Fjallraven Kanken Outlong vs. Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack
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 | Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | removable |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 16in |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | Y |
| 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 | Available in:X-Pac X42, 500D, 1050D Ballistic Nylon |
Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×28×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $200 |
Key differences between the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong and Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack
- Sternum strap: No on the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong; Removable on the Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong; 16in on the Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack.
- Built-in organizer: No on the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong; Yes on the Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack.
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. 176 accept both. 11 accept only the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong, and 0 accept only the Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack.
Only the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong fits
Air Tahiti, American Eagle, easyJet, Gulf Air, LC Perú, Lion Air Group, Ravn Alaska, Spring Airlines, VivaColombia, Volaris, Wizz Air.
Fjallraven Kanken Outlong vs. Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack: which should you pack?
The Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack carries 2L more than the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong (18L vs. 20L), while the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong is the lighter pack at 0.5kg (vs. 1.2kg). 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 Alpha One-Niner Whitley Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Fjallraven Kanken Outlong is the better call.