Fjallraven

Raven 20L Backpack

Some flaws, but overall a great bag

I have owned the earlier version of this backpack for around 5 years and used it daily as a commuter backpack. I decided it was time for a change because the fabric was starting to look rather worn. I tried many other brands of backpacks in my search for a new commute bag, but came back to this one. Pros: -Shaped shoulder straps make it comfortable to wear. -Lots of pockets. -Generally hard wearing and water resistant. It does discolour after being rained on a lot of times. -Small top zip compartment - supposed to be for sunglasses, but I use it for my work ID pass so I don't have to hunt around for it! -Key clip and dividers in the front compartment to keep my stuff organised. I now own the current version - updates include a padded mesh back panel, angled zip on the front pocket and an additional inner zip pouch in the main compartment. As other reviewers have noted, the weak point on the original backpack is the bottom seam, which frays and eventually leaves a hole. This may be improved with the addition of the padded mesh back panel in the newer version but time will tell. Although the additional inner zip pocket in the main compartment is handy, I'm disappointed that both zip pockets are now mesh. I find things often get caught in the fabric which is very irritating. I also find that stuff can get squished and knocked around in these pockets because they're between the two compartments. A better design feature would be a zip pocket behind the laptop compartment, against the back panel. If I could ask Fjallraven to make some changes, it would be this: -Replace the fabric lining of the sunglasses compartment. I hate touching it, it has such a weird feel! -Make an inner zip compartment in the back. -Contrast lining to make it easier to see inside. I have to hunt around in the dark depths of my bag to find stuff. -Internal bottle pocket. But these are all just minor issues. Overall, the bag is a great size, lasts for years, has plenty of storage and very comfortable to wear.

Very good (almost great) bag

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

This bag looks good and the storage/compartments are designed well. I’ve taken it on several trips now and am happy with the amount in holds, the layout of the sections, and the features it has. The only thing that prevents this bag from being perfect for me are the shoulder straps. I chose a bag without a chest strap because I was not looking for a hiking backpack, and wanted something that looked a bit nicer. However, the shoulder straps feel as if they are constantly sliding off of my shoulders. I regularly have to pull them back on so the bag doesn’t slip down onto my arms.

Extremely durable

I often longboard around campus at my college, and one night, while I was riding back to my dorm room, I hit a pothole and fell off my board. I landed the backpack and slid on the asphalt for 8 to 10ft, after getting up, it looked like it barely took any damage, it also protected my laptop, which I keep in it as well. It is well made and durable, I have yet to run into an issue that I can't get over.

Bought in Tromsø

Bought in Tromsø. It's my favorite for our family's adventures. Rigid back. Makes your loads, light. Fantastic.

Great bag for shorter torso lengths.

Great materials and organization, was too small to fit me right (52cm torso) but fit my girlfriends shorter torso length perfectly. I Also wish the water bottle pocket pocket was a stretchier material as right now it can't be used when the bag is fully packed out.

Design flaw: weak spot for abrasion at lower back

Bought this around April2023 for the look and lightweight comfort, and expect the G1000 to be very durable. However, in less than a year the edge at the lower back started to discolour and eventually broken. I suspect the fabric folded out at the lower edge creates a weak spot for abrasion with the lower back. I did not rewax the bag but I suspect one has to rewax that part rather frequently to avoid damage. I sincerely hope Fjallraven could make the fabric flat and add reinforce on that part like other hiking pack brands as it is such a beautiful looking bag. Don’t understand why the Skule got it right but not the Raven.

4/5 star backpack

Would be a 5-star if the bag included a sternum strap.

Perfect school bag

It’s so cute very perfect for a college or school bag. it fits my laptop, ipad, hydro flask, folder, binder, and a few notebooks. it’s super compact and so cute. I’m in love with my bag and so glad i was able to get one.

4+ years of magic

I first received the Raven 20 in Dusk as a gift four years ago. I fell in love — lightweight, durable, great style. It was never completely waterproof, even after several layers of wax, but its trim profile and capacious organization made it feel like a bag both smaller and larger than its size. I used it everyday for two years, until it developed a tear on the bottom, where the G-1000 failed; other reviewers have posted photos similar to what happened on mine. Fjallraven did a warranty repair, and the bottom lasted for two more years of travel, hiking, bike commuting, and photography work until it ripped again. The real problem, however, was the zipper on the smaller of the two large compartments kinked and then unthreaded from the bag. Support mentioned that a repair of this nature would be incredibly difficult to fix, and were generous enough to offer me a replacement Raven 20 in the new style. This new bag feels just as robust, and the mesh backer is a nice change from the previous model’s standard fabric. I miss my old style bag, but I’m hopeful this new one will take me on as many adventures, though hopefully for more than just 4 years. Still, huge thanks to the Fjallraven support team. This is still my magic bag.

Perfect for students

I searched for a backpack and tried out many different ones from the Patagonia black hole to the north face borealis and I landed on this bag. It is fantastic for grad school with perfect balance between storage and organization for everything. Perfect padded area for laptop and iPad, with solid room for a notebook and some folders or a jacket/packing cube. Great secondary pocket for organization with calculator and pen bags and journals. 10/10!