Fjallraven Raven 28 Review: Durable but Flawed Design
Packed with organization yet lacking a sternum strap, the Fjallraven Raven 28 has become a cult favorite among everyday carry enthusiasts—scoring an investigative 7.7/10. While its G-1000 Heavy Duty fabric and compartment design win praise across platforms, recurring complaints about water bottle security and strap placement reveal some design trade-offs.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy for urban commuters and short-trip travelers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable G-1000 Heavy Duty fabric | Shoulder straps dig into neck when fully loaded |
| Excellent internal organization | External water bottle pockets lack security |
| Fits 15" laptop with false bottom protection | Does not stand upright easily |
| Comfortable for moderate loads | Picks up lint, hair, and dust easily |
| Separate compartments retain shape when packed | No sternum strap or hip belt |
| Eco-friendly recycled materials | Can feel bulky when overstuffed |
Claims vs Reality
Fjallraven markets the Raven 28 as a “simple and hardwearing 28L backpack… perfect for commuting and everyday outdoor life,” with water-resistant G-1000 fabric and “great organizing possibilities.” The padded airmesh back panel is said to add comfort and reduce heat.
Digging deeper into user reports, the durability claim holds strong. Reddit user canadoc noted it “organizes well and looks good packed small as edc and can fill out for short travel too.” After over two years of daily use, another owner reported “haven’t noticed anything on clothes” despite concerns about abrasion.
However, comfort claims have caveats. While the padded mesh back sounds ideal, Pack Hacker’s review found “shoulder straps… dig into your neck… especially when the bag is fully packed.” The reason—strap anchor points placed too close together—is echoed by Reddit’s sv-97, who wished for “strap keepers and a sternum strap.”
The claim of excellent organizing possibilities is widely supported—multiple Redditors celebrated “so much internal organization,” with compartments that don’t steal space from each other. Yet the “open side pockets” drew repeated frustration. rv_rnd_gonzo abandoned the bag early when his water bottle “slid out… fell and dented.” Another Pack Hacker note: “no elastic… the bottle does feel loose.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Reddit, and Pack Hacker, the strongest praise centers on the Raven 28’s smart compartmentalization. A verified buyer on Amazon said, “large main compartment with zipper closure… mesh organizer pockets inside” made daily packing straightforward. Reddit user canadoc found it works both “packed small as edc” and “filled out for short travel,” highlighting flexibility.
For digital commuters, the dedicated laptop sleeve with false bottom protection is a standout. Pack Hacker confirmed it “fits a 15″ laptop… with room to spare” and appreciated the separate pocket dimensioning so gear in one section doesn’t compress another. Students, in particular, love the layered storage—one Reddit post lists daily load: “notebooks, laptop, iPad, passport, keys and misc edc stuff, so well and organized… just chef’s kiss.”
Durability is another consensus point. Multiple long-term owners report no structural issues beyond cosmetic lint pickup. The G-1000 Heavy Duty Eco fabric is repeatedly described as “smooth in hand” and protective in mild rain, aligning with Fjallraven’s wax-impregnation marketing.
Common Complaints
The most repeated frustration is with the side bottle pockets. The absence of elastic or retention features causes bottles to “feel loose” and sometimes fall out when bending over, a dealbreaker for rv_rnd_gonzo. Pack Hacker confirmed they only hold firmly when the main compartment is fully packed, implying performance varies based on load.
Another pattern is discomfort under heavy load. The shoulder strap spacing causes pinching near the neck. Reddit’s sv-97 labeled it “so bad with the raven” and wished for added hardware to improve fit.
A smaller yet notable gripe—the bag refuses to stand upright even when full, forcing users to lay it down or lean it against something. This annoys commuters who prefer a tidy, freestanding pack.
Divisive Features
Lint and dust attraction splits opinion. Cat owners like nanalie note it’s “a cat hair magnet” but see it as manageable with a lint roller. Others dislike the frequent cleaning requirement. Color variations also spark debate; while basalt grey draws love, one Quora mention notes “dark olive color is darker than in the picture,” surprising buyers expecting a lighter tone.
The mesh back panel comfort varies wildly. One Redditor enjoyed cooler carries in hot weather—“did not feel overly hot or sweaty”—while another feared it might “ruin my clothes,” though most report no damage even with extended use.
Trust & Reliability
No scam or counterfeit concerns emerged in Trustpilot or resale market data. Longevity reports are strong—owners using it daily for over a year saw no functional breakdown, with sv-97 considering reinforcement only “to prevent common tears.”
Durability feedback after 3 years (Pack Hacker) shows “everything is holding up nicely… only aesthetic damage so far,” consistent with Fjallraven’s reputation for lasting gear.
Alternatives
The REI Co-op Flash 22, often mentioned alongside the Raven 28, trades compartment depth for lighter weight and day-hike versatility. However, it lacks the urban commute-friendly laptop sleeve and doesn’t match Raven’s dimensional separation. The Targus Checkpoint-Friendly Air Traveler Backpack offers TSA conveniences and broader shoulder strap spacing, but trades G-1000 durability for more synthetic padding.
Price & Value
On eBay, new units list around $120, close to Amazon’s $95.96 sale pricing and far below the official £120/$199 retail. Resale activity is healthy, showing the bag holds value due to its durability and Fjallraven branding. Community tips favor buying on seasonal sales—several Redditors scored theirs under $100, one regretting not grabbing a $40 REI Garage Sale backup.
FAQ
Q: Does the Fjallraven Raven 28 fit larger laptops than 15 inches?
A: Officially it’s made for up to 15″, but a Quora report says larger laptops with extended batteries fit—just not in the designed sleeve. Width constraints may require using the main compartment instead.
Q: Is the side water bottle pocket secure?
A: Users repeatedly say no. Without elastic, bottles may fall out, especially when bending or if the bag is underfilled.
Q: Does the bag cause sweating on hot days?
A: Mixed feedback—some found the mesh back cool enough, others reported heat buildup, particularly with darker colorways and without airflow channels.
Q: Will the fabric damage delicate clothing?
A: Most long-term users saw no abrasion on clothes, though the material can feel rough initially and attracts lint.
Q: Can the Raven 28 stand upright?
A: No, it typically slouches unless heavily packed, as multiple Reddit users pointed out.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re an urban commuter, student, or short-trip traveler who values smart compartmentalization and long-lasting fabric over perfect comfort under heavy loads. Avoid if water bottle security and free-standing stability are must-haves. Pro tip from Reddit: pair it with strap keepers and a sternum strap aftermarket to boost comfort.
