Fjallraven Men's Skule 28 Water-Repellent Oxford Backpack
Product details
Web ID: 14552811Great Bag, But With Fit Caveats (Women)
I want to say that I want dearly to like this bag. It feels tough, it's very spacious, and it's quite comfortable to wear (with a caveat-- we'll get to that), and it seemed perfect for my needs, that being a bag i could take to both campus and out on the trail for day trips. If you are male (or maybe a fairly tall woman), and you've got similar needs to me, I absolutely recommend this bag, and you'll probably love it. Unfortunately, I am a woman. I'm on the short side, and being that I am a woman, a problem has arisen with the across the chest strap- it's placed perfectly such that, when done up, sits directly where my extended chest happens to be and compresses it in just the worst strangest way. The chest strap is of course adjustable, and can be raised or lowered, but women should be aware that even the highest up setting will still be much too low. Now, if you, woman, don't use this strap, you might still be happy with this bag (and probably why you see reviews from petite women who indeed don't seem to have any problems with this bag), but be aware that the shoulder straps are also just a tad long, so the bag won't sit as high as you might like it to on your back for hiking. I really don't know why the across the chest strap is so low-- it's unusual, because in unisex hiking bags they're typically still high up on the chest so I'd imagine it's more comfortable for men as well (not that I'd have any experience there) to have the strap above their pectorals instead of compressing them. Frankly the slightly long shoulder straps could still be servicable to me if the chest strap adjusters were higher. Do note that I'm talking about the 28L, here-- the 20L may fit better, but it's much too small for my purposes and doesn't have a hip strap. Now, as I've said, despite my complaints, the bag itself is still fantastic and that's why it's a shame it's got that small problem to me, but if you don't use across the chest straps, it'll probably work great for you. This bag is almost perfect, and it indeed might well be perfect for you. Just thought I'd throw this out there for whoever finds it helpful. To Fjallraven: You've done a great job here, but I'd recommend, to make it fit more people, you guys shrink the straps a smidge (compensating instead with more length to the adjustable part so bigger guys can still wear it) and move the chest strap array way up the body like a proper hiking pack so they're out of the way. Do this, and it's an easy five stars from me. Cheers.
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Customer review from Fenix Outdoor
Perfect Bag
Received this bag as a present 2 years back and still love it as much as i did then. It can be used for a range of things, ive used it for: work, hiking, weekend trips, 7 day holidays, it does it all. With a bit of shoving it can also be used as an easyjet free hand luggage bag! I did an overnight hike up Snowdon in torrential rain last year and despite myself being wet through even with waterproofs everything in my bag remained dry and didn't even get damp!!
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Customer review from Fenix Outdoor
great backpack
bought a year ago, used daily since then for classes. i've also brought it on 3 trips cross country and functions excellently as a day bag as well. hasn't started to experience wear/anything breaking yet. well worth for the price!
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Customer review from Fenix Outdoor
Extremely Comfy and Versatile!
So perfect for college students with heavy books! My backpacks are always stuffed to the brim and my back and shoulders have suffered greatly for it. I used to think my spine was just weak, but once I switched to the Skule 28, I realized I was just using ill-fitting backpacks! For reference, I'm a 5'2 female with a short torso; this pack distributes weight perfectly. I don't feel any strain on my back or shoulders AT ALL! The pack has some rigidity to it in the straps and back area which I appreciate. The whole thing is so high quality and I can tell it'll last me years. Bonus: it works excellently as a hiking daypack. The side stretch pockets paired with the side clips allow me to carry my huge 48oz Nalgene without worrying about it slipping out. There's plenty of attachment points for hanging things or tying things down. I don't feel back pain while hiking anymore because of this pack!
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Customer review from Fenix Outdoor
Great all-in-one backpack
Trekking poles on one side, crampons attached with a carabiner to the other, mid-layer attached on the loops for quick access, food and other items in the main compartment- this bag is a good companion for a day's hike, or even quick mountaineering trip. Then I return from the hike, empty my backpack, put in my laptop, notebooks etc. and go to the office! This is an all-in-one backpack that also looks nice, is durable and very comfortable to wear (the only thing that is not comfortable are the lower straps that go straight through my belly, so I only use the upper ones). Not many backpacks are equally fitting to carry in the mountains and in the office, this one is the best for me.
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Customer review from Fenix Outdoor
Best
It was a best gift from my wife. Best backpack i have ever had!
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Customer review from Fenix Outdoor
Amazing Backpack with One Suggestion
Great backpack and I recommend it to everyone. However, I have one criticism. The belt strap dangles awkwardly by your legs when you are not using it. To hide these dangling straps, you have to fold up the loose straps and slip an elastic band over each one every time. I wish there was a way to conceal the straps or even remove them while not using them.
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Customer review from Fenix Outdoor
Perfect for College textbooks and Music Folder!
I needed a new backpack since the last one i got was a North face backpack similar to this one but it was from 7 years ago. My requirements was a Durable, large enough for my music folder and text books, and on the simpler side(fewer rather than more pockets). I chose this style because it had just the right amount of pockets and the dimensions were perfect for my school materials. Since using it, I have not regretted my decision. It’s comfortable, cute, durable, and it feels very well made! (Something that seems so hard to get from big name companies).
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Customer review from Fenix Outdoor