Fjällräven History & Timeline
Launching in Sweden in 1960, Fjällräven has long been a trusted source of high-quality, high-performance gear. The word Fjällräven means ‘Arctic Fox’, Fjällräven was born from a passion for the outdoors and their products have been tried and tested in the most extreme climates around the world.
If you are going on an outdoor adventure, then this is the brand for you, if your outdoor adventure is to school or college and back then look at the Kanken range.
Fjällräven Company Profile
A Brief History Of Fjällräven
Fjällräven was founded in Sweden in 1960 by Åke Nordin. The brand’s name means “The Arctic Fox” in Swedish, and it has become synonymous with durable, functional, and stylish outdoor gear.
Åke Nordin started the company with a desire to create practical and functional gear for outdoor enthusiasts. He was inspired by his own experiences as a young man in the Swedish mountains, and while serving in the Swedish armed forces he realised that the gear available at the time was not designed for the harsh outdoor environment.
He set out to design gear that was both functional and stylish, and in 1960, he introduced his first product, the Backpack No. 1, a simple and functional backpack that quickly became popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
Building on the success of the brand’s first backpack, Fjällräven released its first tent in 1964 that was designed to be both lightweight and waterproof. The tent combined a breathable inner layer with a stronger synthetic outer, which was revolutionary at the time.
In 1968 Fjällräven launched its first clothing product after two years of development. The Greenland Jacket was made using Fjällräven’s innovative waxed fabric, which used beeswax and paraffin to provide waterproofing.
In 2002, following the acquisition of a number of outdoor retail chains and clothing manufacturers in its supply chain, Fjällräven formed the Fenix Group, with the Fjällräven brand becoming the flagship of the company.
Over the years, Fjällräven has continued to lead innovation in the outdoor clothing and equipment sector. The brand has expanded its product line to include a wide range of outdoor clothing and gear, from backpacks and tents to jackets and pants. Continuing the original spirit of the company, Fjällräven has become known for its use of high-quality materials and classic, yet forward-thinking design language.
Today Fjällräven is one of the world’s leading outdoor clothing and equipment brands, and its products are used in some of the planet’s harshest conditions. The brand remains dedicated to creating functional and stylish gear for outdoor enthusiasts, and its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection is stronger than ever.
Fjällräven & Sustainability
A defining ethos of Fjällräven is its commitment to sustainability, which is deeply embedded in every aspect of the brand's operations. Fjällräven is driven by a respect for nature, a fundamental principle that guides their choices in materials, manufacturing methods, and design. The brand is dedicated to minimising its environmental footprint and improving animal welfare while delivering high-quality, functional gear that lasts.
From the materials it uses for its products which include recycled wool and polyester, and fully traceable down sourced in accordance with strict welfare standards, to its considered approach when it comes to using chemicals, Fjällräven ensures that every process involved in producing its gear is as environmentally responsible as possible.
But the brand's commitment to sustainability doesn't stop at its product line. Fjällräven has also launched the "Arctic Fox Initiative," a program that supports projects that help conserve nature and inspire more people to spend time outdoors. This is in line with Fjällräven’s belief that everyone should have the chance to enjoy and learn from nature while causing minimal environmental impact.
The Influence Of Fjällräven:
From Outdoor Clothing To Popular Fashion
Since its inception, Fjällräven has not only been an innovator in the outdoor equipment and clothing sector, but it has also significantly influenced the wider fashion industry. Its impact can be seen in two key areas: the mainstream adoption of outdoor wear as everyday fashion, and the growing focus on sustainability in the fashion industry.
As a result, the outdoor industry as a whole has become more focused on creating gear that is not only functional but also environmentally friendly. The brand's popularity and reputation for quality have made it a household name among outdoor enthusiasts, and its products are widely used by people all over the world.
As well as the impact Fjällräven has had on promoting ethical design and manufacturing, the brand has also been a driving force in making outdoor clothing look as good as it performs. With a rich heritage to draw on, Fjällräven’s Nordic DNA is apparent throughout its entire range which is loved as much by stylish urbanites as it is outdoor enthusiasts.
The rise of "Outdoor Chic" can be directly linked to Fjällräven's influence. Their products, such as the iconic Kånken backpack and the classic Greenland jacket, have crossed over from purely functional outdoor gear to become fashion staples.
