It all started very small at Fjällräven. As a 14-year-old boy scout, Åke Nordin would never have expected the things he made to become an important outdoor brand.

From self-made backpacks to outdoor outfitter

In 1950, Nordin planned a long hike, but his backpack was unsuitable for heavier loads. So, he created his own backpack in his parents' shed by attaching a cotton bag to a wooden frame. This provided excellent weight distribution and made it easy to carry heavy loads. Word got around. Reindeer herders heard about it and also had some of these backpacks made.

After his military service, Nordin founded Fjällräven, which translates as Arctic Fox, in 1960. The company's registered office was the family's one-room apartment in Örnsköldsvik. From this, the current product range gradually developed. Condensation-free tents, outdoor jackets, and sleeping bags followed the backpacks. Some products from the company's first decade are still in the range and have become classics, such as the Greenland Jacket (in the range since the 1960s ) or the Kånken school backpack (produced since the 1970s).

Fjällräven - Robust and durable outdoor products

From the beginning, Fjällräven has focused on durable products suitable for outdoor use. “We develop,” explains press officer Philipp Kloeters, “outdoor equipment that draws its inspiration from nature and uses the wilderness as a test bed. If you're spending a lot of time outdoors, you need to be able to rely on your equipment. Of course, robustness and durability are very important criteria. At Fjällräven, we also focus on robust and durable products because we are impressed by the fact that these are better for the environment than short-lived trend items that only last for one season.” After all, the longer a jacket or tent is used, the better its environmental performance.

“... a special responsibility towards people, animals, and the environment...”

But Fjällräven also ensures that environmentally friendly processes are used in production. As an outdoor company, says Kloeters, the company has “a special responsibility towards people, animals and the environment. Just as true outdoor enthusiasts leave their campsite so that others can enjoy the beauty of untouched nature after them, we as a company strive to minimize the negative environmental impact of our actions. After all, future generations should also have the opportunity to go out into nature and enjoy it.

Fjällräven's products now increasingly use recycled or organic materials. From 2015, only products without water-repellency treatment containing perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) will be manufactured, such as the new hardshell collection.