Since the birth of the so-called “VSCO Girl” movement, Kånken backpacks have invaded America. And like virtually every other middle class white girl, I too have become somewhat obsessed with this classic, Swedish backpack. 

I received my first Kånken as a Christmas gift two years ago, when my mother gifted me with the 17” Kånken Laptop bag. 

With a volume of 20 litres, it was an incredibly spacious backpack for a high schooler. I was able to comfortably fit all of my binders, textbooks, and pencil pouches, as well as my clunky laptop and the occasional jacket or sweater. 

Even now, almost two years later, my Kånken Laptop is still virtually new save for a small tear on the side pocket and a few mysterious stains. Because of this, I figured I wouldn’t have to buy a new school bag until I started college.

That is, until I saw the new Kånken Art backpack.

Featuring beautiful designs from Swedish artists Erik Olovsson and Cecilia Heikkilä, the Kånken art line is positively breathtaking. 

Olovsson’s design features vivid colors carefully layered upon one another and comes in two variations: “Spring Landscape” and “Summer Landscape” – both featuring the same pattern but a different color scheme. 

Heikkilä’s design depicts an adorable pattern of forest creatures 

I ordered the bag in the traditional “Standard” size – which is considerably smaller than it’s 17” counterpart. Knowing this, I worried that I wouldn’t be able to fit all of my school supplies for this year into my new Kånken Art.

Thankfully, I was proven wrong. Immediately upon receiving it, I transferred the contents of my Kånken Laptop into my new bag. Everything fit rather snugly, albeit, but fit nonetheless.

Of course, I have a far lighter load this year than I have in years past. All I have to carry this year so far is: one binder, one small textbook, two folders, two spiral notebooks, my journal, my makeup bag, and my pencil pouch. 

Therefore, if you’re in junior year or have an ungodly amount of AP classes, the bag probably wouldn’t make a very good school bag for you.

However, it does make an excellent bag for when you’re going out for the day, or taking a night out on the town. It can comfortably fit your wallet, keys, a water bottle, a jacket, a notebook, or virtually anything you might need on the go – and still have room left over.

In addition to its surprisingly comfortable size, the Kånken Art, like its predecessors, is incredibly durable. Mine has survived being dragged around literally everywhere for the past month, and has yet to show even a spot of wear. It still looks virtually brand new.

Unfortunately, no backpack can be this perfect without there being a fairly hefty price tag. The Kånken Art, in Standard size, costs $90. So if you’re on a tight budget or have already spent all of your birthday money, this backpack will probably be difficult for you to obtain.

Other than the price, my only other qualm concerning the backpack is the shoulder straps. The shoulder straps on the Standard Kånken Art are, unfortunately, not padded. So if you have more than a few things to carry on the daily, expect some shoulder pain.

All in all, the Kånken Art makes a fantastic bag for (light) schoolwork or a day out. It’s durable, eye-catching, and if you can afford it, totally worth every penny.