Osprey Arcane Small Day vs. Fjallraven Kanken 16L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Osprey Arcane Small Day
| Capacity | 12 L |
| Weight | 0.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 39×27×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 99% |
| Price | $100 |
Feature by feature
| Osprey Arcane Small Day | Feature | Fjallraven Kanken 16L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 14in | Laptop | N |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| N | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled 480D polyester, DWR treatment made without PFAS | Vinylon F: 100% vinylal |
Fjallraven Kanken 16L
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 36×28×12 cm |
| Airline fit | 99% |
| Price | $90 |
Key differences between the Osprey Arcane Small Day and Fjallraven Kanken 16L
- Laptop sleeve: 14in on the Osprey Arcane Small Day; No on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Arcane Small Day; No on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Arcane Small Day; 2, side on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L.
- Water resistant: No on the Osprey Arcane Small Day; Yes on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 187 accept both. Every airline that takes one takes the other.
Osprey Arcane Small Day vs. Fjallraven Kanken 16L: which should you pack?
The Fjallraven Kanken 16L carries 4L more than the Osprey Arcane Small Day (12L vs. 16L), while the Fjallraven Kanken 16L is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 0.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Osprey Arcane Small Day fits 99% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Fjallraven Kanken 16L; if you want to travel lighter, the Fjallraven Kanken 16L is the better call.