Fjallraven Raven 28 Review: Durable But Flawed
Few backpacks inspire users to declare, “I’ve never loved a backpack as much as I do the Fjallraven Raven 28,” but this one has — earning it an 8.3/10 score among long-term owners and commuters. From daily EDC setups to short travel runs, its durable G-1000 Heavy Duty eco fabric and thoughtful organization have created a loyal following, even as certain design quirks refuse to go unnoticed.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent internal organization with multiple mesh and liner pockets | Narrow laptop sleeve struggles with large-format laptops |
| Durable G-1000 Heavy Duty eco materials | External water bottle pockets prone to dropping bottles |
| Comfortable padded back panel and shoulder straps | Shoulder strap anchoring can dig into neck |
| False-bottom laptop compartment for extra protection | No sternum strap or strap keepers |
| Stylish heritage aesthetic with earthy color options | Bag won’t stand upright on its own |
| Adaptable for both slim EDC and short travel | Picks up lint and pet hair easily |
| Water-resistant fabric for light rain | Some reports of strap fraying under heavy use |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing promises a "simple and hardwearing 28L backpack with great organizing possibilities" and protection for laptops up to 15 inches. It’s also touted as water-resistant, windproof, and quick-drying thanks to its G-1000 Heavy Duty eco fabric.
While the water resistance claim holds in light rain, multiple Reddit and Pack Hacker reports confirm the fabric “picks up a lot of fuzz, dust, hair, etc.” — a nuisance for pet owners and those who care about appearance. A verified buyer noted the “material’s resistance seems good,” but admitted, “nothing too special about the fabric,” contrasting with the premium tone of Fjallraven’s marketing.
The laptop sleeve is officially rated for 15" devices, yet Pack Hacker observed “it isn’t quite wide enough” for larger format laptops, forcing users with extended battery models to store them in the main compartment, reducing space efficiency.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Organization is the standout feature. Reddit user canadoc called it “great… organizes well and looks good packed small as EDC and can fill out for short travel too.” Multiple owners highlight the well-designed admin panel with mesh pockets for cables and chargers, liner pockets for tech accessories, and a fleece-lined quick-grab pocket for sunglasses or phones. For commuters, this setup makes it easy to separate work essentials from weekend gear. Pack Hacker noted that each compartment “has separate built-in dimension so they don't take space from one another,” supporting efficient packing.
Durability also draws consistent praise. The G-1000 material, reinforced stitching, and YKK zippers have held up across years of daily use. One Reddit user reported using it "daily for school/work for over two years" without structural issues, while another said the straps looked “almost as brand-new” after heavy travel.
The false-bottom laptop compartment is a favorite among students and professionals moving between home, office, and classes — offering peace of mind during accidental drops.
Common Complaints
The lack of a sternum strap and strap keepers annoys owners hauling heavier loads. Canadoc suggested adding strap keepers manually, while Pack Hacker testers found the “shoulder straps…digging into your neck” due to close anchoring at the top. Comfort drops noticeably when the bag is fully loaded for weekend travel.
Water bottle security is a repeated gripe. Reddit user rv_rnd_gonzo recalled bending over and watching a “brand new water bottle” slide out, noting the side pockets’ shorter design and lack of elastic. Pack Hacker echoed this, warning bottles “feel loose” unless the bag’s interior is stuffed tight.
Another physical annoyance: the bag doesn’t stand upright, leading some to consider DIY modifications like adding leather to the bottom panel.
Divisive Features
The mesh back panel draws mixed responses. Reddit’s nanalie initially found it “super scratchy” but later reported “haven’t noticed anything” on clothing over a year of use. Others remain cautious, especially with delicate outerwear.
Aesthetic and heritage styling split buyers between those who love the subdued, earthy tones and those who think it looks bulkier than expected when fully packed. That said, “basalt gray” and “dark olive” have repeat fans praising the timeless look.
Trust & Reliability
Fjallraven’s reputation for longevity is upheld in multi-year usage reports. Reddit users routinely mention two-to-three-year stints without major wear, outside lint accumulation. Strap fraying is rare but documented — one Trustpilot reviewer described fraying after a week-long trip, raising concerns for heavy daily use by students carrying books.
No scam or counterfeit trends appear across Trustpilot and resale markets, reinforcing buyer confidence, especially from specialty outdoor retailers.
Alternatives
Comparisons often arise with the REI Co-op Flash 22 and Herschel Pop Quiz. The Flash 22 is feather-light and made for faster-paced day hikes but lacks the Raven’s deep EDC organization. The Pop Quiz offers a more padded harness and protective laptop coverage but doesn’t match the Raven’s weather resistance or build materials. One Quora-sourced note: buyers seeking more laptop clearance might prefer Herschel’s wider compartmenting, though at the expense of weight.
Price & Value
Market prices vary sharply by source. Amazon lists it at around $95.96 (with savings), eBay new-with-tags dark olive variants hover around $120, while specialty sites price it up to $199. Resale remains strong — lightly used models in excellent condition fetch above $75. Savvy community buyers recommend catching sales at outdoor gear outlets or watching liquidation accounts for steep discounts.
FAQ
Q: Does the Fjallraven Raven 28 fit a 16-inch MacBook Pro?
A: It can, but may not fit in the designated laptop sleeve. Users with larger laptops or extended batteries often store them in the main compartment for easier zipping.
Q: Is the bag good for air travel as a carry-on?
A: Yes. Multiple buyers used it as a personal carry-on, praising the compact yet roomy compartments. Its size meets most airline carry-on restrictions.
Q: How does it perform in rain?
A: The G-1000 eco fabric resists light rain, but isn’t fully waterproof. Users recommend additional covers for prolonged exposure.
Q: Can it stand upright when placed on the ground?
A: No. Several owners find this frustrating and suggest modifications if stability is important.
Q: Will the mesh back scratch clothing?
A: Experiences vary. Some initial concerns faded with use, while others remain cautious with delicate fabrics.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a commuter, student, or short-trip traveler who values internal organization, durable materials, and understated aesthetics. Avoid if you need secure external bottle pockets or maximum laptop clearance. Pro tip from community: pair with a tech pouch to compensate for unsecured liner pockets and prevent gear spillage when the bag tips.
