Is Fjallraven Worth It? An Honest Brand Review
When it comes to stylish and functional outdoor gear, Swedish brand Fjallraven is a cult-favorite. From their iconic Kanken backpacks to their durable outerwear, Fjallraven has built a reputation for well-made, long-lasting products designed to help people enjoy nature.
As an avid hiker and Fjallraven fan myself, I wanted to take a deep dive into the brand to assess the quality, performance, and value of their popular offerings. Is Fjallraven really worth the hype and higher price point compared to other outdoor brands? Keep reading for my honest, comprehensive Fjallraven brand review.
About Fjallraven
To start, let‘s look at Fjallraven‘s background. The company was founded in 1960 by Swedish outdoorsman Åke Nordin. On a hiking trip as a teen, Nordin found his backpack uncomfortable and unstable. He set out to design a more functional pack and created a wooden-framed bag that evenly distributed weight. This innovation launched Fjallraven.
Over the decades, Fjallraven expanded their product line but stayed true to their mission of making the outdoors more accessible through durable, timeless, and practical gear. Environmental sustainability is also core to their ethos. Fjallraven uses recycled and organic materials and has led conservation initiatives like the Arctic Fox project to protect endangered species.
Today, Fjallraven is known for their simple yet stylish aesthetic that transitions seamlessly from trails to city streets. You‘ve likely seen their ubiquitous Kanken backpacks, but they also offer technical outerwear, apparel, tents, sleeping bags, and accessories for outdoor adventures.
Fjallraven Product Reviews
Now let‘s get into the product reviews, starting with Fjallraven‘s most iconic item:
Kanken Backpack Review
The Kanken is Fjallraven‘s signature backpack originally designed in 1978 to help Swedish school children carry books comfortably and safely. It‘s since become a global phenomenon for its minimalist boxy shape and pop of color.
I personally own three Kankens and rotate them constantly. Here‘s why I love them:
Quality construction – Kankens are made from Fjallraven‘s durable Vinylon F fabric that is water-resistant and wipes clean easily. I‘ve put my Kankens through years of daily abuse and travel and they still look great. No rips, broken zippers, or fading.
Comfortable to carry – For a basic backpack, the Kanken is surprisingly comfortable even when weighed down. The ergonomic straps stay put on my shoulders and distribute the load evenly.
Lightweight and packable – Weighing just 10-11 oz (depending on size), Kankens are super lightweight for a backpack. The slim design also means they pack flat in a suitcase, making them great for travel.
Versatile – With a simple square shape, Kankens adapt to any setting from school to hiking to commuting. I use mine as a work bag, gym bag, travel carry-on, and day pack.
Lots of sizes and colors – Fjallraven makes Kankens in 7 sizes, from a 6L Mini to a 20L laptop size, so you can find the perfect fit. There‘s also a rainbow of colors to choose from, including lovely natural tones and vibrant hues.
One downside of Kankens is the lack of organization and padding. The main compartment is a simple bucket space. Adding accessories like a seat pad and organizer helps, but these cost extra. The material is also not fully waterproof so sensitive items could get damp in a downpour.
Overall though, Kankens live up to the hype. The Classic 16L is the perfect everyday bag that looks good with any outfit. At $80, it‘s pricier than a basic book bag but reasonable for the quality. For a serious upgrade in durability and ergonomics, the Re-Kanken version uses G-1000 fabric made from recycled plastic bottles.
Fjallraven Outerwear Reviews
Fjallraven is also highly respected for their outerwear that combines style and technical performance. Most of their apparel uses the waterproof and breathable G-1000 fabric that can be waxed for extra protection. Here are two of their most popular jackets:
Fjallraven Greenland Jacket – The Greenland is Fjallraven‘s take on a classic utility jacket that‘s perfect for spring hiking and camping. Made from G-1000 fabric, it‘s durable and weather-resistant while remaining breathable. The cut is boxy and hits at the hip for good range of motion. It has a well-designed hood and four front pockets for essentials. The Greenland also comes in both men‘s and women‘s fits in attractive colors like Dusk and Dahlia. At $250 retail it‘s an investment, but has the quality to last for years.
Fjallraven Vidda Pro Jacket – For more extreme weather and expeditions, the Vidda Pro is Fjallraven‘s toughest, most technical shell jacket. The Vidda Pro uses reinforced G-1000 fabric that is windproof, waterproof, and breathable. The cut is longer for extra coverage and has articulated sleeves for mobility. With a helmet-compatible hood and multiple pockets, this jacket is ready for anything from mountaineering to backcountry skiing. Priced at $350, it‘s expensive but built for performance.
Other Top Fjallraven Products
Beyond packs and jackets, some other standout Fjallraven gear includes:
Vidda Pro Trousers – Trekking pants made from the same rugged G-1000 fabric as Fjallraven‘s jackets. Reinforced knees and rear, zip pockets, and ventilating openings make these ready for any terrain.
High Coast Lite Shorts – Lightweight hiking shorts perfect for warm weather with quick-dry fabric and a flattering high-waisted fit for women. Ideal for water sports too.
Singi Down Jacket – Fjallraven‘s warmest puffy coat with 800 fill-power down insulation. Great layering piece for winter sports, camping, and everyday.
Abisko 55 Backpack – A highly functional trekking pack with smart features like a detachable lid, u-shaped zipper, and wet-dry compartments. Carries heavy loads comfortably.
Quality and Customer Reviews
Now that we‘ve looked at specific products, what‘s the consensus on Fjallraven‘s overall quality and customer experience?
