Kåken No. 2 Laptop Backpack

This backpack is as close to perfect as possible for my needs. Normally I use camera backpacks and shoulder bags. I was trying to lighten my load and the Kanken Laptop 15 holds the same stuff as my larger heavier camera backpack and is significantly lighter and smaller but I can carry all I need. My laptop is a 15.5" thin Lenovo and it fits into the padded compartment fine. I put in a 2-compartent insert from an old bag to hold a camera and three lenses, and there's still room for notepads, pens, cables, etc. The front zip pocket gives more room that I haven't used yet. And I can carry my laptop's big power supply if needed--it fits into one of the exterior side compartments or that front compartment. The bag appears to be as well made as others I have used costing twice as much, even though it is lighter weight. The size is perfect and the material feels very similar to the waxed canvas of some other bags I have, ie., water resistant and sturdy, and has a great look. Another thing I like is the simplicity of the straps. So many backpacks add a strap that buckles across the chest and another big padded one that goes around the waist. All of that leaves lots of dangly things that get in the way and look stupid. They are fine if you're a backpacker going on long hikes, but I go to offices and coffeehouses and generally only carry the bag over one shoulder. The minimalist straps are padded enough to be comfortable for any walking I do but not excessively thick or cumbersome. Overall, it's the most well thought-out bag I have found, and as a long time photographer and filmmaker, I probably have owned as many bags as a camera store has on display. Also, I have "grocery panniers" on my ebike and the Kanken fits perfectly into one side.

I've been using the regular Kanken 15 inch laptop as my work travel bag for years now and I decided to upgrade with this one because of the more mature look. Unfortunately, it hits me with a huge disappointment. My laptop (16 inch) barely fits in the laptop compartment for some reason. It took me a while to get it fit but my zips barely close it. Mind you, my laptop fits perfectly in my regular Kanken with no issue. I thought I'm the only one who have this issue but looking at the comments in the official website, I'm surprised that everyone has this issue. Alternatively, you could place your laptop in the main compartment but that defeats the purpose of having laptop compartment in the first place. Despite that it looks and feels good (I'm 180cm Male) especially with G1000 fabric. If you're looking for a 15/16 inch laptop bag, save your money and get the regular Kanken or better yet, get the 17 inch to maximize your space.