These items have been seen on high streets and university campuses worldwide, exhibiting the brand's ability to seamlessly blend functionality with style. The timeless, simple, and practical design of Fjällräven products has helped redefine outdoor clothing as not only practical but also fashionable.
By staying true to their commitment to functionality, durability, and sustainability, Fjällräven has carved out a unique niche in the outdoor equipment industry, while at the same time has also become a respected and influential player in the global fashion market.
Fjällräven’s Innovative Use of Materials
Fjällräven uses a wide range of materials in their products, with a focus on durability, functionality, and sustainability. One of the key materials used in their products is the brand’s famous G-1000, a blend of polyester and cotton that is highly durable and weather-resistant.
G-1000 fabric is used in a variety of Fjällräven products, including backpacks, pants, and jackets. Fjällräven also utilises various other materials such as polyamide, wool, and down, depending on the product and its intended use.
With a significant focus on sustainability, Fjällräven uses materials such as recycled wool, recycled polyester, and organic cotton throughout their product ranges. They also introduced their own innovative fabric, G-1000 Eco, which is made from recycled polyester and organic cotton. This material retains the same functionality and durability as G-1000 while reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing.
Fjällräven has developed its own waterproof and breathable fabric called Hydratic, which is used in their rainwear products. Hydratic uses a unique microporous coating that allows moisture to escape while preventing water from entering.
The brand has also developed its own unique treatments for their products, such as the Greenland Wax, which is used to add waterproofing to their products made from G-1000.
Fjällräven Product Families
Fjällräven develops outdoor clothing and gear within a range of individual product families. Each family of products share common design principles, materials, features and styling. Fjällräven has developed its product families to suit a range of requirements. Once you understand these families, it is easy to identify the conditions, environment and intended use for Fjällräven’s products.
The brand organises its families into three distinct ranges: Mountaineering, Trekking, and Everyday Outdoor.
Fjällräven Mountaineering Products
The Mountaineering range is designed for the most challenging outdoor adventures and environments, such as mountain climbing, ice climbing, and alpine expeditions. Products in this range are made with the most advanced materials and construction techniques to ensure maximum durability, protection, and comfort in the harshest conditions. This range includes high-performance products such as mountaineering jackets, pants, and backpacks.
The Bergtagen Family
Products from the Bergtagen family offer only the highest quality for your outdoor adventures and expeditions. With clothing and other products optimised to withstand the toughest weather conditions, you can ensure reliability in this family of products.
Fjällräven Trekking Products
The Trekking product range is designed for longer, multi-day backpacking trips and hiking adventures. Products in this collection are made with a focus on functionality, comfort, and versatility, and they are designed to provide the support and protection needed for extended periods of outdoor activity. This range includes products such as backpacks, sleeping bags, and tents, as well as clothing such as jackets, pants, and base layers.
The Keb Family
With their durable, weather-resistant construction and comfortable fit, the Keb family provides reliable protection and comfort in the outdoors. From jackets to trousers and other outdoor products, this range is perfect for trekking, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
The Abisko Family
All products in the Abisko family are made with high-quality, durable materials and are designed to provide the support and protection needed for extended periods of outdoor activity. This lightweight collection is perfect for any day hike or trekking adventure.
The Singi Family
Catering for all of your Scandinavian treks, this family of traditional pieces are crafted with only the highest quality and durable materials for all of your outdoor needs.
The Polar Family
The Polar family is known for its focus on functionality, as well as its attention to detail and use of innovative design elements. In this family of products, find clothing and accessories to suit all of your adventures in the cold climates.
The Numbers Family
If you need high quality products for your traditional trekking and bushcraft adventures, the Numbers family doesn’t compromise when it comes to their focus on minimum environmental impact.
Fjällräven Everyday Outdoor Products
The Everyday Outdoor product family is designed for those who enjoy spending time in nature on a more casual basis, whether that's on a day hike, a camping trip, or just a walk in the park. Products in this family are designed to be both functional and stylish. This family includes products such as backpacks, jackets, and hats, as well as accessories such as water bottles.
The High Coast Family
Made up with lightweight and versatile products and accessories, the High Coast family offers a great range of simple designs and functional pieces for your summer outdoor adventures.
The Vardag Family
Featuring Fjällräven’s iconic logo from the 70’s, the Vardag collection is developed to offer eco-friendly materials for your everyday outdoor life.
