Fjällräven vs Herschel Backpacks: Which Brand is Better?

Fjällräven vs Herschel Backpacks: Which Brand is Better?

Backpacks can be great life-savers for the everyday person. They are notably bigger than the average-sized purse and are so much easier to travel with, keeping your hands free for other tasks.

They are also precisely what you want to have when packing for vacation or when planning a hike through the mountains or woods.

If you are on the market for a great backpack but are not sure which one is right for you, here is a list of two different brands that have a lot to offer in totally different ways.

Let’s take a closer look at Fjällräven vs Herschel.

Contents:

1. The Fjällräven Brand

Fjällräven is a Swedish outdoor retail company that was founded in 1960 by Åke Nordin. The name translates to “Arctic Fox”, which fits perfectly with the product line.

woman with a fjallraven kanken backpack
Woman with a Fjällräven Kånken Backpack

At just 14 years old, Åke was preparing for a camping trip when he realized how uncomfortable and bulky his backpack was. Soon after, he started to do some digging on his own to find a way to make a more comfortable and sufficient backpack that everyone could use without feeling sore the next day.

During his research, he found that the best way to carry the heavyweight of a backpack is by wearing it high up and near the spine. So, that’s what he did. He designed his backpack out of a wooden frame, covered with cotton material and leather straps, right out of his parents’ basement.

This backpack caught the attention of other outdoorsmen. As he traveled, people often asked him to make the same design for others. But, it wasn’t until he was serving in the Swedish Armed Forces that he realized there was a big market for sturdy, durable, and yet comfortable backpacks, and he went to work as soon as his time in the military was over.

Ake was right, and still creating backpacks in his parent’s basement, his business started to take off, and so did Ake’s need to keep improving his products.

Now, the Fjällräven store sells a wide array of backpacks, tents, and outdoor apparel, many of them at affordable prices. Everything created by this company uses the most durable materials. They not only keep you comfortable but will last through every trip you take.

Different Types of Fjällräven Backpacks

Fjällräven offers a variety of backpacks designed for taking on specific journeys with you.

  • Kånken Backpacks, School Backpacks
  • Day packs
  • Trekking Backpacks
  • Mountaineering Backpacks

Don’t miss: Fjällräven Kånken Real vs Fake: How to Spot It?

How to choose the right backpack | Ted tips | Fjällräven

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2. FAQs for Fjällräven Backpacks

Here is a list of the most commonly asked questions concerning the Fjallraven brand.

What Materials are Used to Make Fjallraven Backpacks?

At Fjallraven, naturally sourced materials such as wool, cotton, and down are the most commonly used. If need be, they will use sustainably sourced synthetic materials to create their durable fabrics. The Kanken backpack, for example, uses the synthetic Vinylon F material.

How Long is the Lifespan of a Fjallraven Backpack?

Customers report that many of these backpacks can last up to 10 years, and some even longer if taken care of properly. To extend the life of your backpack, keep it clean and add waterproofing.

Are Fjallraven Backpacks Waterproof?

The Kanken backpack is water-resistant. After some time that you have been using it, you can rewax it with Fjällräven Greenland Wax. In general, to be sure, you’ll need to check if your specific backpack from the brand is water-resistant and if you can wax it to add some water resistance.

Are Fjallraven Backpacks Worth the Money?

Fjallraven backpacks are durable and use sustainable materials that leave a small footprint on the planet. They are classic designs and are efficient and versatile. All of these variables make these bags more than worth it.

Learn more: Why are Fjällräven Products so Expensive? Are They Worth It?

3. Our Favorite Fjällräven Backpacks

True, Fjallraven offers many fabulous backpacks. However, here are two of our favorites that we think everyone should take a peek at.

Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack

Fjallraven Kanken Backpack External Structure

Check out Fjallraven Kanken Backpack at Fjallraven.com

The Fjallraven Kanken backpack is available in colors that pop out in a good way. The iconic backpack is also durable, spacious, and water-resistant, perfect for daily use or a weekend hiking getaway.

You might also like: 7 Backpacks Like the Fjällräven Kånken: Our Top Picks

Fjallraven Ulvö 23 Daypack

This daypack has 23 liters of storage space, is lightweight, and has padded comfortable shoulder straps. It’s stylish, practical, and holds up to the outdoors. It uses durable, waterproof Bergshell fabric.