On Fjallraven‘s website, their products consistently get 5-star reviews from verified buyers. The Kanken has over 500 glowing reviews praising its design and durability. Comments like "I‘m obsessed with this backpack" and "Perfect size and so comfortable to wear" are common.
Fjallraven‘s jackets also receive top marks for being warm, weatherproof, and holding up through years of hard wear. One reviewer said of the Vidda Pro, "Bombproof jacket. I‘ve dragged it through slot canyons, skied in it, bushwhacked through scrub oak and it doesn‘t have a scratch."
This brand loyalty shows in Fjallraven‘s strong social media following, with over 700k Instagram followers and Facebook likes. Their nature photography and outdoor lifestyle content resonates with fans.
Of course, no brand is perfect. The main complaints about Fjallraven center on the price and lack of sales. Some reviews mention inconsistent sizing. There are also rare reports of defects like broken hardware. However, Fjallraven seems to resolve issues quickly with their lifetime warranty.
Overall the vast majority of customers rave about Fjallraven‘s exceptional quality, craftsmanship, and customer service that justifies the premium cost. The brand has a stellar reputation that has earned a devoted following.
Fjallraven‘s Sustainability and Ethics
Beyond making long-lasting products, Fjallraven operates as an environmentally and socially responsible company.
With their products, Fjallraven emphasizes the use of sustainable materials like:
- G-1000 Eco fabric made from recycled polyester and organic cotton
- Traceable down insulation that is ethically sourced
- PFC-free waterproof finishes
- Recycled nylon and wool
- Tencel lyocell from renewable wood sources
Fjallraven also follows ethical manufacturing practices and is transparent about their supplier code of conduct that prohibits child labor and ensures fair working conditions.
From a corporate responsibility standpoint, Fjallraven donates 1% of proceeds to environmental causes through NGO partnerships. For example, they work with the Svenska Rovdjursföreningen to track and protect the arctic fox population in Scandinavia. These philanthropic efforts show Fjallraven puts their values into action.
How Fjallraven Compares to Other Outdoor Brands
Within the outdoor gear industry, Fjallraven is considered a premium, aspirational brand on par with the likes of Patagonia and Arc‘teryx.
Fjallraven sets itself apart with its Scandinavian heritage and minimalist urban-meets-outdoors aesthetic. However, their prices are comparable to high-end competitors. A Fjallraven down jacket may cost the same as a Patagonia puffer.
Where Fjallraven really excels is everyday casual outdoor wear like backpacks and light jackets. Fjallraven apparel transitions more seamlessly to city life than a hardcore mountaineering brand. And the Kanken backpack is unrivaled as a functional fashion statement.
For more specialized technical gear, brands like Mammut or Outdoor Research may offer superior performance. And budget-conscious shoppers can find quality alternatives from REI or The North Face.
But for a trusted jack-of-all-trades outdoor brand, Fjallraven hits the sweet spot between trend and tradition, form and function.
Fjallraven Buying Guide
So who should buy Fjallraven? The brand is ideal for:
- Students looking for a stylish, durable backpack
- Casual hikers and campers who want gear that looks good on the trail and in town
- Travelers seeking versatile, well-made outerwear and bags
- Environmentally-conscious consumers who support sustainable brands
- Fans of Scandinavian design and fashion
- People who believe in investing in high-quality, long-lasting pieces
If that sounds like you, here are some tips for shopping at Fjallraven:
Visit the flagship store – For the full Fjallraven experience, head to their brick-and-mortar stores in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, and Minneapolis, plus locations throughout Canada and Europe. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find the right fit and features.
Wait for sales – Fjallraven rarely goes on sale, but retailers like Backcountry and Moosejaw occasionally offer discounts of 20-30% off. Shop in the off-season for the best deals.
Check size charts – Fjallraven sizing is a bit different than American brands, so check the size charts and customer reviews for fit tips. Err on the side of sizing up for outerwear.
Read care instructions – To get the most life out of your Fjallraven gear, follow the cleaning and care guidelines. Many items are meant to be waxed with Greenland Wax for optimal water resistance.
Take advantage of the warranty – Fjallraven products come with a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Contact customer service if you experience any issues.
Join Fjallraven Classic – To really immerse yourself in the Fjallraven lifestyle, sign up for Fjallraven Classic, an annual multi-day trekking event hosted around the world. It‘s a great way to test out Fjallraven gear and meet fellow enthusiasts.
The Verdict: Is Fjallraven Worth It?
After thoroughly reviewing Fjallraven‘s products, customer feedback, business practices, and brand values, my assessment is that yes, Fjallraven is absolutely worth the price for the right customer.
If you‘re an avid outdoors person looking to invest in a few high-quality, long-lasting pieces, Fjallraven delivers on craftsmanship and performance. You truly get what you pay for. And if Fjallraven‘s minimalist Scandinavian look resonates with your style, you‘ll reach for their gear repeatedly.
Fjallraven gear transitions so well from trail to town that cost-per-wear ends up being quite reasonable, even for pricier items like jackets and bags. The versatility and durability mean you can buy less, but better.
Fjallraven‘s commitment to sustainability and supporting environmental causes is another big selling point. In a world of fast fashion, it‘s refreshing to find a brand making timeless gear meant to last for years, not seasons.
All that said, Fjallraven may not be the right fit for everyone‘s budget or needs. You can certainly find cheaper outdoor gear that gets the job done. And people who only hit the trails occasionally may not get their money‘s worth from premium Fjallraven equipment.
But for a combination of quality, style, and longevity, I highly recommend Fjallraven. Whenever I pull on my Kanken, I smile knowing I‘m supporting a brand that helps more people enjoy and protect nature. That feeling alone makes Fjallraven worth it to me.
