At the end of the 1970s, reports started emerging of increasing numbers of children suffering from back pain as a result of the shoulder bags that were the fashion at the time. In order to help prevent back problems, Fjällräven's Åke Nordin created a lightweight, basic, durable backpack with plenty of room for all the essentials for a day at school.
Kånken was launched in 1978 in collaboration with the Swedish Guide and Scout Association. More than 35 years later, Kånken has straightened out millions of backs and become one of Fjällräven's most popular products.