Our history

Our on-going journey of self-improvement

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1960

It all started with an aluminium-framed backpack

From his small basement in Örnsköldsvik, on the Swedish 'High Coast', a young Åke Nordin realises a childhood dream: to create an outdoor gear company to make nature accessible to more people. And his first product, an aluminium-framed backpack, did just that. Being lighter yet stronger than anything of the time, it made getting outdoors easier and more enjoyable.

Read the full story

1964

From backpacks to condensation-
free tents

After the success of his backpack, Åke Nordin releases the Thermo Tent – the first of many Fjällräven tents – trekkers everywhere now wake up dry and happy. Its two-layer construction means damp sleeping bags are a thing of the past.

View our tent collection

1968

Greenland: The Greenland Jacket, G-1000 and Greenland Wax are introduced to the world

Inspired by a Scandinavian expedition to Greenland, Åke Nordin develops his first item of Fjällräven clothing. Made from his new G-1000 material and waxed with specially-created Greenland Wax, the Greenland Jacket is hardwearing and wind- and water-resistant. It quickly becomes a trusted favourite with nature lovers.

Meet the Greenland updated collection

1970

The journey towards becoming the outdoor trousers expert begins

Trekking in nature requires a decent pair of trousers to stand up to the rigours of the trail. Enter, (you guessed it) Greenland Trousers, the first of many pairs of Fjällräven trousers.

Explore our range of trousers

1974

The Expedition Down Jacket: Åke Nordin commits to “never being cold again”

Åke loved being out in nature in all seasons, but after shivering through a stormy, winter’s night, Åke Nordin, promised himself to never be cold again. The result is the Expedition Down Jacket, made from two jackets sewn together to minimise heat loss. It soon becomes one of our most iconic jackets and goes on to be protected as art by Svensk Form.

View Expedition Down Jacket

1978

The world’s favourite backpack is born

With back problems becoming more common among Swedish school children, Åke Nordin develops Kånken. Its rectangular shape perfectly fits two A4 binders and its two straps mean hands are free to play and go on adventure. It wasn’t long before adults (and the rest of the world) wanted a Kånken too.

Find your Kånken

1994

Our namesake – the Arctic Fox – needs our help

Åke Nordin named his company after the Arctic Fox – Fjällräven in Swedish – because of their resilience and ingenuity. So when their numbers started to decline he chose to support a conservation and monitoring programme run by Stockholm University. Today Scandinavian Arctic Fox numbers are growing, but climate change is providing new challenges.

Learn about the collaboration

1997

Our first winter dog-sled adventure, open to all

We believe that everyone, regardless of experience, can enjoy the winter wilderness as long as they have the right gear, mind set and knowledge. So we launch Fjällräven Polar, a 300km-long dog-sled adventure through the Arctic Tundra supported by our own survival experts. And anyone can apply.

Join us on a life-changing adventure

2005

Fjällräven Classic takes place for the first time

Everyone should be able to experience the wonders of trekking in nature, thinks Åke Nordin. So we launch the first (of many) Fjällräven Classics. The first takes place in Sweden, along a 110km-long stretch of the King’s Trail. As the popularity of Fjällräven Classic Sweden grew, we added Classic trekking events in Denmark, the USA and Hong Kong. From 2020 we have added four more events in China, Germany, UK and South Korea.

Join us on the trek of a lifetime

2008

An understated trekking backpack full of technical details

Echoing the simple aesthetics of Kånken and combing them with smart features, durable materials and a customisable support system, Kajka proves to be a defining – and award-winning – backpack for us. And one trekkers quickly come to rely on.

View Kajka in detail

2011

Goodbye PFC impregnation

PFCs are chemicals that have spread around the globe. With research pointing to harmful side effects, together with our partners we develop a new shell material made partly from recycled polyester that’s waterproofed with PFC-free impregnation. And before it’s even available in stores, our first jacket made with this material wins numerous environmental awards. In 2015 we removed PFC impregnation across our range.

Find out more about Eco-Shell

2014

With our Down Promise, we know exactly where our down comes from

With the launch of our Down Promise we ensure 100% traceability in our down supply chain and that the greatest possible care is given to the birds involved. It quickly becomes the best down policy in the outdoor industry.

Learn about our Down Promise

2017

Bergtagen takes us back to the mountains

We return to the mountains, the landscape that inspired Åke Nordin to start developing outdoor gear in the first place, to create a mountaineering collection. Bergtagen, named after an old Swedish saying, is developed in collaboration with the Swedish Mountain Guide Association and provides a technical system for above-the-tree-line use.

View the entire Bergtagen collection

2018

Greenland Updated: Where innovation meets tradition

40 years of memories and moments from the outdoors are worth celebrating. And we do it by updating our classic Greenland collection with modern techniques and fits, while maintaining the same timeless look. It’s perfect for all kinds of micro-adventures in nature.

Meet the Greenland updated collection

2019

Our new extra durable fabric

Bergshell is a waterproof and extremely durable Fjällräven material made from post-production nylon using a newly developed flat ripstop technique. The material is available in the Bergtagen, Keb and Ulvö backpacks to enjoy nature in all conditions. For a very long time.