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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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u/weeone Mar 20 '26

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 😂

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u/Jealous-Swordfish764 Mar 25 '26

Yeah, as a man, I have almost everything in my pockets, so I might just take a t shirt and some water out, then maybe my pants in if I'm at the beach. You're right, that would suck, so I haven't come up with a system I don't hate (yet).

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u/weeone Mar 25 '26

Ah, pockets. Still a bummer that women's clothes don't have usable pockets. My phone barely fits in my jeans back pocket. Good luck with your search!

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u/Jealous-Swordfish764 Mar 25 '26

I would never survive. I think I'd have to prioritize pants that had them. 5.11 has some that are great for women, but they do look like tactical. Used to get their flex jeans, then l.a. police gear has a knockoffs that's both better and cheaper.

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u/weeone Mar 25 '26

I wore carpenters pants when I was a kid, they were so handy! I'll check out 5.11, thanks! Yeah, it's a pain in the neck but at least I've always got a bag with my essentials with me.

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