The Super Classic 2-Way Bag "KANKEN" from Sweden's "FJALLRAVEN" Goes Outdoor!

The adorable Arctic Fox logo belongs to "FJALLRAVEN," a brand that has been a beloved choice for everyday bags for many years. The "KANKEN" is a versatile 2-way item that can be used as both a handbag and a backpack, and many may recognize its simple, nearly rectangular design.
 
The "KANKEN" has now evolved into the "KANKEN OUTLONG," which is equipped with features suited for outdoor use and has become incredibly popular. Its subtle ability to blend into everyday life while incorporating supportive features for nature walks may be the reason for its success. We spoke with Yukio Takeuchi, MD/VMD at YS International Co., Ltd.

Originally Born as a School Bag for Children

"FJALLRAVEN," established in Sweden in 1960, is a manufacturer of outdoor backpacks. The "KANKEN," launched in 1978, was developed by founder Åke Nordin as a daily-use bag to reduce the physical burden on Swedish children carrying heavy textbooks and gear. It’s a simple, light, and durable 2-way bag that's perfect for carrying heavy items.
 
Due to its practicality, it has become popular among adults as well, growing its fan base globally and making it a long-standing favorite in Japan. "KANKEN" means "to carry" in Swedish. Initially, I thought that not many people would expect outdoor features in "KANKEN," but to my pleasant surprise, it has gained immense popularity.

No wonder it quickly gained popularity. While the "KANKEN" can be used for hiking, its simple structure means that for longer hiking or trekking distances, attaching options or choosing more outdoor-oriented products would be the smarter choice. In contrast, the "KANKEN OUTLONG" makes extending your adventures easier.
 
The product name "OUTLONG" is specifically intended to evoke the idea of extending your efforts to enjoy nature. With a capacity of 18L, slightly larger than the 16L "KANKEN," it strikes a balance of being compact enough for daily use while being spacious enough for one-day activities. The padded shoulder, chest strap, and a bottle pocket with cord that can be optionally attached to "KANKEN" are included from the start here, which is a great deal.

Customizing with optional features is enjoyable, and in fact, "KANKEN" options are popular products in their own right. However, "KANKEN OUTLONG" comes equipped with functional features from the start, making it more accessible and economical than adding options later. Furthermore, incorporating a back pad, which is now essential for outdoor backpacks, is another distinguishing feature of "KANKEN OUTLONG."
 
A significant feature exclusive to "KANKEN OUTLONG," which the classic "KANKEN" lacks, is that the main compartment is divided into two chambers. This may not be apparent from the outside. By unzipping the lower zipper, you can access the lower compartment. Two-chamber backpacks are practical for outdoor use; however, if nothing is inserted from below, the entire main compartment can be used as a single chamber, just like the conventional "KANKEN."