Fjallraven Kanken 16L vs. GORUCK GR2 26
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Fjallraven Kanken 16L
| Capacity | 16 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 36×28×12 cm |
| Airline fit | 99% |
| Price | $90 |
Feature by feature
| Fjallraven Kanken 16L | Feature | GORUCK GR2 26 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
| N | Laptop | 17in |
| 2 | 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 | 1000D Cordura w/ 210D Back Panel |
Key differences between the Fjallraven Kanken 16L and GORUCK GR2 26
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L; 17in on the GORUCK GR2 26.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L; 3 on the GORUCK GR2 26.
- Water bottle pockets: 2, side on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L; No on the GORUCK GR2 26.
Both have: passport pocket, 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. 177 accept both. 10 accept only the Fjallraven Kanken 16L, and 0 accept only the GORUCK GR2 26.
Only the Fjallraven Kanken 16L fits
Air Niugini, Air Tahiti, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, LC Perú, Lion Air Group, Spring Airlines, VivaColombia, Volaris, Wizz Air.
Fjallraven Kanken 16L vs. GORUCK GR2 26: which should you pack?
The GORUCK GR2 26 carries 10L more than the Fjallraven Kanken 16L (16L vs. 26L), while the Fjallraven Kanken 16L is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 1.8kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Fjallraven Kanken 16L fits 99% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the GORUCK GR2 26; if you want to travel lighter, the Fjallraven Kanken 16L is the better call.