Fjallraven Kanken Outlong vs. GORUCK GR1 26

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Fjallraven Kanken Outlong

Front facing view of the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong
Capacity18 L
Weight0.5 kg
Dimensions40×28×14 cm
Airline fit99%
Price$155

Feature by feature

Fjallraven Kanken OutlongFeatureGORUCK GR1 26
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
1 Opening 1
front Passport top
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack Y
N Hip Belt N
N Sternum Strap N
Inside
N Laptop 17in
3 Main Compartments 3
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2, side Water Bottle Holder N
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
Vinylon F: 100% vinylal Produced without PFAS1000D Cordura

GORUCK GR1 26

Front facing view of the GORUCK GR1 26
Capacity26 L
Weight1.5 kg
Dimensions51×31×17 cm
Airline fit89%
Price$345

Key differences between the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong and GORUCK GR1 26

Both have: backpack straps, water resistant.

Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on

We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 169 accept both. 18 accept only the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong, and 0 accept only the GORUCK GR1 26.

Only the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong fits

Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Belavia, easyJet, Etihad Airways, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, LC Perú, Lion Air Group, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Spring Airlines, Virgin Australia, VivaColombia, Volaris, Wizz Air.

Fjallraven Kanken Outlong vs. GORUCK GR1 26: which should you pack?

The GORUCK GR1 26 carries 8L more than the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong (18L vs. 26L), while the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong is the lighter pack at 0.5kg (vs. 1.5kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong fits 99% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the GORUCK GR1 26; if you want to travel lighter, the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong is the better call.