It appears I’m in very good company celebrating my 40th birthday this year as one of Sweden’s most famous fashion icons is also marking the same major milestone, the Fjällräven Kånken.
Way back in 1978, 80% of the Swedish population where suffering from back problems due, in a large part, from carrying school bags that were far too heavy. So following a national debate sparked by this remarkably high figure, Fjällräven’s founder Åke Norden created the revolutionary Kånken.
Kånken, which means ‘carry’ in Swedish, was the first bag designed with two straps to evenly spread weight across both shoulders. They were also made from a super durable fabric, known as ‘Vinylon F’ and included, as they still do now, the distinctive red fox reflective badge, a removable seat pad, as well as a handy separate side pocket for papers.
Forty years on the Kånken remains as popular as ever, sold in 30 countries. It is the worlds best-selling backpack, with over 200,000 sold every year. It probably won’t come as a surprise to learn we have several different bags (along with other pieces of Fjällräven outdoor wear) in the Nordic Notes household.
To mark this special anniversary, the Kånken backpack is being joined by a new range of essentials, making it even more practical for today’s pupils, commuters, or in my case mums.
This includes a cooler bag, perfect as a school lunch box or for a family picnic, a photo insert that turns your Kånken into a camera bag (very handy for a blogger on the go), a toiletry bag, laptop and tablet case, wallet, pen case and key ring.
I wouldn’t be without my Kånken, and neither would the thousands of students I share my home city with. It truly is a Nordic design classic, optimising timeless design as well as practical functionality.
If you’d like to find out more about the new accessories range visit the Fjällräven website.
All images courtesy of Fjällräven.
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Lins @ Boo & Maddie says
Yay I have a Kanken too and they’re so comfy! Didn’t know they’d been around so long, thank you for sharing x
Nicola says
The history is remarkable isn’t it.
Maria says
The Swedish are so great at design aren’t they! Love this backpack 😀 x
Nicola says
Its such a timeless classic, I wouldn’t be without mine.
Fiona Mostyn says
These bags have been so popular. I love the style of them. I didn’t know that they were also so versatile with so many accessories too.
Nicola says
They seem to be everywhere right now too!
Stacey Sheppard says
I’ve never heard of this bag but I’m definitely going to find out more about it now. I’m all for comfy these days and with two little tots I still have lots to carry around.
Nicola says
They are ideal for all the mum stuff, I even used their shoulder bag as a nappy bag when Fox was first born.
Mary | hellopeagreen.com says
I used a “brick” Kånken by Fjällräven as my baby bag when my son was born. I loved it for many years and then it had an accident which it never recovered from. Sorely tempted to get another, especially with the new add on’s you’ve described.
Nicola says
So did I, and I had lots of other new mums asking about it.
JENNY KAKOUDAKIS says
Funny how sometimes you can recognise a company through their logo even though you don’t really know the name!
Nicola says
Just shows the power of the brand and the legacy it leaves.
Melinda says
Never knew where the two-strap backpack originated from! I rocked one of these for 12 years in school:)
Nicola says
Sounds like you were a really cool teen!
Pati says
i want to buy that backpack for my daughter ( so i could borrow it too)
Nicola says
Totally! My son obviously need one when he started nursery 🙂
Natalia says
I so need that camera bag in my life! Lovely designs and they look really durable too.
Nicola says
Its certainly on my shopping list now!
Donna Ford says
Good to know about these bags and the history behind. Also Happy Birthday!
Nicola says
Thanks Donna, they are a really interesting brand.
Ricky Vann says
Now only in Sweden could they have a national debate on heavy bags haha! Love the history of the brand and of course the backpack. Happy Birthday 🙂
Nicola says
Thanks Ricky, its a amazing back story isn’t it!
Jen Stanbrook says
I recognise the logo and bag but knew very little about the history – fascinating!
Nicola says
Thanks Jen, there’s certainly more to it than meets the eye!