Find out more about the leading brand Fjällräven
The Brand Fjällräven
Fjällräven was founded in 1960 by Åke Nordin in the Swedish town of Örnsköldsvik. His passion for the outdoors, frustration with inadequate equipment and an ingenious spirit led him to develop a backpack with a wooden frame that would allow him to explore the wilderness better and more comfortably. The design was quickly met with interest from locals and after a few years and handmade one-offs, Åke decided to found the Fjällräven brand and present his first official Fjällräven product to the public with a further developed backpack model with an aluminium frame. From the very beginning, the aim was to develop timeless, functional and hard-wearing outdoor equipment and to enable more people to experience the outdoors in a much more enjoyable way. The brand slogan "Forever Nature" expresses this philosophy perfectly and emphasises the company's responsibility towards people, animals and the environment.
The Kanken
With its rectangular shape, the Fjällräven Kanken is the most iconic product of the Fjällräven brand. In the 1970s, Åke Nordin read about increasing back problems among Swedish schoolchildren. As a result, he introduced the first Fjällräven Kanken in 1978. Its iconic rectangular shape was designed to hold exactly two A4 folders. The two shoulder straps distributed the weight evenly over both shoulders. The Kånken soon found favour with adults too, who appreciated its simple shape and robust design as well as the fact that you always have both hands free with it on your back. The rucksack quickly developed into a globally recognised classic. Today, there are many variations of the original model to discover. Particularly interesting are the special editions such as the Kanken Art, which is designed annually by other artists, the Re-Wool Kanken made from recycled polyester or the Tree Kanken, which Fjällräven manufactures from a special material based on cellulose from certified trees.
Arctic Fox Initiative
Achieving more together is the motto behind the Artic Fox initiative, which Fjällräven sees as a collaboration with you as a buyer of Fjällräven products. A certain proportion of the sales of selected Fjällräven products goes to the Arctic Fox Fund, with which Fjällräven supports selected non-profit organisations and projects that are either dedicated to protecting nature or inspiring people to spend time in nature. The idea has its origins in the "Save the Arctic Fox Initiative" launched in 1994, in which Fjällräven joined forces with Swedish researcher Anders Angerbjörn and Stockholm University to save the population of the endangered Scandinavian Arctic fox. The Save the Arctic Fox project is still active today and is funded together with other projects by the Arctic Fox Initiative.
The development into a global brand
Inspired by feedback from Scandinavian explorers and scientists who equipped Åke with tents and rucksacks for an expedition to Greenland, Åke Nordin began working on the first Fjällräven garment, the Greenland jacket. Made from the then new, robust and quick-drying G-1000 material and treated with a special wax impregnation called Greenland Wax, which made the jacket more wind and water repellent. Properties that were unknown in outdoor equipment when the jacket first came onto the market in 1968. It is therefore hardly surprising that the jacket quickly became a favourite of researchers, scientists and outdoor enthusiasts. In 1970, the Greenland Trousers, Fjällräven's first trekking trousers, were added to the range of functional outdoor clothing made from the now successful G-1000 material. Many other innovations followed and the brand expanded into other countries in the 80s and 90s.
Sustainability of Fjällräven
"Nature is everything, without nature we are nothing". Fjällräven has long recognised its responsibility towards nature and the environment under this guiding principle. The original G-1000 material has now been completely replaced by G-1000 Eco (recycled polyester and organic cotton), which produces 30% less CO2 emissions during production. The use of recycled wool and reclaimed wool from local Swedish production also reduces the ecological footprint. The same applies to the use of organic hemp and Tencel as well as recycled polyester. Fjällräven is also considered a pioneer when it comes to avoiding the use of harmful PFCs. The brand made the decision to ban PFCs from all products back in 2015. Only one zip did not have a PFC-free alternative until 2022, but here too Fjällräven was able to convince a supplier. Fjällräven also avoids the use of PVCs and angora wool and therefore does not use any hazardous or banned chemicals. Where down is used, you can be sure that it comes from a process that prioritises the welfare of geese and avoids live plucking. To ensure its own standards, Fjällräven is continuously audited by the Swedish Research Institute for Industrial and Sustainable Growth.
Natural materials
Fjällräven uses natural materials such as wool, cotton and down. When this is not possible, synthetic materials are used to provide specialised solutions for unique challenges. G-1000 Eco is Fjällräven's most important material and is used for all product categories, whether backpacks, jackets or trousers. It is a tightly woven fabric made of 65% (recycled) polyester and 35% (organic) cotton that can be adapted to different weather conditions with Greenland wax.
Fjällräven Productfamily
Fjällräven offers a wide range of highly functional product series for an active life. The different product families are specifically designed for different activities, terrains and climates and enable people to enjoy and explore nature in all its forms.
The mountaineering products in the Bergtagen range are perfectly adapted to mountain activities above the tree line and offer unrestricted freedom of movement and reliable performance. The Keb products are optimised for technical trekking and offer optimum freedom of movement and functionality. For lighter day hikes, hut-to-hut trekking and summer temperatures, the Abisko products are suitable, while the Singi products are designed for traditional trekking and Scandinavian conditions.
The Greenland, High Coast, Övik and Vardag product families bridge the gap between everyday and outdoor life and offer a wide range of versatile, functional and durable products that are just as suitable for everyday use as they are for trips into the great outdoors. The iconic Kanken with its minimalist design is not only extremely robust, practical and functional, but also makes every day a little more colourful with its almost infinite colour palette.
Sustainable design philosophy
Fjällräven develops its products in such a way that they can and will be used for a long time. This is made possible by the use of extremely durable and sustainable materials on the one hand and a deliberately timeless design on the other. There are no short-lived trends in the fashion world at Fjällräven, which not only results in a unique look, but also has a potentially positive impact on the environment. Because the longer you use a product that you already own and want to use, the less likely you are to buy a new one. A timeless design therefore reduces the environmental impact associated with the production of something new.
How to shorten your Fjällräven trousers correctly
Our step-by-step guide will show you how to adjust your Fjällräven trekking trousers to the perfect length if they are too long for you. Fjällräven does this specifically so that you can adjust the trousers to your individual leg length. This applies to the following models in our range: Barents Pro, Karl and Karla as well as Nikka Trousers. So there's no need to worry, because you can easily shorten the trouser legs yourself, or you can take the trousers to a tailor.
Test report – Fjällräven Kanken No.2 Laptop 15
The practical Kanken No.2 Laptop 15 backpack from the Fjällräven brand in the colour "dark olive" is equipped with leather handles and details, as well as comfortable adjustable shoulder straps. This model also has a practical padded laptop compartment up to 15 inches at the back.
Trouser guide - Fjällräven guide
Since 1960, Fjällräven has set itself the goal of encouraging people to go outside and enjoy the outdoor life with its products. Fjällräven convinces with a large selection. There are two men's and even three women's fits to help you find the perfect trousers. This trouser guide should make it easier to find the right trousers that you feel comfortable in.
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