Fjallraven Raven 28 (2022) Backpack Review - A Classic Gets an Upgrade!

[@smiff9577]

I just bought this bag. As a nurse who works 12-16 hour shifts in a row I need a bag that has all the space for all my daily necessities with the benefits of organization that I can access on the fly without having to shuffle through my items.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and hope you enjoy using the bag a lot!:)

[@sarahfitzpatrick148]

I'm an allied health care workers who travels between sites so it's nice to hear it worked for a nurse since I carry similar things!

[@lemonadegrave]

Just bought the Raven 28 this week. I'm back here because I feel like it is actually a bit small for my liking. I love the multitude of the mesh zippered pockets, the ample fleece lined sunglass compartment, the roomy front pocket, and the great admin area. Honestly, they really didn't miss any opportunity to give you as much thoughtful storage as possible, really impressed internally. I have a bulkier pair of sunglasses in the sunglass pocket at the top, and if I put a water bottle in one side, there just isn't that much room for much more than a light hoody, a pair of shorts, and a baseball glove. I would just love to have, say, and additional baseball glove and a small towel. The bag I used before was an old school jansport, and that bag could hold a lot of shit in it's main compartment, but none of the other stuff. Atleast, now with the Raven, all of my shit has a place, and it feels great! I feel so much more organized!

[@nellatrab]

I too have had several Jansports, but they just don't measure up to Fjallraven's quality and feel. Still Jansport is OK, great warranty I've never used. Cause I'm a bag whore ;-)

[@carnivorewitch]

I wish these companies would hire people like Danny for design consulting. I agree that for this size they should have put at the very least chest straps. And yeah they put mesh on the back but no contouring at all so I know it’s still going to get sweaty. The Lappland even has stow away belt straps and it’s a 15L. The Keb 20 was the best bag they made but they stopped making it. I’m on the hunt for it rn.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Would definitely love to consult or collaborate on a bag with a cool company in the future:)

[@dinkydoo66]

Wow! What a fantastic in depth review. It really was Very helpful, An all round great job 😊

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!:)

[@surfmorworkless]

This is a great backpack. I have the first version and I’ve had it for about 6-7 years now. Still holding up well with daily use year after year. This new version looks even better in some ways. Highly recommended. If I were to get a different backpack at some point I’d probably go with the Fjallraven Ulvo 30.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and that’s awesome to hear the bag has worked out so well for you! Ulvo 30 is definitely another good option!

[@nellatrab]

FYI I got the Ulvo 30, thinking I would like it better...just a bucket bag IMO...went back to the Raven 28.

[@surfmorworkless]

@@nellatrab Thanks for that info. I really appreciate it honestly. My Raven is getting old and beat up and have been seriously eyeing that other one to see if maybe it’d be better. I’ll definitely keep that in mind. Thanks again.

[@jarlathpratt]

I’ve been using this bag now for three months and I love it. I had the old version but after 6 years of heavy use it started to tear on the base and as I use it for work I had to replace it. I’m keen to get a large packing cube that fits well in the main compartment. Could you tell me which one you feature in the video (I don’t think it is in the list of features items)?

[@mikhaeldito]

Just bought the bag yesterday. Your video sealed the deal!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I hope you enjoy using the bag a lot!:)

[@Yanardi]

So to recap the difference between older an newer model are : - newer model doesn't have a rain flap on front pocket zipper - 2 attachment point on each side - meshed backpanel now - now the front compartment doesn't fully open clamshell style. (which is a bummer for me) - pocket in the main compartment is now a mesh pocket (which is nice) - the mesh on the padded strap's color is now more similar to the bag color (instead of light grey on older model) - plastic hardware is now black instead of light grey The biggest upgrade for my use case is the side attachment points and meshed back panel. Dont really care about the front pocket flap or meshed main pocket. And the smaller front compartment's zipper opening is a downgrade for me.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the excellent summary! Those are the changes I noticed and agree the two biggest for me are the back and attachment points

[@jimmymalmqvist]

Thorough and perfect review, thanks!

