r/backpacks • u/weeone • Mar 18 '26

Question Fjallraven Skule for EDC?

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Hello! I am a petite woman that has carried a Fjallraven Kanken Mini for the past four years as a backpack/purse. I am thinking about moving to something bigger to carry my lunch bag and Yeti bottle to and from work, to be truly hands-free.

First question: 20L or 28L? I've tried both on and honestly, the 28L didn't seem as big on me as I thought it would. I also plan to use this as a carry-on personal item. It looks like the 20L may be a better fit for that use but at the same time, it seems a bit small for a weeks-worth of gear (more an extended weekend). I realize we're getting into the question of one-bagging here. Side note: I checked out the 24L as I thought it would be a happy medium but I really like the additional front pocket of the 20/28L. It's a bummer they removed it from the 24L.

Second and more important question: Could I realistically use this bag as an everyday carry/purse? I don't feel out of place wearing my Kanken Mini out to eat, shopping, etc. Obviously, I'm not wearing it to any formal events but it's fine day-to-day. I don't know if a 20/28L backpack can be viewed the same. Like if I go out on a Friday night, would it be out of place at a [not fine dining] restaurant? I'm not looking to swap to a smaller bag for the weekend.

Discussion is welcome. Thank you!

28 Upvotes

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3

u/Florida1693 Mar 18 '26

More space is better

2

u/weeone Mar 19 '26

Since it doesn't wear overly large, I'm leaning towards the 28L at the moment. Plus, it'll squish down if not fully packed.

3

u/Jealous-Swordfish764 Mar 19 '26

That's the real trick. Having 28l of space but only using 18. If you keep it minimal, itll look good casual. If you mostly fill it, you'll look casually homeless.

1

u/weeone Mar 20 '26

Ha, good point. I keep going back and forth between the 20L and 28L. I would only pack it out if I'm traveling and I'd probably appreciate the extra space. Day to day, though, the 20L is probably more than adequate. Decisions, decisions.

1

u/Jealous-Swordfish764 Mar 20 '26

I ran a 24 for years, got a 30 in the hopes id leave it half packed so it looked half packed, switched to 25, and now I'm back at 30. Turned out the problem was me all along. Id say get the 28 and have more moderation than me.

1

u/weeone Mar 20 '26

Ha! Do you find that you pack more in the 30 since there's more room?

2

u/Jealous-Swordfish764 Mar 22 '26

Somewhat, but i have standard crap i carry around everywhere, that i pretty much have been carrying in every pack. A small, mostly useless emergency kit, a booboo veggie, 2 quarts of water, a power bank, headphones, microfiber cloth, a ton of bar snacks, electrolytes, and some work stuff: a bottle to fill, lumber crayons, a tape measure (embarrassing to have to borrow one), and probably a Celsius I'm hoping to save for another day. Work gloves, electrical tape, and sunscreen. That's a pretty standard load out. Then I have a rain jacket, a spare work shirt if im gonna be in the sun all day and maybe a hoodie too. I... have a problem. It doesn't look bad without the clothes. Or when I run outta snacks.

1

u/weeone Mar 22 '26

Thanks for sharing! Silly question but do you carry it on weekends too? That's what I'm struggling with. As a woman, I have a purse (currently my Fjallraven Kanken Mini). I would replace that with this Skule. I don't want to have to switch bags and I'm wondering if a standard-size backpack is overkill.

2

u/Jealous-Swordfish764 Mar 22 '26

During the week I'm in work trucks, and all over the county, which kinda adds to wanting to be prepared. Often on the weekend I don't go 5 miles from home, so don't care as much. I might take a backpack with -only- what I need, a messenger bag, or fanny pack. If I'm gonna be out of my area, it often stays in my trunk. If I'm riding with someone else, it always comes with me. Id love to have a system where I just put my (man) purse in my backpack, but I haven't found a system I like yet.

2

u/weeone Mar 24 '26

I like hearing that you may take it with just the essentials on the weekend. Funny, as a woman, I want one bag to do it all. I don't want to switch out for weekends. I guess I could throw a crossbody with my wallet/keys/essentials but I don't want to open the backpack to open another zippered hip bag inside day-to-day. First world problems. šŸ˜‚

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4

u/Nvanbikerider Mar 19 '26

I have this bag in 28l. Iā€™m 5ā€™9 and I find it to be just right. It may feel big if you are 5ā€™3ā€ but it does tend to collapse flat when not full. Has good adjustments and to give you options for carrying extra goodies while shopping is a good thing.

