Fjällräven

The story behind Fjällräven began in 1950 when Åke Nordin, a 14-year-old boy from Örnsköldsvik in Northern Sweden, was about to go for a trek in the mountains. Åke, who spent more time outdoors than indoors, did not like the backpacks that were available at that time. They always ended up like small, uncomfortable, pear-shaped bags down around his rear. He decided to take matters into his own hands and built a wooden frame.

The frame improved the distribution of weight across the back. It was not only more comfortable to carry, but he could also carry more weight. This innovation gradually helped the outdoors become more accessible to a wider range of people. The need was incredible. This backpack frame, the support principles of which still apply today, was the start of Åke's company, Fjällräven, in 1960. The name Fjällräven means Arctic Fox in Swedish and the name is honoring the small predator which lives in the Swedish mountains in the harshest of climates.

Today, Fjällräven continue to make high-quality, durable outdoors goods intended to last through trends and time. Plus, they're perveyors to the Swedish Crown, which is fancy.