[@MrBodeUK]

Don’t really write comments but just want to say thank you and well done for the channel. Super helpful insights

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the support! I’m glad the video was helpful!:)

[@nellatrab]

Thanks Danny...Version 2 is the icing on an already great bag. I feel this is a nicely designed, versatile, well crafted bag. I always enjoy your on the point reviews. BTW I really like how this bag gets quite compact when lightly loaded.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the support!:)

[@arlencarlson]

I bought the first version for my recent travels. It is well sized for travel and EDC and very well-organized for Digital Nomads. It fits and holds water bottles very well. I like the improvements they brought to the bag and wish I had at least the improved back-panel on mine. For its price, at least here in Canada, I would say it provides the best value versus cost ratio I have ever come across in comparing against other similar bags.

[@Yanardi]

Exactly my case, got the previous model 2 weeks ago, for a good price. Around 50 USD discount (usually cost around 140 USD here, got it for 90 USD) maybe that's why it's discounted cause the new version is coming. LOL. No regret though. Still wish it has the meshed back panel and those attachment points. Don't really care about the front flap or the meshed main compartment pouch

[@rlfstr]

It looks much nicer than some of the bags Bellroy peddles for twice the money!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree it’s a really great bag for both travel and edc, and aside from the back panel the original still holds up really well against most similarly sized and priced bags

[@EricSmith-el5yn]

Does it fit under airline seats (major carriers)

[@arlencarlson]

@@EricSmith-el5yn Yes it does. However, because of its volume you probably don't want to pack it to its maximum potential.

[@anar.856]

thank you for this great review!! can you please review the Skule 28? I am very interested to see the differences between these

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! I’ll hopefully be doing a comparison between these soon:)

[@rebeccalane4111]

Hello - great review! I'm almost ready to buy this buy also curious which backpack is behind your right shoulder (navy with red ties on the zips)?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! That is the topo designs global briefcase 3 day

[@joshdrury4880]

Check out the new Fjallraven Skule 28! Same size, looks more like a Borealis or Refugio. Ordered one of that and the Raven to choose for my next bag!

[@Creem16]

please give a review of the skule and how it compares to the new raven

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the suggestion! I’ll have to try to get one to test out!

[@rlfstr]

Skule 28 is made of just polyester though, unlike the Raven which is made of Fjallraven's beautiful waxed G1000.

[@joshdrury4880]

Yea so I ordered both. The Skule looks cool but felt cheaper to me. The quick grab pocket isn’t felt. The zipper pulls have a longer metal piece so the cord feels really short and a bit awkward. The straps were a bit softer which was nice, and the padding on the back was much more contoured. But yea when I compared it to the Raven, the Raven just seemed beefier, better quality, more sturdy (and much better internal organization) For a hike, the Skule would probably work better. For someone like me who is going to use this for work/travel mostly, the Raven was much better.

[@TheGoopster]

a 10/10 review - much appreciated!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful!:)

[@TheGoopster]

@@dannypacks it really was - I just ordered this backpack almost exclusively based on your review lmao

[@woodpieces]

Hi, thanks for your detailed video. Could you tell how or where you got that third party strap you used around the 4:35 mark? Thanks!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! The strap is from wandrd and added a link in the description if you want to check it out :)

[@arlencarlson]

I noticed another change from the 1st edition is that the pocket in the main compartment is mesh now.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and good catch!:)

[@Nimargb]

Hi Danny, I wanted to apologise in advance if I am asking too many questions! so I have been going back and forth between the Raven28, Yeti27 and AER CPP. I wanted to use the elimination process but proves to be too hard without being hands on the bags. so my arguement is, the Raven28 is the only Canvas bag, which has no sternem starps and more importsntly can't stand (is this confirmed? no matter how you load it up?), and compared to the Yeti and the AER it is cheaper but from the reviews sounds like it i less durable with the bottom being torn after heavy use. So what I don't undertand is why so many people love the Raven?! is it just becasue of the price that puts the Yeti and CPP lower down the list? or the comfort? for me, a standing bag is really important but no matter how many times I want to eliminate the Raven28 I see another praising review and circle back...I've given up trying to find the perfect bag, but at least want to choose between these and be done with this LOL! I'm leaning more towards to the astetics of the Yeti27 however the thin starps scares me on that one, and the CPP, well, I think it does not look as good and the mesh on the straps and on the back doesn't look as durable! sorry for the long comment/question again!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and good questions! The raven definitely doesn’t stand on its own so if that is a deal breaker, the other two would be a better option. Even though it doesn’t stand, I still really like the raven due to its more old school aesthetic and it’s pocket layout is really useful (two external water bottle pockets is more and more rare these days, it’s admin compartment is really useful). I do think the CPP is more comfortable than both of these.

