Nestled among rolling hills, dense forests, and a serene coastline, the picturesque town of Örnsköldsvik served as the ideal playground for a young and inquisitive Åke Nordin, the visionary founder of Fjällräven. It was during one of his many adventures in this enchanting landscape that the seed for Fjällräven was sown deep in Åke's mind.
Åke's vision kept growing and he wanted to create outdoor gear that could withstand the harshest of Scandinavian conditions. During this time, it was thought that cotton was the ideal material for outdoor clothing. But, Åke had different ideas and believed that there had to be a better way to stay warm and dry in the wilderness.
In the late 1970s, Fjällräven took another significant step forward with the creation of the Kånken backpack. This iconic piece of outdoor gear was designed to address the growing problem of back pain in Swedish schoolchildren.
Åke Nordin, ever the problem solver, created a backpack with a simple yet ingenious solution: wide, adjustable shoulder straps and a supportive foam panel.
The Kånken was born. The word “Kånken” is a play on the word “kånka”, which means to carry with you in Swedish!
The 80s and 90s were more about geographical expansion. Trekking through nature, while carrying everything you need on your back, and enjoying every step, shouldn't just be for Swedes. Fjallraven expanded throughout Scandinavia and then into greater Europe.
The Fjällräven Classic was started by Åke Nordin to make multi-day trekking more accessible to people. Fjällräven Classic is in its 20th year with 7 destinations of which Chile is the newest destination. The other destinations being Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the UK, South Korea, and the USA.
It stands as a celebration of outdoor adventure and a testament to Fjällräven's enduring commitment to fostering a love for the outdoors.
Fast-forward to the 21st century, and Fjällräven not only upholds its reputation for high-quality gear but also champions a strong commitment to sustainability. In an era where outdoor brands face scrutiny for their environmental impact, Fjällräven stands out as a leader in responsible business practices.