I’ve always adored Kanken Totepacks. They’re spacious, lightweight, and ultra-convenient. By combining the best elements of tote bags and backpacks in one solid product, they’re basically the “accomplished” younger siblings of Kanken backpacks.
Thanks to the Totepack’s smashing success, Fjallraven heeded the calls of consumers and create a mini version of the Kanken Totepack, aptly calling it the Kanken Totepack Mini. The Mini is just as aesthetically pleasing as the original, but it does have its perks.
This article compares two of Kanken’s most popular products to help you choose the right one. Kanken Totepack vs Totepack Mini: which tote pack is for you? Let’s find out!
Kanken Totepack vs Totepack Mini: Overview
The Kanken Totepack and the Kanken Mini are convertible versions of the classic Kanken backpack. However, unlike the backpack, the tote pack has an open-top rather than a zippered closure. The regular tote pack measures 14.2 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches while the mini is slightly smaller at 11.8 x 9.8 x 5.1 inches.
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Kanken Totepack | Best Overall | Check Price |
 | Kanken Totepack Mini | Runner-Up | Check Price |
Kanken Totepack vs Totepack Mini: An In-Depth Comparison
The Kanken Totepack Mini, as the name implies, is the “mini” version of the Kanken Totepack. Released in early 2020, the Mini is everything a lightweight backpacker needs; it’s large enough to store your daily essentials but small enough to be out of the way. Here are some of the biggest differences between the two tote packs.
Size
The biggest difference between the two tote packs is, of course, size.
The Kanken Totepack measures 14.2 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches, slightly smaller than the classic Kanken backpack but larger than the Kanken Mini. It’s large enough to fit most of your daily essentials with a lot of space to spare. It’s ideal for school and camping purposes, as you can easily fit clothes, books, a 13-inch laptop, and other items without overstuffing the bag.
The Kanken Totepack Mini is about two inches smaller than the regular-sized tote pack at 11.8 x 9.8 x 5.1 inches. Although dubbed “mini,” don’t let its small profile fool you. This tote pack may only hold about 8 liters, but its main compartment is fairly spacious. You can slip in a mini laptop and an iPad alongside several books with no issues.
Design
Size aside, both tote packs look fairly similar. They’re also made with the same exact water-resistant G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco S material, which is a mix of 65% recycled polyester and 35% cotton. I definitely appreciate Kanken’s sustainable approach to their materials; to this day, I’ve yet to find a non-eco version of their products.
If you’re searching for a “classy” bag to carry around school or work, these tote packs might not be for you. However, they’re perfectly decent in casual environments. They have an effortless, low-profile look that’s neither too flashy nor too dull.
As mentioned earlier, you can use these bags as a tote bag and a backpack. If you want to wear it as a standard tote, you simply have to pull the straps up by the hand and throw the bag over your shoulder.
The straps aren’t long enough to wear as a crossbody bag, nor are they adjustable. This might be an issue for shorter and taller users, as there’s no way to wear the bag lower or higher if so desired.
Perhaps this isn’t a problem with the Kanken Totepack, as it’s large enough to accommodate most heights and frames. You don’t get the same luxury with the Totepack Mini, unfortunately.
The Totepack is quite comfortable when worn as a backpack, as it houses a Seat Pad technology that acts as a back padding for extra support.
Both bags are secured by a zipper, which is a welcome surprise as most tote bags don’t come with any sort of closure. The front handles come with a no. 6 Wasa snap fastener, allowing you to connect the handles together to make carrying even easier.
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Color
Like most Kanken products, the Kanken Totepack and Kanken Totepack Mini come in multiple color options, from bright ochre to dark graphite.
In terms of maintenance, the darker colors need a bit more attention than the lighter color, as the fabric shows white “fluff” more visibly than the latter. Don’t worry, though; as long as you clean your tote pack every so often with a soft brush and lukewarm water, it’ll be as good as new.
Compartments
Both regular and mini have the same number of compartments.
On the front, you’ll find a small zippered pocket that works smashingly for items you’d like easy access to, like your phone, wallet, keys, etc.
Inside, the bag is equipped with a padded inner sleeve, perfect for important documents and electronics. You can also store your mini essentials in the tote pack’s dual side pockets, which are large enough to store a regular 18-oz water bottle.
The compartments are simple yet functional. However, I can’t help but think that they lack a bit of organization and visibility, especially if the bag is stuffed full.
Regardless, it’s definitely better than nothing. Most tote bags don’t come with organizational features at all.
Price
The Kanken Totepack is a bit more expensive than the Kanken Totepack Mini. The Totepack line is among Fjallraven’s most expensive bags, costing about as much as the ever-famous classic Kanken backpack.
While fairly costly, I can confidently say that Fjallraven delivers with its high-quality products. The company doesn’t skimp out on functionality and design, either.
Conclusion
The Kanken Totepack and the Kanken Totepack Mini are among the latest additions to the Kanken family.
The Kanken Totepack is ideal for adventurers and travelers, as it’s large enough to carry most of your traveling essentials and then some. The Mini is perfect for everyday use. You can bring it with you whenever and wherever, whether you’re in class, at work, or just hanging out with friends.