I Saw This Classic Backpack All Over Greenland, and Now I Use It Almost Every Day

As a working mom of four, I use a backpack almost daily. I’m used to hauling around my laptop, snacks, water bottles, and spare sweatshirts all at the same time. I also travel about once a month, so I need a backpack that works just as well as a day bag as it does as a carry-on. Finding a bag that meets all of my needs is difficult, but I never stop trying to find a unicorn that solves all of my problems. 

Because I have dual citizenship in Europe, I spend a lot of time on the continent. On many of my trips, I saw the classic Fjällräven Kanken backpack everywhere. I picked one up for myself and absolutely love it. But my most recent trip to Europe took me to Greenland, where I saw a different type of Fjällräven backpack, the Fjällräven Skule, being used more widely — and I wish I had seen it sooner.

Just like the Kanken, the Fjällräven Skule has sleek styling that is unmistakably European. However, the Skule differs from the Kanken in several key ways. The Kanken was initially designed for school children, even though adults use it all the time. The Skule was created to serve a variety of purposes, including travel, commuting, school, and light hiking, and has features that meet all of these needs. 

The Skule has an interior padded laptop compartment and two stretchy exterior water bottle pockets. A large compartment on the front of the bag zips open to reveal additional compartments that make it easy to stay organized. The exterior pocket, which isn’t padded, is also large enough to hold a laptop. 

At the top of the backpack, there’s a small pocket perfect for holding items I need to reach easily, such as my phone, keys, and AirPods. The front of the backpack also features cords that I’ve used to carry a light coat and wet sandals on the exterior of my backpack, among other items. The Skule has padded shoulder straps, as well as chest and waist straps, which I use when my backpack is particularly heavy or when hiking. 

The Skule is available in various sizes, including 20L, 24L, 28L, and a 15L Skule Kids. I chose the 28L Skule in Basalt (a light gray) that goes with everything, but it’s also available in a range of colors, including a beautiful mint green, light orange, black, olive green, and several others.   

Although the last thing I needed was another backpack, I’m glad I tried the Fjällräven Skule after my trip to Greenland. The Skule lives up to its reputation as a backpack that can do it all. I don’t hesitate to reach for the Skule whether I am heading out the door to work in a coffee shop in the morning or meeting friends for a weekend hike. Moreover, the Skule is made from sturdy Oxford fabric that so far hasn’t shown signs of wear. It’s also very easy to wipe clean. 

I also love using the Skule for travel. It’s lightweight and stores completely flat, so I can easily put it in the bottom of my suitcase and take it out to use as a daypack when I arrive at my destination. I’ve also used the Skule as a carry-on, and it works great. I often combine city breaks with day hikes when I travel, and it’s been a relief to find a bag that works well for both purposes and still looks nice. 

Buy: Fjällräven Skule, 28L, $120 at Amazon