G-1000: Foundation Material

G-1000 is Fjällräven’s signature material, widely recognised for its strength and weather resistance. Developed in the late 1960s after a mountain trek, the fabric blends 65% polyester and 35% cotton and is tightly woven for resilience. Its surface can be treated with Greenland Wax, a blend of beeswax and paraffin, to boost both wind and water resistance. The material also provides strong protection from the sun’s UV rays and blocks out biting insects such as mosquitoes.

G-1000 Original: Used in jackets, trousers, and packs. It balances breathability, wind resistance, and long-term reliability. G-1000 Lite: A lighter version with ripstop reinforcement, suitable for warm-weather trips where ventilation and low weight are key. G-1000 Air : Features a looser weave, quick-dry performance, and high airflow for hot conditions. It’s unwaxed for maximum breathability but less suited for wet and windy settings G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco S: Built for tough use, with a finer weave made from recycled polyester and organic cotton. Both faces are waxed for added abrasion and weather resistance. G-1000 Silent: A brushed, quieter fabric for hunting and wildlife observation. G-1000 Air Stretch: Woven for greater flexibility, ideal for dynamic activities like mountain walking or scrambling.

Greenland Wax is Fjällräven’s secret to custom weather protection. Made from a blend of beeswax and paraffin, this block is designed to be rubbed onto G-1000 garments—think Fjallraven jacket, trousers, and select bags. Afterwards, use gentle heat (like a hairdryer or iron) to let the wax soak in. Adding more wax increases wind and rain resistance, while removing it boosts breathability, so you can tailor your gear for changing trips. Greenland Wax is poured and packaged in Sweden, maintaining a tradition that keeps your outdoor kit functional, season after season.

Vinylon F: Unique Fjallraven Backpack Fabric

Featured in Kånken backpacks, Vinylon F is a synthetic fibre that reacts to humidity by swelling, physically blocking out water instead of relying on coatings. This delivers solid rain protection, long life, and no need for additional chemical barriers, reducing environmental impact.

Eco-Shell is a waterproof-breathable laminate made from recycled polyester. It pairs high performance in wet weather with a manufacturing process free from fluorocarbon compounds (PFAS), which are harmful to people and nature. The result is outerwear that stands up to storms while aligning with environmental standards.

Bergshell is Fjällräven’s answer for rugged, waterproof luggage and packs. Built with a high-denier yarn, it offers excellent abrasion resistance and water shedding. About a third of the material’s content is recycled, further lowering the environmental footprint. The fabric’s special flat-weave construction enhances tear resistance without extra weight, making it suitable for climbing, mountaineering, and long treks.

Responsible Down, Wool, and Synthetic Options

Fjällräven sources certified traceable down for insulation, ensuring animal welfare at every stage. The brand also uses recycled wool, locally sourced Swedish wool, and durable synthetics across selected product lines to balance warmth, lightness, moisture control, and eco-responsibility

What materials does Fjällräven use for its jackets and backpacks?

Fjällräven is best known for its durable G-1000 fabric—a blend of recycled polyester and organic cotton—used in many jackets, trousers, and packs. The brand also uses traceable down, recycled wool, Tencel, and unique synthetics like Vinylon F for weather-resistant bags.

What is Greenland Wax, and how do I use it?

Greenland Wax is a beeswax/paraffin mix for G-1000 garments. Rub it onto the fabric and use heat to boost wind and water resistance. More wax = more protection; less wax = better breathability.

What makes Kånken bags so popular?

Kånken bags are famous for their simple boxy design, weather resistance, and wide range of colours. They’re made from Vinylon F, which naturally repels water, making them ideal for everyday use and travel.

How sustainable is Fjällräven’s production?

Fjällräven leads with PFAS-free waterproofing, recycled and organic materials, traceable down, and a focus on gear that’s built to last, repair, and reuse—lowering impact over decades, not just seasons.

What’s the best way to care for a Kånken?

Don’t machine wash—clean with lukewarm water, mild detergent, and a soft brush. Let it dry naturally, away from direct sunlight.

What are Fjällräven’s most technical collections?

The Bergtagen mountaineering line, Keb trekking gear, and Expedition jackets deliver best-in-class performance for mountain, cold, and harsh weather adventures.

How do Fjällräven pants and trousers fit?

Fjällräven offers Regular, Comfort, and longer leg fits—plus waists with different rises—so outdoor lovers of all shapes can find comfortable, functional trousers.

How does Fjällräven innovate for colder climates?

With features like adjustable hoods, double-layer construction, hydrophobic insulation, and advanced shell fabrics, Fjällräven gear is honed and tested by field experts for real-world performance in Scandinavian and global conditions.

