Fjallraven Kanken 16L vs. Waterfield Bolt
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 | 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 |
| 2 | 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 | 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 16L and Waterfield Bolt
- Opening: Clamshell on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L; Top zip on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Luggage passthrough: No on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L; Yes on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L; 15in on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Fjallraven Kanken 16L; 3 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 16L, and 0 accept only the Waterfield Bolt.
Only the Fjallraven Kanken 16L fits
Air Niugini, Great Lakes Airlines, LC Perú, Lion Air Group, Spring Airlines, VivaColombia, Volaris, Wizz Air.
Fjallraven Kanken 16L vs. Waterfield Bolt: which should you pack?
The Waterfield Bolt carries 1L more than the Fjallraven Kanken 16L (16L vs. 17L), while the Fjallraven Kanken 16L is the lighter pack at 0.3kg (vs. 1.5kg). 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 Waterfield Bolt; if you want to travel lighter, the Fjallraven Kanken 16L is the better call.