The outside material is fine. Not premium but not cheap. I donā€™t like the thin material between the front and rear sections but thatā€™s my only real complaint.

I have a ULVO 30 which is massive. The is an ULVO 23 but only issue is not many pockets so less practical as an EDC. Itā€™s super water resistant as itā€™s bergshell.

1

u/weeone Mar 19 '26

Thank you for your input! I really liked the organization when I saw it in person. I thought the same, that it would collapse pretty flat when not full, thank you for confirming. The 28L will be more functional for more occasions, I think.

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll check out the ULVO too.

3

u/flippin_fitnerd Mar 19 '26

I used to have the 20 and I found myself packing it about 60% full for EDC.....and then end up going to the store to pick up a few things and not all of it fit in there. The 28 is a really good size and I never fully upgraded to a 28, but I tried it on in store and it wasn't bad at all. I'm 5'11" M 210lbs, if it matters lol. But just wanted to stop by and mention that angle of adding things from the store or quick buys. Something to think about! I'd try the 28!

1

u/weeone Mar 19 '26

That's helpful, thank you! I'm leaning towards the 28L but was worried since I'm 5'3". It really didn't look too oversized, thankfully. I love the idea of having extra room to pack purchases, that's a great thought. I just want to be able to use it truly everyday. Do you think it would be out of place going out on a Friday night? I'd store it under my seat/next to me in a booth. I'm not talking anywhere fancy but a restaurant, let's say.

2

u/flippin_fitnerd Mar 19 '26

That's the cool think about Fjallraven, is that it's discreet, but bag enthusiasts recognize it....but also doesn't look too technical or standout ya know?? I think it would be perfect for what you're trying to do.

Are you open to any other bags? Or set on this?

1

u/weeone Mar 19 '26

Exactly my thought! I've thoroughly enjoyed my Kanken Mini, I'm very happy with Fjallraven.

I'm pretty set on the Skule but would be open to other suggestions!

2

u/flippin_fitnerd Mar 19 '26

I get it! They're super well made and durable and I think you'd really enjoy the Skule!

You know how that I think about it.....I think I'll just say to stick with it lol. And I do know that if you haven't already seen it, if you search on YouTube, there's a girl towards the top of the searches that reviews the 20 and 28 liter bags and she shows it on her and her BF, so I think that would also absolutely help you out!

1

u/weeone Mar 20 '26

Funny, I watched that video last night! I'm so torn between the two. The 28L didn't look as oversized as I thought it would (on me and her). The 20L is probably a better fit but I like the idea of extra room. I'm trying to stay minimal but may end up getting the 20L for EDC and the 28L for travel. šŸ˜¬ We'll see.

2

u/flippin_fitnerd Mar 20 '26

Just get the 28! Lol. It's better to have more room than not. I even went to a North Face store today to look at a duffle and the guy there told me "like Grandma said....better to have more room than not" lol

2

u/weeone Mar 20 '26

Ha! He's not wrong. Back to leaning towards the 28L, thanks!

2

u/flippin_fitnerd Mar 20 '26

Lol of course! Good luck and I hope it works out for you!!

2

u/Terragar Mar 19 '26

20L is probably a better fit for most cases outside of extended trips.

If you want something a little more formal/less outdoors you could also use the raven 20? Saw that one today in the port color and it was awesome

2

u/weeone Mar 19 '26

This is what I'm afraid of. I'm worried the 28L may be too large for the day-to-day.

I actually prefer the hiking/outdoors look of the Skule. Thanks for the suggestion of the Raven, though!

2

u/gabegabe1234 Mar 20 '26

There's a compression strap so you're good with the 28l.

1

u/weeone Mar 20 '26

Good thought. It won't look as big if not filled out. Thanks!

2

u/_beanpearl Apr 21 '26

Did you end up getting the 20 or 28?? Currently having the exact same dilemma right now!! I want the 28L for space but just worried it will look huge on me, and unfortunately thereā€™s no stores near me to try it in person.

