Hey there, folks! So, I recently bid farewell to my trusty Fjallraven Raven backpack, which has been my go-to since the end of 2019. Why the switch, you ask? Well, I snagged a sweet deal on the Herschel Kaslo a few days back and couldn’t resist. But before I part ways with my old faithful, I wanted to share some thoughts in this little review.
Let me start with what I absolutely love about the Fjallraven Raven. First off, the sheer number of pockets is mind-blowing. The laptop compartment is top-notch, snugly fitting my 14-inch MacBook and 11-inch iPad with ease. I even managed to squeeze in two 14-inch MacBooks and my Switch at times, and everything felt secure as Fort Knox. Plus, the bonus of slipping in loose papers without a single crinkle? Priceless.
Then, there’s the easy-access top compartment, a real game-changer. Surprisingly spacious, it doesn’t encroach on the main compartment’s space – perfect for stashing all sorts of goodies. Speaking of which, that main compartment is a black hole of storage potential. I once survived a week-long trip using only this bag, and it aced the grocery-hauling test too. The inner pocket is a handy touch for quick grabs, like my precious sunglasses, which miraculously survived the brim-filled bulging.
Let’s not forget the second front pocket, unzipping all the way down for easy access even when the bag’s bursting at the seams. The organizational wizardry inside keeps my random knickknacks like pens, bandaids, and the like in check. Although, a slight hiccup with the stitching in one of the pockets over time.
The main front pocket serves its purpose, housing essentials like my wallet and hand sanitizer, though a tad tricky to navigate when the bag’s crammed full. And can we talk about the classy leather handle and logo aging like fine wine over the six years we’ve been through together?
As for wear and tear, the bottom took a beating in the last couple of years, understandably from rubbing against my back. But hey, the zippers are still going strong, so no biggie.
Now, on to the niggles. The backpack’s eternal struggle to stand on its own – a common gripe that I’ve learned to live with. The side pockets are a bit sting