Behind the brand: Fjallraven Kånken Backpack

In 1960 Åke Nordin created an aluminium-framed backpack from his basement in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, which was lighter yet stronger than anything of the time. 

Enjoying the outdoors suddenly became easier and more enjoyable, and with more of his countrymen taking to the mountains Nordin set out establishing his outdoor gear company, Fjällräven Company, and quickly started offering tents, jackets and other hiking equipment.

Then with back problems becoming more common among Swedish school children, Åke Nordin developed the Kånken in 1978 and applied his knowledge to the humble backpack.

While the Scandinavian style hasn't strayed much since the original design – it still fits two A4 binders with straps allowing for hands free use – today it's more likely to be carried by cool kids than school kids, who not only swear by the backpack's practicality but find it beautiful to behold, too.

The Fjallraven Kånken Classic backpack offers a spacious zip close main compartment, a zip close front pocket and two open side pockets. Along with strong double handle and adjustable backpack straps, the bag is finished off with the highly recognisable round arctic fox brand logo.