Fjällräven Gear Guide

Fjällräven has a long reputation for iconic backpacks and outerwear. Started in 1960 by Åke Nordin in the Swedish town of Örnsköldsvik, the company began with one simple goal: to make nature easy to explore for everyone. Åke’s earliest framed backpack offered a lighter, practical alternative to heavy gear, rapidly catching on with outdoor fans. Over the next decades, Fjällräven kept growing and introduced everything from tents and sleeping bags to the now-famous Greenland Jacket and Kånken backpack.

Åke Nordin’s story is rooted firmly in the Swedish countryside, where he spent his youth near Örnsköldsvik, surrounded by dense forests, rolling hills, and protected coastline. As a young teenager, Åke often took part in camping trips as a Boy Scout. Frustrated by the uncomfortable, heavy rucksacks common at the time, he decided to build something more effective for carrying gear. With help from his mother’s sewing machine and his father’s tools, he constructed his first solution—a wooden-framed backpack designed to keep the weight closer to the back and to distribute the load better over long distances.

That bag, a product of curiosity and firsthand experience, quickly proved itself not just on personal adventures but was noticed by others in his local area. Åke began making similar packs for friends and locals, laying the foundation for what would later become Fjällräven. His practical streak and sense of purpose were deepened further during his time in the Swedish Army Paratroop School at Karlsborg, where he witnessed how even elite military packs fell short under demanding conditions.

Motivated by an ongoing need to simplify outdoor life, Åke officially registered his company in 1960. The business began in the basement of his family’s house. The first model for sale was a backpack using an aluminium frame—much lighter than the earlier wooden prototype—offering better support while hiking in tough landscapes. The approach proved effective, and Fjällräven quickly gained local recognition. The product range soon increased to include tents, sleeping bags, and gear suited to Swedish wilderness trips and expeditions, turning Åke’s original backpack into the foundation for a wide selection of outdoor solutions.

Fjällräven’s guiding principles are based on respect for nature, honest materials sourcing, and long-term thinking. The company believes that exploring the outdoors helps people form a direct connection to wild places, strengthening a sense of duty to protect both the land and its wildlife. This outlook is reflected in every step—from design to delivery.

Before choosing any fabric or component, Fjällräven assesses need, efficiency, and ecological impact. The company has pledged to avoid resource-heavy or hazardous materials whenever better alternatives are available. Long-lasting G-1000, for example, is now made with recycled polyester and organic cotton, sharply lowering water and energy use versus older textiles. Down, wool, and leather are sourced with firm animal welfare checks, and synthetic options rely on recycled content when feasible.

A key move was eliminating PFAS (“forever chemicals”) from all waterproofing processes. By acting before regulations required it, the brand set a precedent for safe chemistry and became an example in the outdoor sector.

Repair, reuse, and guidance for users are central to extending product service years. Every garment or pack comes with clear care instructions, and many shops offer repair services. The company encourages equipment swaps and has launched a “Pre-Loved” scheme in some markets—re-selling and recycling returned gear to reduce waste.

Fjällräven commits to real change, not just “offsets.” The brand has achieved climate neutrality across owned sites since 2015, using renewables and trimming energy consumption. It invests in Gold Standard renewable energy projects to balance the emissions it cannot yet avoid directly. These actions are monitored and shared in transparent yearly progress reports.

‘Save the Arctic Fox’ shows the brand’s commitment to wildlife, supporting both field research and public education to help this threatened animal survive. Projects like these run in parallel with internal audits to reach 100% traceability for key fibres, and to push human rights assessments deeper into the supply chain—not just first-tier manufacturers, but fibre suppliers as well.

By staying open about progress and challenges, Fjällräven aims to be viewed not just as a label, but as a partner for responsible outdoor living, placing the health of people and planet first.

Fjällräven’s got collections to cover just about every outdoor moment, whether it’s a city cycle, a wild trek, or a mountain hut stay. This is where classic Swedish design meets modern innovation, with each range built for the long haul and shaped by real-world feedback. From iconic bags to technical trousers and jackets you’ll rely on year after year, here are the Fjällräven collections every outdoor lover should have on their radar.

The Kånken line is perhaps Fjällräven’s most recognised, with its square shape, practical handles, and easy-access design. Created in 1978 to help Swedish schoolchildren carry books without straining their backs, it now includes options for travel, work, and leisure. The Fjallraven Kanken bags are made with Vinylon F, which reacts to humidity to repel water, and appear in more than fifty different colours and limited editions. Re-Kånken models use recycled plastic bottles for fabric, reducing waste and energy use.

Inspired by the gear that equipped trekkers for Greenland's harsh environment in the late 1960s, this series includes jackets, vests, trousers, and accessories made with G-1000—the brand’s signature polyester-cotton blend. Greenland Wax can be added for extra rain and wind protection. This series balances protection with classic, understated Swedish style and is especially popular for day walks, travel, and urban use.