[@WahyuFebriyadi25]

Hi, I see that the prices are not much different on the market, which is better, the Alpaka Element Pro and the Fjallraven Raven 28? I will use it for travel

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Both are great overall, for me I prefer the raven as it provides more space and I like the way the organization is laid out better. I also like the heritage look:)

[@Shiz73245]

Great review as always, i bought the previous version Fjallraven Raven 28 (black) after watching your review,Loved it .But it picks up lot of dust and hair , you have already mentioned that in the review.Could you please tell me , this version also picks up dust quickly.?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the support! To me it feels like the new version still picks up a pretty good amount of dust and hair unfortunately

[@Shiz73245]

@@dannypacks thank you

[@AdrianImanuel]

Thank you for this bag review Dan, I'm about to narrow it down between timbuk2 authority deluxe vs this fjallraven raven 28, I had a 14 inch ROG laptop, and I'm wondering which should I buy? will you please share some thought/reviews in comparison? in terms material, ergonomics, compartments, style, etc... will be very much appreciated.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and tough choice! Both of these are great options overall and which is better will likely come down to aesthetic preference (modern / sleek vs more old school vibe). I feel like the authority pack has a slightly more comfortable harness and might work better for a more professional setting whereas I feel like the raven can hold a bit more (it’s less slim so can handle bulkier items a bit better) and has some extra pocketing that I find useful

[@hvvuong-to6zk]

Is this the Basalt color?! Thanks.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and yes that’s the color!

[@Crazyhorse1971]

Could you comment on the Raven 28l vs the Ulvo 30l......of the two do you have a preference & if so could you please elaborate? Thank you.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Both are great bags, I do think the ulvo is a little more weather resistant but I prefer the layout and aesthetic of the Raven and the fact that it has a dedicated laptop compartment

[@AMFisher2]

Danny! What would you say between an EG CHZ26 and this Raven 28?, 🤔

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and definitely a tough choice! I think the Chz is a little more comfortable, but I prefer the aesthetic and organization on the raven so it’s the one I would lean toward (raven) but both are really solid

[@adriennerasband2583]

Would you pick this bag or the Patagonia MLC mini for a travel bag?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and that is a tough choice! I think it will come down to whether you plan to use the bag more for travel or daily use. I think the Mlc is better for travel whereas the raven feels a little better in daily use.

[@rlfstr]

You are a champ if you review the Deuter Walker 24 btw :)

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for the suggestion! I’ll have to add that to the wishlist of bags to check out in the future!:)

[@d.j.3462]

Do you have any info on the third-party strap you used to make a luggage passthrough?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! That one is from wandrd and I should have a link to it included in the description if you want to check it out

[@Wirraweee]

I really want this bag! But my laptop is a 17,3, someone tried to see if it could fit? 🤣

[@StreetyKing]

Great review I want to buy this bag but I want this colour you have, can’t tell weather it’s the navy or basalt? Can you help me?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I’m glad the video was helpful! The one in this video is the basalt (kind of a grey color)

[@StreetyKing]

Thank you I bought the bag yesterday

[@channo3852]

If only it stood up on its own!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and I agree that would really have been an awesome addition!

[@AlexLeee]

What's the name of the third party strap that you use to hang on a luggage handle?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! That is a strap from Wandrd (I’ll include a link in the description if you want to check it out)

[@AlexLeee]

​@@dannypacks thanks!

[@adamviski]

Danny! Which one would you choose: the THULE Paramount 27l or the Fjallraven Raven 28 (2022)? Thanks

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Both bags are really great overall, but for me I prefer the look and pocket layout of the raven

[@penananuba]

Do you think this Raven 28 suitable for 17.3 " laptop like Lenovo Thinkpad P72?

[@alexsmith1723]

P53 here, ever find out??