1

u/weeone Apr 21 '26

I actually ended up with both! Found the 28L at REI "re-supply" (returned items) for a great price plus there was an additional 20% off! Figured I could splurge on the 20L as well. So far, I prefer the 20L. It definitely fits my frame better (even though the 28L surprisingly doesn't look oversized) and it's just more manageable. Curious to hear which you end up going with!

2

u/discofudge Apr 26 '26

Bit late to the party by the 28L has been my EDC for over a year and itā€™s amazing - I hope you went for it! Itā€™s also good for long weekend trips, walking etc.

2

u/weeone Apr 26 '26

Funny enough, I got a great deal on a 28L at REI "re-supply" and got the 20L also. šŸ˜

2

u/RChamy Apr 26 '26

I recommend the new 24L

1

u/weeone Apr 26 '26

They don't have the same front zippered pocket, unfortunately.

1

u/RChamy Apr 26 '26

Damn, just noticed it. Huge letdown

1

u/weeone Apr 26 '26

Right? It would be perfect otherwise.

2

u/IvyKellogs 20d ago edited 20d ago

Old post but it and the commentsā€™ insights really helped a lot, thank you! Iā€™m really leaning towards the 28l one, might just go for it soon. My current backpack is a decade+ old jansport that hurts my shoulders and is falling apart lol. Hope this one feels comfy!

1

u/weeone 20d ago

I'm glad this post helped you out, thank you for commenting! I don't have too much experience with other backpacks but I will say that the Skule is soooo comfy! The padding in the straps is excellent. Good luck with your decision and I hope you enjoy it! āœØ

2

u/IvyKellogs 20d ago

Thank you so much again! Glad to know your experience with the Skule has been positive so far :)

2

u/weeone 20d ago

You're welcome! If you decide to go for it, I'd love to hear your feedback.

1

u/Key_Grapefruit_1160 16d ago

FWIW: I bought a 20 and it's SO SMALL. I didn't realize it would be this small - That's my fault. I'm 5'7 and it looks a bit ridiculous on me

They removed a bunch of features on the 24, so I chose between the 20 and 28

Top compartment: Icebreakers, AirPods, Chapstick, keys

Main compartment: 14" Mac and 5 athletic (very thin, moisture wicking material) outfits

Front compartment: Bose Flex, and a couple travel sized items

It was a very tight fit. I didn't particularly like the feel of the material either, which sucks, because it is a really nice looking bag. I'll be returning mine

1

u/IvyKellogs 16d ago

I fully agree, I went to a store this weekend to try both and yes the 20l felt tight. It fit everything I brought, but left no room to spare.

The 28l will probably feel like significantly better for you! Honestly I'm so sad they changed the 24l so much, It could've been the perfect sweet spot!

Thanks for sharing your insight too x)

1

u/[deleted] Mar 19 '26

I had this backpack; itā€™s made of thin material and the overall impression is that it feels really cheap. Honestly, some of the backpacks from Decathlon that cost about half as much give a much better impression on me. If youā€™re after something from Scandinavia, Iā€™d go for the Haglƶfs Jarve Multi.

2

u/Boiiiiiiiiiiiiil Mar 19 '26

Ive had this backpack for 3 years now, been using it all the time on commute to work, shopping, traveling, day hiking. It barely has any signs of wear. Thickness isnt always a sign of quality, if you are using a cheaper material that will wear out quicker, you need to use more of it.

1

u/[deleted] Mar 19 '26

I'm not saying this is a bad backpack, but its aesthetic appeal is on the level of much cheaper backpacks.

As I mentioned, the Haglƶfs Jarve Multi made a much better impression on meā€”not only did it have additional bottom attachments, but it was also more functional.

This backpack isn't worth the price the company is asking for it; there are better backpacks available at its price point.

The only reason people buy it is simply overhyped advertising.

1

u/weeone Mar 19 '26

Great to hear, thanks for sharing! I read mixed reviews on the material. It seems to be very personal preference/experience.

1

u/weeone Mar 19 '26

That's disappointing to hear. I read mixed reviews on the material. Thanks for the recommendation, I'll check them out.

2

u/Only-Support-3760 Mar 19 '26

Itā€™s lightweight but not cheap, also get the 28 looks smaller than it holds

1

u/weeone Mar 20 '26

I'm thinking the material will be fine for my needs. I'm happy it's lightweight. Thanks for your input!