The Ovik Family
The Ovik family offers functional yet classic pieces for general outdoor activities. With products inspired by the origins of Fjällräven, this collection is perfect for those looking for trendy pieces that remain timeless.
The Kånken Family
The iconic Kånken family is renowned for its durable and distinct products that cater for everyday outdoor needs. With an extensive range of bags and other classical products, this collection remains to be a crowd pleaser from the Fjällräven brand.
The Travel Family
The Travel family is the perfect range of products for adventures in the warmer climates. Consisting of lightweight and travel functioning garments, this collection offers reliability in every piece.
The Greenland Family
The Greenland family consists of products crafted with G-1000 functionality, offering both iconic and classic styles since the original Greenland jacket from 1968.
Fjällräven Trekking Products
The Trekking product range is designed for longer, multi-day backpacking trips and hiking adventures. Products in this collection are made with a focus on functionality, comfort, and versatility, and they are designed to provide the support and protection needed for extended periods of outdoor activity. This range includes products such as backpacks, sleeping bags, and tents, as well as clothing such as jackets, pants, and base layers.
Fjällräven Jackets
The collection of jackets available from Fjällräven is diverse and designed for a range of outdoor activities, from multi-day backpacking trips and extreme cold-weather adventures, to everyday casual wear.
The brand's range includes lightweight, packable jackets for temperate climates as well as sturdy, insulated down jackets for colder conditions. Trekking jackets are another standout, known for their durability and practical pockets and features. Fjällräven’s waterproof shell jackets are a must-have for those venturing into wet environments, utilising materials like the proprietary G-1000 fabric, which can be waxed for extra water and wind resistance.
Each jacket is made with high-quality, durable materials and is designed to provide the protection and comfort needed for a range of outdoor activities, while also incorporating Fjällräven's signature style and attention to detail. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor adventurer or just starting out, the jackets collection from Fjällräven has everything you need to stay warm, dry, and protected in the great outdoors.
Fjällräven Trousers
Designed for a range of outdoor activities, Fjällräven’s range of trousers doesn’t compromise when it comes to quality for your adventures, and are a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts.
The brand offers designs for hiking, trekking, and everyday outdoor use. Fjällräven's G-1000 fabric features in many of their trousers, offering excellent durability, wind and water resistance, and UV protection.
With features like adjustable waistbands, reinforced hems and leg pockets, Fjällräven trousers and pants are certainly designed to last. For those seeking summer-ready options, Fjällräven also offers a selection of functional and stylish shorts.
The trousers in this collection are made from high-quality fabrics that can withstand the elements and offer comfort, and come in a variety of styles and cuts including slim-fit, straight-leg, and relaxed-fit designs.
Fjällräven T-Shirts
Fjällräven’s t-shirts stand out for their unique blend of simplicity, comfort, and sustainable design. While many can be easily classified as casual wear, they encapsulate the brand's ethos of crafting durable and functional clothing.
Crafted from sustainable materials, Fjällräven’s t-shirts are a testament to the brand's commitment to nature and the environment. For instance, many of their t-shirts are made from organic cotton, which uses less water and harmful pesticides during production compared to traditional cotton. Some designs also incorporate recycled materials, a step towards reducing landfill waste and conserving natural resources.
Fjällräven's t-shirts come in a broad spectrum of colours and designs, catering to different tastes and styles. The selection ranges from vibrant, earthy tones that mirror nature’s palette to more muted, understated hues. You can find t-shirts boasting bold, graphic prints inspired by nature, the outdoors, and the brand’s rich heritage. Alternatively, for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic, Fjällräven offers designs with clean lines and subtle branding.
Fjällräven Sweats & Tops
A well-thought-out mid-layer can mean the difference between a comfortable outdoor adventure and a less enjoyable one, especially in colder or more unpredictable climates. Fjällräven understands this and has developed an impressive range of sweats and mid-layers that effectively balance warmth, breathability, and comfort.
Fjällräven sweatshirts come in several designs to suit varying needs and preferences. One of the brand's standout offerings are their versatile quarter zip fleeces, renowned for their exceptional warmth and comfort. These tops use a variety of materials, including recycled polyester and wool, to provide optimal heat retention and durability. Some also feature reinforced areas with the brand's G-1000 fabric for extra resilience against wear and tear, making them perfect for more demanding outdoor activities. The brand's sweatshirts offer a versatile option for those seeking comfort and style. Crafted from 100% cotton, or sometimes blended with other recycled materials, these sweatshirts provide softness and flexibility for everyday wear while ensuring adequate warmth on chillier days. Their design leans towards a more casual aesthetic, with options ranging from graphic printed pullovers to zip-front designs.
