Fjällräven has been a trusted Swedish brand since 1960, providing outdoor enthusiasts with durable, functional and sustainable gear to fuel their adventures. Known for their iconic Kånken backpack and innovative G-1000 fabric, Fjällräven makes products designed specifically for the rigours of the Scandinavian landscape.

With a focus on longevity over fast fashion, their gear is made to last a lifetime and beyond. From their humble beginnings in a basement in the town of Örnsköldsvik, founder Åke Nordin built Fjällräven on the principles of friluftsliv - a Swedish philosophy on the value of spending time outdoors.

This buying guide covers everything you need to know about Fjällräven's range of packs, clothing and accessories. We'll explore key materials they use, their commitment to sustainability and what makes their products so popular with outdoor enthusiasts across the globe.

Fjällräven Backpacks

The Kånken: An Iconic Rucksack for Everyday Use

It all started with the Kånken in 1978 - a simple, square and spacious vinyl backpack that challenged the narrow and uncomfortable rucksacks of the time. Designed for Swedish school children, the Kånken was lightweight, durable and kind to growing spines.

With its large main compartment, front pocket, side pockets and padded shoulder straps, it had everything needed for school books and supplies. The handy grab handle on the top made it easy for kids to sling on and go.

Little did Åke Nordin know that his functional school bag would balloon into an iconic silhouette recognised around the world! The vinyl Kånken became a huge hit with kids and adults alike. Its retro styling and useful design made it a popular everyday pack.

Nowadays the Kånken comes in special edition fabrics like waxed cotton canvas, soft nubuck leather and rustic wool plaids. You'll spot these colourful packs on city commuters, students and free-spirited travellers. Fjällräven have kept the original design largely unchanged, though laptop sleeves and logo patches are modern updates.

Tip: Look out for limited edition Kånken prints and collaborations for something unique!

Hiking and Trekking Packs

While the Kånken took the world by storm, Fjällräven never lost sight of their technical outdoor heritage. They continued innovating to make packs that could withstand Sweden's harsh alpine conditions.

Their trekking and hiking packs are thoughtfully designed for comfort on long mountain missions. Models like the Abisko use their signature G-1000 heavy duty fabric with reinforced wear areas. The padded, ventilated back panel and hip belt keep loads secure and balanced. Stow hiking poles or ice axes neatly on the daisy chains and loops.

Plenty of zippered pockets and mesh compartments keep essentials organised. Lightweight frame sheets transfer pack weight to the hips so your shoulders don't tire. Removable lid tops and spacious main compartments allow flexibility for multi-day treks. Compression and tension straps cinch down loads over uneven terrain.

Whether you're tackling K2 Base Camp or conquering Kittlaus lakeside trail, Fjällräven packs have your back.

Tip: Look for their trekking packs like Vardag, Abisko, Keb, Singi with features tailored for serious mountain missions.

Everyday and Office Bags

Fjällräven know we can't all be summiting mountains and traversing tundra each day. Their everyday packs blend outdoor performance with stylish design for urban use.

The Raven packs are a favourite among students and professionals who want office and outdoor versatility. Clean lines and muted colours suit business attire, while the weather-resistant fabrics and laptop sleeve tackle the commute and travel.

The Kanken Laptop carries your tech securely in its boxy retro frame. Or slide your laptop into one of their Byron messenger bags with comfy shoulder strap and quick access zip.

Their Greenland duffels and gear haulers offer mountain-ready toughness to lug your kit around town. Internal sleeves, dividers and pockets keep everything tidy whether it's a work weekender or gym bag.

Tip: Look to the Raven, Kanken Laptop and Greenland ranges for solid urban and office options.

Fjällräven Clothing: Hiking, Trekking and Everyday Wear

Developed to endure the extremes of their Arctic homeland, Fjällräven clothing is a trustworthy companion on any adventure. They pioneered the use of durable, sustainable fabrics optimised for outdoor activity. Let's explore some of their iconic clothing pieces.

