It’s not clear what makes the Kånken so iconic – perhaps it’s its ever-changing colour scheme; its useful rectangular shape; its long history; perhaps it’s more likely a combination of all three – but for whatever reason, the Kånken is the most popular product in Fjällräven’s entire range.

The Kånken backpacks, which have remained virtually unchanged since they were first introduced in 1978, now come in more sizes, colours and models than ever before. Over the years, the Kånken Classic has been joined by alternatives in size such as the Kånken Mini and Kånken Laptop. Later, the Kånken No.2, a more durable version made from the G-1000 Heavy Duty fabric that Fjällräven uses in its outdoor clothing, joined the range. In 2016, the Re-Kånken, made from the recycling of 11 plastic bottles, and the Premium Black, with all its details in black, were added to the range. Last year, the Kånken Re-Wool, made from recycled wool, and the Tree-Kånken, made from Pine Weave, a new bio-based material, were produced and attracted a lot of attention.

The main reason why the design has not changed when these variations are made on the products is that the first Kånken was designed and manufactured to withstand long-term use. Both the Kånken Vinylon-F fabric that the original model was made of and the Kånken No.2's G-1000 Heavy Duty fabric are manufactured to withstand wear and tear. Yes, they are durable, but they also need maintenance :)

Here are some tips to help extend the life of your favorite backpack:

• Avoid overloading your Kånken. The standard Kånken backpack has a 16-liter capacity, and while there’s no official maximum weight limit, it’s recommended to keep the load to just a few kilograms. Overloading may damage the stitching on the shoulder straps and the base of the bag.

• If something gets stuck in your zipper, don’t force it. Instead, use a bit of lubricant like oil or clear lip balm to loosen it. Then, gently try to open and close the zipper.
  
• If you notice small tears in the stitching, repair them as soon as possible. The longer you leave them unattended, the bigger they will get, making them harder to fix. :(
  
• Don’t leave your Kånken under direct sunlight for extended periods. Prolonged exposure will fade its vibrant colors. Kånken bags prefer the shade! :)
  
• Whatever you do, don't put your Kånken in a washing machine. Instead, use a soft brush or sponge with warm water to clean it. For more detailed instructions, check out the video on our YouTube channel.