and watching lots of reviews, I settled on the Fjallraven Kanken Mini. First of all, I love the company--they value long-lasting products and sustainability. Since it arrived a few weeks ago, I have done a several fairly strenuous hikes, biked 12 miles (on a super hot day), taken numerous long walks, and visited the grocery store a few times. The bag is the perfect size for all the things I wanted to cary. It's very light weight and though it says it's water repellant, it sure seems waterproof to me. When it's not raining, I fold back the rain guard on the zipper so it's easier to get in and out quickly.There are a few things I might change about the bag to make it absolutely perfect. The outside pockets are the perfect size for a phone and a granola bar, but my water bottle needs to go in the main compartment. It would be great to make at least one of the outside pockets large enough for even a small water bottle, but it's not the biggest deal. I'd also add velcro or a zipper to those side pockets. On a few occasions, I've leaned over and my phone slipped out. Lastly, on the straps, there is a hard spot near the snaps that get caught on my clothes. I know they sell covers for the straps, but it would be nice to either include those, or smooth down that part of the strap so they are not necessary.All in all, I adore this bag and hope to have it for many years to come!

I was disappointed in the thin fabric on the back. The “seat cushion” was a square of packing foam that they put a sticker on to say “this is you handy back pad and seat cushion”…without the sticker one would think it’s meant to me thrown away because it literally looks like packing material. With the “cushion” in you have no use of the inner pocket in the main compartment either. I was really excited to get this bag (I’ve been eyeing it for years) but I was so disappointed in the design shortcuts that were likely taken for cost cutting, I just returned it. I have a North Face mini Berkeley pack that is amazing so I plan to stick to that.