Check out Fjallraven Ulvö 23 Daypack at Fjallraven.com

Fjällräven - Ulvö 23

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4. The Herschel Brand

The Herschel Supply Co. was founded by two brothers Jamie and Lyndon Cormack, in 2009. The company is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and the name refers to Herschel, Saskatchewan, a small village in Canada.

herschel official website
Herschel official website

Herschel is an accessory retail shop that sells its products worldwide and has many travel bags, packs, and luggage. All of their products are manufactured through their more than a dozen factories based out of China.

The designs for their products focus on the younger crowd, with modern and fashionable looks. They are perfect for high school students, college kids, or adults. These bags are perfect for both younger and older generations who want more storage space in a larger sack.

They use synthetic materials, giving them an American look with a nostalgic feel and creating a durable and strong backpack that should last years.

Herschel has 40+ brick-and-mortar stores all over the world and gets much of its business through online sales. These backpacks are affordable and well-designed. They are geared more towards traveling and school as opposed to backpacking and camping.

Read also: 9 Backpack Brands like Herschel: The Best Alternatives (from TrailsAndFreedom.com)

Different Types of Herschel Backpacks

Herschel offers a wide variety of backpacks and bags that fit all styles and personalities.

  • Backpacks
  • Duffle bags
  • Totes
  • Hard and soft shell luggage
  • Insulated backpacks

All of their backpacks and bags come in an array of colors and designs.

Herschel backpack
Herschel backpack

Don’t miss: 8 Backpack Brands from Germany: Our Top Picks

5. FAQs for Herschel Backpacks

Here are the most commonly asked questions regarding the Herschel backpack brand.

What Materials are Used to Make Herschel Backpacks?

The materials used to create Herschel bags include cotton, synthetic leather, nylon, and other synthetic materials.

How Long is the Lifespan of a Herschel Backpack?

These backpacks have a limited lifetime warranty at the moment and will be replaced or repaired if any noticeable defect occurs to your bag that originated from manufacturing. Depending on the backpack, they are known to last for 2-5 years before needing to be replaced.

Are Herschel Backpacks Waterproof?

Most Herschel bags use a water-resistant material that should keep your items inside dry and make the backpack resistant for most outdoor activities.

Are Herschel Backpacks Worth the Money?

You will find yourself paying around $50-$100 depending on which backpack you choose. Because the backpacks are durable and water-resistant, we think this brand is a good choice. Their bags are universal and with modern designs making them a bag anyone can use daily.

6. Our Favorite Herschel Backpacks

Here are two of our favorite Herschel backpack designs. The backpacks are versatile as well as have a modern and classic look at the same time.

Herschel Little America Backpack

The Herschel Little America backpack has a classic mountaineering style and is available in many colors. It’s perfect for taking a vacation or lugging your work between the office and home.

Check out Herschel Little America Backpack at Herschel.com

Little America Backpack Tutorial | Herschel Supply

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Herschel Classic Backpack

This modern, classic, black backpack uses synthetic fabric. It offers plenty of space and is comfortable to carry. You can use it for your laptop and other electronic gear or pack it with your essentials and use it as a durable fashion-friendly bag.

Check out Herschel Classic Backpack at Herschel.com

Herschel Classic Backpack
Herschel Classic Backpack – Image from Herschel.com

7. Which Brand is Better?

While the Herschel bags are created with robust reinforced synthetic materials and are a little more affordable, Fjallraven also offers very durable materials.

We love that Fjallraven bags are mostly made with sustainable materials while also maintaining a long life. These bags are a bit more expensive than those of Herschel and offer different levels of water resistance.

It is safe to say that if you are an outdoors enthusiast looking for a high-quality backpack to take with you while trying a hand at your survival skills in nature, the Fjallraven bag may be the better choice.

If you are looking for a daypack that is fashionable, high-quality, and adaptable to every style, the Herschel bags are where it is at.

In the end, both companies are great brands that sell quality backpacks that are fashionable, versatile, and durable. It is up to personal preference and style to decide which brand offers the better product.

We recommend that when you begin your search for the best backpack, consider how you will mainly use it and the environment you will be in. You also want to have a clear understanding of where the products are made, the materials they use, and if they provide the functions you are looking for.

Along with functionality also purchase based on your style and color preference. If you own a bag you don’t think is visually appealing, chances are good you won’t use it a lot.

Read next:
JanSport vs Herschel Backpacks: Which Brand is Better?
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