[@lp7493]

What thrid party strap did you use? I need an help with what to search...Thank you!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! That strap is from wandrd, will make sure it’s linked in the description for the video if you want to check it out

[@lp7493]

@@dannypacks Thank you so much Danny! Now it is just a matter of choosing 28L or 20L :)

[@R0nd086]

Hey bud how tall are you and where is the bandage tin from. Thanks

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I am 5’11” and the tin is a limited release from Pete’s pirate life but they have similar sized tins on Amazon as well :)

[@shafiqhilmi3303]

would you recommend this or tnf recon for work/travel related?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Both are solid bags, but I prefer the look, pockets and laptop compartment on this one

[@tigertraveler3156]

Where i can buy second hand backpack

[@deewademai]

Only complain is the straps are rough and scratch

[@brandonor]

Do you miss having a chest strap? That's one thing I wish it had.

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! So far it hasn’t really been an issue, I would prefer if it had the option to add one but due to the shape of the straps I haven’t felt the bag slipping off or anything like that

[@2011djkuno]

Does it look bulky when its not full?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! It looks ok imo when it’s not full since the bag doesn’t have a rigid structure

[@ElizabethMay-y3w]

Will this fit a pair of running shoes and some gym gear?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and yes it should be able to hold that pretty well!

[@7crazydwarfs]

Does the backpack stand by itself?

[@Yanardi]

Dunno bout the new 2022 version, but the older model : definitely not. The bottom slanted upward to the front, so it tends to fall forward. But of course it depends on how you load it. Putting heavier and flatter items in the main compartment and putting lighter item in the front helps a bit

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! Unfortunately this version does not stand up well on its own as it is still slanted

[@s.k.6899]

Could you do a review on the Fjallraven Skule 28?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I have a comparison of the Skule and raven coming soon!:)

[@baimjohnson]

Is there any difference between Raven 28 and Räven 28 Sports?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching! I haven’t seen anything about the sport yet so I can’t confirm unfortunately. Is that on their site?

[@baimjohnson]

@@dannypacks no worries. I saw it on Amazon

[@Two_Names]

Not specific to Fjallraven, but I'm curious why it's so uncommon to see bags with a strap or something to hold a laptop in a laptop sleeve. We see so much focus on protecting laptops from bottom and sides but not the top; or maybe I'm the only one that's had their bag turned over in my travels. Specific to this bag, bit of a shame on the lack of retention for water bottle pouches. Back panel and harness system seems a bit light for what a bag this size might end up carrying. Big plus for that top access pouch and separate laptop compartments though.

[@rlfstr]

My Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 21 has one of those velcro straps that holds the laptop in place!

[@agirlfrommars3441]

It’s tailored to their climate where the water bottle pouch is actually for an umbrella. The climate there is very rainy so they carry their water bottles in the bag.

[@rlfstr]

@@agirlfrommars3441 You might be onto something because they are just called "side pockets" on Fjallraven's website.

[@nugrohosejati9532]

is this basalt color?

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and yes that is the basalt

[@nimabahrami8028]

Please compare it to Skule 28 as well!

[@dannypacks]

Thank you for watching and for the suggestion! Definitely on my list of bags to check out!

[@MassiveCarbonFootprint]

too heavy...straps uncomfortable

[@Creem16]

what bag under 30 L is comfortable at full load ? without making you look out of place at a cafe

[@MassiveCarbonFootprint]

@@Creem16 I grant that Danny focuses on bags for the "business" environment. That being said, without accepting the premises of "form of function" - if a bag fulfills my requirements for utility, capacity, and comfort etc. it becomes "aesthetically pleasing" as well as something others may come to find attractive (Henry Miller's Aeron chair is a great example of this). Also, you impute style into an object from how you wear or use it. If you ever observe people in Paris, they can wear the ugliest stuff, but they do it with such elan. I like the lightweight build of bike packs in general (Deuter, Vaude, Platypus et al). I am considering getting a Gregory Zulu 30 should I walk a Camino. It fits the bill almost perfectly ( still a tad heavy). Should I do this, I will rock it, wherever I go and with whomever I meet. 😄

[@ervintaylor6508]

I have been a loyal fan of this company for years and have several pairs of their trekking trousers the Vida pro but now that they began to indoctrinate children as in their latest commercial/ Add I will never buy another one of their products again!!!