Fjällräven Accessories
The accessories collection from Fjällräven is an essential part of their outdoor gear offering, designed to complement and enhance the functionality of their clothing, or work perfectly as standalone pieces.
You can find a full choice of accessories from the Swedish brand, including everything from Fjällräven hats and caps to gloves, belts, care products and more. They also produce some great travel accessories including items such as toiletry bags, camera bags and small hip packs that are designed to help keep gear organised and easily accessible during travels.
Designed to provide the comfort and protection needed for a range of outdoor activities, all of Fjällräven’s accessories are made with high-quality, durable materials and feature innovative design elements. They offer a range of colours, patterns, and styles so you can find the perfect accessory to complete your look.
Fjällräven Bags & Backpacks
Whether you’re heading to the office, hitting the trail, completing a multi-day hike, or just running errands, you can find the right bag for whatever you need to carry in Fjällräven’s extensive collection. Fjällräven’s backpack range is particularly worth a look, and packed full of innovative design elements. From adjustable back systems, multiple pockets and compartments, to weather-resistant materials, these high performance packs are designed to provide the support and protection needed for a range of outdoor activities.
If you’re heading to college or work, or need a bag for urban exploring, Fjällräven’s famous Kånken bag collection might be just what you’re looking for. Originally developed in 1978 for school children in Sweden, the Kånken is instantly recognisable and has become a staple with style conscious individuals around the world. Kånken bags are made with durable, water-resistant materials and feature a simple, functional design with a large main compartment and a front pocket. They are available in a wide range of colours and sizes to suit different preferences and needs.
Fjällräven is a brand that was built on designing high quality bags, and this experience is obvious today in every bag they produce. From the stylish Kånken to its range of high performance backpacks and duffels for use in harsh conditions like the Abisko or Bergaten families, Fjällräven bags are built to the highest standards. Whether you're embarking on a multi-day backpacking trip or just need a reliable daypack for your daily adventures, Fjällräven has you covered. You can find out more about the options available in our Fjällräven Bags Buyer’s Guide.
Fjällräven Tents & Sleeping
With enjoyment of the great outdoors a key part of Fjällräven’s identity, it’s not surprising that they offer a range of high quality tents and sleeping equipment. Whether you’re a casual weekend camper looking to upgrade your gear, or an experienced adventurer who needs reliable shelter for harsh conditions, Fjällräven’s collection offers some of the best products around.
As well as high performance tents, Fjällräven produces a range of superb quality sleeping bags to provide comfort and warmth during camping trips or expeditions in all types of climates. With their focus on functional design, innovative features and high-quality materials, Fjällräven’s range of tents and sleeping equipment collection is a great choice for anyone looking for reliable and durable outdoor gear.
Fjällräven FAQs
Is Fjällräven from Sweden?
Yes, Fjällräven is from Sweden. Founded in 1960 by Åke Nordin, the company is headquartered in Örnsköldsvik and has grown to become one of the most popular outdoor brands in the world
Is Fjällräven worth the price?
Fjällräven is absolutely worth the price. The company's commitment to quality and craftsmanship is unparalleled, and their products are designed to last for years. Their items are well-made, stylish, and versatile, making them a great choice for those who value quality and sustainability.
Fjällräven's use of eco-friendly fabrics and materials, as well as their commitment to sustainability, make them a great choice for those looking for a more sustainable alternative to traditional clothing.
When did Fjällräven become popular?
Fjällräven has become increasingly popular in recent years, with its signature Kånken backpack leading the way.
While the brand has long been appreciated by outdoor enthusiasts, it has been gaining wider-reaching traction since the early 2000s when its heavy-duty clothing and backpacks caught the attention of the fashion world. Since then, the company's bright colours, durable materials, and functional designs have only grown in popularity, making Fjällräven an iconic outdoor brand.
Why is Kånken so popular?
Kånken is popular due to its simple and classic design, durability and versatility. It has a timeless, utilitarian look that is perfect for everyday use, no matter what your style or situation.
Its range of colours and sizes make it suitable for everyone, from children to adults. Kånken is also lightweight, water-resistant and easy to clean, giving it a long-lasting lifespan.