G-1000 Pieces

Fjällräven's proprietary G-1000 fabric is the backbone of their clothing range. This durable, versatile material blends cotton and polyester with a wax coating. This makes it wind and water resistant while remaining soft and pliable.

G-1000 trousers like the classic Keb trousers are favored by climbers and hikers. The roomy gusseted crotch allows total freedom of movement. Large thigh pockets carry maps and snacks within reach.

Their jackets, vests and overshirts in G-1000 have the same hardy weather protection and relaxed cut. Flatlock seams prevent chafing under pack straps. Many pieces use G-1000 Eco which contains recycled polyester and organic cotton.

This fabric really shines in their Vidda Pro trousers. Tailored with stretch panels and articulated knees, these technical yet attractive pants are built for active outdoor pursuits. Reinforcements on the rear and inner leg withstand abrasion in the alpine environment.

Tip: Look towards the Abisko, Keb and Vidda ranges for Fjällräven's signature G-1000 outdoor gear.

Base Layers and Underwear

While their outerwear withstands the external elements, Fjällräven base layers regulate the climate closest to you. They use a blend of merino wool and synthetic fibers that wick moisture from the skin. This keeps you warm and dry as sweat evaporates quickly. The wool also resists odour so you can go days between washes on trips.

Their boxers, briefs and long johns have a snug athletic fit that works well under outer layers. Flatlock seams prevent chafing while vents in specific areas control airflow and cooling. Women-specific designs account for body contours and movement.

The base layer tops with raglan sleeves layer smoothly under shirts and midlayers. Opt for the lighter Short Sleeve Crew for summer hiking or the merino Half Zip for insulation in colder months.

Tip: Fjällräven merino underwear and tops make excellent sustainable activewear bases or travel underwear.

Trekking Tops and Mid Layers

When summits beckon, Fjällräven mid layers are made for high output missions in alpine terrain. Active trekking tops like the Singi use merino wool for natural temperature regulation as you heat up and cool down. The trim athletic cut won't flap about in high winds or bunch under a harness.

The Samlaren Hoodie employs Polartec fleece that cleverly balances insulation, breathability and stretch. A cosy hood and kangaroo pocket keeps in warmth while the smooth jersey lining slides effortlessly over base layers. Articulated sleeves give you a full range of movement.

For aerobic, high-paced mountain ascents their Singi Hybrid Jacket combines panels of stretchy softshell over quick-drying pontetorto fabric. This technical hybrid provides wind and light weather protection without overheating your engine.

Tip: Go for their technical mid layer pieces to complement high performance base layers and shells.

Insulated Jackets

When icy conditions demand extra insulation, their parkas and jackets pack technical down and synthetic fills. Pieces like the Yupik Parka encase you in insulating Supreme Microloft to keep winter's bite at bay. Clever vertical baffles prevent heat loss while keeping the fill evenly distributed.

The casual mens Skogso Jacket blends wool and padding for laidback insulation. Trim the cold with synthetic fill vests like the Expedition Down Vest which goes over any base layer.

Tip: Duck down and synthetic insulated pieces add serious warmth without compromising technical performance.

Weather Protection: Hardshell Jackets and Pants

Round out your layering system with Fjällräven's shielding hardshell jackets and pants. These seal out the fiercest alpine elements so you can continue your mountain mission unimpeded by weather.

Their 3-layer hardshell fabrics like Hydratic and Bergshell stand up to torrential rain yet breathe actively to prevent a clammy microclimate inside. Fully taped seams prevent drips while helmet compatible hoods and visors keep precipitation out of sight.

The legendary Greenland Jacket has every feature needed from winter belay parka to everyday rain shell. It remains their most popular outer shell for good reason - it's proven protection against the elements since 1968.

Their hardshell pants like the Vidda Pro or Singi trekking pants create an impenetrable barrier when the clouds burst. Articulated knees and oversized hip vents allow full freedom of motion. Snow skirts and closable cuffs seal out powder and spindrift.

Tip: Hardshell jackets and pants handle the harsh conditions so you can push onwards to your goal.

