Fjallraven Kanken Outlong vs. Waterfield Bolt
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Fjallraven Kanken Outlong
| Capacity | 18 L |
| Weight | 0.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 40×28×14 cm |
| Airline fit | 99% |
| Price | $155 |
Feature by feature
| Fjallraven Kanken Outlong | Feature | Waterfield Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 4 |
| front | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Vinylon F: 100% vinylal Produced without PFAS | Durable waxed canvas OR 1050 Denier Ballistic nylon |
Waterfield Bolt
| Capacity | 17 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 41×32×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $370 |
Key differences between the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong and Waterfield Bolt
- Opening: Clamshell on the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong; Top zip on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong; Yes on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong; 15in on the Waterfield Bolt.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 179 accept both. 8 accept only the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong, and 0 accept only the Waterfield Bolt.
Only the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong fits
Air Niugini, Great Lakes Airlines, LC Perú, Lion Air Group, Spring Airlines, VivaColombia, Volaris, Wizz Air.
Fjallraven Kanken Outlong vs. Waterfield Bolt: which should you pack?
The Fjallraven Kanken Outlong carries 1L more than the Waterfield Bolt (18L vs. 17L), 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 Fjallraven Kanken Outlong; if you want to travel lighter, the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong is the better call.