Best known among hikers and outdoor professionals, the Keb collection is made for hillwalking, trekking, and challenging multi-day trips. The Fjällräven Keb pants and jackets feature ergonomically placed stretch panels for improved movement and extra G-1000 reinforcement in key areas. Many Keb items also include smart ventilation zippers and advanced fit, making them useful in changing weather or rough terrain.

The Fjallraven Vidda Pro trousers and Barents Pro trousers are favourites for hiking, bushcraft, and fieldwork. Both models provide multiple practical pockets, functional loops for tools or gear, and carefully placed seams for durability. The heavy-duty G-1000 fabric is wax-friendly, letting users decide how much water or wind resistance they require. These trousers can be regularly seen on guides, rangers, and those who need reliable legwear for long periods outdoors.

Intended for warmer conditions or fast-and-light hikes, the Abisko series uses lighter fabrics and ventilation features. Clothes here include jackets, trousers, and technical shirts with higher airflow and quick-dry properties, suiting everything from summer backpacking to day hikes in changing weather.

The Fjallraven Nuuk parka is designed for cold, windy winters and harsh urban conditions. This insulated coat offers full protection from rain, snow, and wind, all while keeping warmth locked in—thanks to its synthetic padding and a robust Hydratic membrane. The parka features an adjustable hood with detachable faux fur trim, multiple pockets for storage, and a length that covers the hips for added shelter. It’s a favourite among commuters, travellers, and anyone seeking reliable outerwear when temperatures drop.

The Fjallraven Räven jacket is a timeless multi-season layer. Inspired by classic Swedish designs, it uses hard-wearing G-1000 fabric for versatile use in city life as well as the outdoors. The jacket provides practical storage with spacious front pockets, can be adjusted with Greenland Wax for extra weather resistance, and offers a clean, understated look that suits everyday wear. Eco-friendly updates now include recycled polyester blends, making it a top pick for those who want a sturdy kit with a minimal impact on the environment.

For full waterproof protection, the Bergshell collection offers packs and shell jackets made with recycled nylon and tough, abrasion-resistant construction. Hydratic is used for lighter shell jackets and trousers, delivering breathable rain coverage without relying on harmful chemicals. These ranges help users stay dry on wet treks or city commutes, combining modern green technology with function and fit.

The Expedition collection stands as Fjällräven’s answer to serious winter warmth and Scandinavian resilience. The range includes heroes like the Expedition Down Jacket, Expedition Long Down Parka, and versatile items such as the Pack Down Hoodie and Lätt Hoodie for wetter weather. Modern colourways and trim—like the Black Edition—pay tribute to Fjällräven’s heritage while delivering reliable insulation for both wild and urban winter environments. Sustainability, repairability, and enduring style are all intrinsic to this collection, making it a go-to for cold climates and demanding expeditions.

Fjällräven designs winter hats, technical shirts, multi-purpose bags, and gear for every trip. Key accessories are made from recycled wool, organic cotton, and hemp or Tencel®, standing out for responsible sourcing and care for the planet. Each category supports the brand’s broader promise to offer useful solutions that keep trips safe and enjoyable.

Each collection is purpose-built and refined through ongoing user feedback, extensive field testing, and the Swedish tradition of blending practicality with modest looks. Whether you’re heading off-grid or seeking reliable urban wear, Scandinavia’s top outdoor label provides a range of choices for every kind of adventure.

Fjällräven’s approach to textile technology ensures that every material maximises performance for outdoor use, with lasting value and minimal harm to nature. The brand’s diverse range of proprietary fabrics and methods allows each user to pick kit matched to their unique trips, climates, and values, from customisable G-1000 jackets to PFAS-free waterproof shells and recycled-fibre packs.

The Fjällräven Classic is a multi-day trekking event hosted worldwide, taking hikers through breathtaking routes in places like Swedish Lapland, Colorado, Denmark, Germany, Korea, the UK, the USA, and Chile. Participants are invited to trek at their own pace along carefully curated trails, with the brand providing logistical support—routes, campsites, food, and even pop-up shops—so every walker can focus on the adventure and build global connections along the way.Another one-of-a-kind event is Fjällräven Polar, a bucket-list 300 km dog sled adventure through Arctic Scandinavia. Unlike professional races, this is open to ordinary outdoor fans selected from all over the world. Teams travel together, brave the elements, and receive hands-on training, all while sharing stories and documenting their journey for a global audience. The event reinforces Fjällräven’s aim: making extraordinary nature accessible and safe for all.

By powering events like these, Fjällräven builds a sense of community, encourages sustainable travel, and gives outdoor lovers the chance to experience the wild in new, rewarding ways.