Fjällräven Accessories

Fjällräven make those small extras and accessories that make your outdoor missions safer and more enjoyable. Here are some of their popular outdoor add-ons:

Hats and Gloves

Their wool beanies, caps and sun hats shield from the elements without compromising style. Merino lining regulates temperature and resists stench on long trips. Windproof gloves like the Vidda Pro keep fingers nimble in icy conditions.

Packs and Bags

Hip packs, shoulder bags and travel duffels organise your go-to items while their mesh laundry bags separate dirty clothing. Compression sacks neatly stow spare layers into your pack.

Winter Gear

Microspike traction systems attach to boots for security on icy terrain. Gaiters attach to pants sealing out snow and debris. Foam bedroll mats insulate against frozen ground.

Tip: Fjällräven accessories enhance comfort and safety in the outdoors - always useful for a day hike or extended expedition.

Why Choose Fjällräven? A Closer Look

Now that we've covered their key products and ranges, let's examine the Fjällräven philosophy and what sets them apart in the outdoor gear market.

Heritage

Since 1960, Fjällräven have pioneered innovative outdoor gear true to their Swedish origins. They operate with a respect for nature and ethics instilled by founder Åke Nordin half a century ago. They also collaborate frequently with the Swedish outdoor community to refine designs.

Built to Last Ethos

Fjällräven are obsessed with making products that endure. They want their gear to accompany you outdoors for years - even decades - to come. Their "buy less, buy better" motto lends an heirloom quality to their bags and clothing. They repair and replace parts years after purchase as a testament to outstanding craftsmanship.

Sustainability

Fjällräven use recycled and organic materials to reduce their environmental impact. G-1000 Eco, wool and down are sourced ethically from sustainable supply chains. They aim to become completely circular by eliminating waste in production and recycling worn out products into new ones. Their gear is an investment in sustainable outdoor living.

Technical Innovation

Fjällräven pair weatherproof fabrics like G-1000 and Bergshell with smart functional designs. Their outdoor clothing integrates ergonomic shaping with features that make sense for active use. They also update classic pieces each season with new sustainable tech.

Versatile Outdoor Styling

Their outdoor gear transitions seamlessly from mountain trail to town streets. Heritage silhouettes like the Kånken and Greenland Jacket retain their distinct retro charm that never goes out of fashion. Their packs and clothing suit urban commutes as much as wilderness expeditions.

Tip: Fjällräven's focus on quality, ethics and sustainability make their products a trusted choice for lasting performance.

How to Choose Fjällräven Gear for Your Needs

When selecting Fjällräven gear, think about when and how you'll use it most. Here are handy tips for choosing the right gear for your needs:

Everyday urban use - Kånken packs, Byron messenger bags and Raven packs blend outdoor durability with office and city styling. G-1000 jackets and overshirts work as weatherproof urban wear. Wool base layers provide natural comfort.

Hiking and trekking - Look for trousers like the Keb and Vidda Pro with G-1000's reliable weather protection. Packs like the Abisko and Singi carry loads securely. Active mid layers and lightweight insulation suit high aerobic output. Technical hardshells block extreme weather.

Cold weather expeditions - Opt for their warmest synthetic and down insulation pieces. Pair with waterproof/breathable hardshell outer layers. Merino baselayers and gloves retain heat when wet. Wool socks and insulated boots keep toes toasty.

Water activities - G-1000's waxed surface makes it ideal for paddling, sailing and fishing. Their water-repellent Bergshell hardshells are perfect for wet conditions. The Kajka pack attaches neatly to boats and board front. Mesh and tarp gear bags protect wetsuits and tackle.

Travel and commuting - Kånken and Kanken Laptop packs safely carry tech and personal items. Duffels and wheeled carryalls transport gear. Versatile pieces like the Raven jacket work for evenings out too. Merino baselayers take up little luggage space.

We hope this guide has given you plenty of inspiration for choosing Fjällräven gear that suits your outdoor lifestyle! Their passion for friluftsliv - the Swedish love of open-air living - shines through in the quality craftsmanship and clever design of every product. With gear made to stand the test of time, you'll take comfort knowing Fjällräven has your back for countless future adventures.