Fjällräven: from Trail to Town

Fjällräven is a Swedish company that makes durable outdoor gear in classic styles with the highest sustainability standards. No Fjällräven review would be complete without a mention of their in-house G-1000 fabric (65% Polyester, 35% Cotton), which is very strong and abrasion-resistant due to the very dense cotton/poly weave. G-1000 is then treated with Greenland wax, a paraffin/beeswax combination that increases waterproofing and durability. Greenland wax makes G-1000 one of the most adaptable outdoor fabrics in the world, as the user can impregnate jackets or pants with wax for maximum weatherproofing, or leave it as is for a lighter, more breathable feeling.

Active Junky put some of Fjällräven’s casual and technical options for fall to the test. We were impressed by the quality and versatility, both in the mountains and in the city.

Räven 28L

Räven 28L $70.40 - $78.40 The perfect backpack for school or work. Made from the company’s G-1000 Eco fabric, which is Tougher than most pack fabrics. Our tester loved the completely separate laptop pocket—many packs have them integrated with the main pocket, resulting in unwanted computer crowding, but the Fjällräven Räven keeps laptops secure while allowing ample space for books, gear, and lunch. Roomy outer water bottle pockets accommodate smaller bottles like the Mizu M8, and front accessory pockets keep the small stuff organized. Overall, it’s a well-designed pack with a simple look, made from quality materials—a pack that should weather years of abuse.

Räven Jacket

Räven Jacket Starting at: $229.16 For those looking for an everyday spring and fall outer layer, look no further than Fjällräven’s Räven jacket. Originally released in the 1970s and brought back in 2014, the classic button-down look and large pockets make for a versatile lifestyle piece. Active Junky found it ideal for colder evenings in town or on mellow walks, and was impressed by the wind protection. Like all of Fjällräven’s G-1000 line, a touch-up with Greenland wax adds more weatherproofing if needed, but our reviewer loved the breathability of the unwaxed jacket. The small hood is stowable via a zipper in the neck, and there are multiple cinches at the waist and bottom for fit customization. It’s not the most technical piece, but combines great style with durable, dependable construction.

Greenland Shirt

Greenland Shirt $105.01 - $107.80 Fjällräven’s Greenland Shirt is a tough trekking model made from unwaxed G-1000. Though a little too thick for the hottest weather, the softer G-1000 is very breathable for how durable the shirt is. Two front pockets and hardy metal button closure round out the features. The Greenland Shirt has been around for over 40 years, and its function lies in its simplicity. Active Junky loved it on a cool fly-fishing evenings in the Wasatch mountains—G-1000 is mosquito safe, and the fabric weathered some small rain showers comfortably. 

Abisko Vent Shirt

Abisko Vent Shirt Starting at: $114.56 Fjällräven is well-known for its G-1000 fabric, but the lightweight trekking Abisko Vent Shirt is among our new favorites for summer. It utilizes a wicking lyocell fabric and strategically placed vents at the underarms and shoulder blades, but with the timeless button-down look that makes it at home on the trail or at the bar. We used it for hotter day hikes or under waders for sunny days on the river, where it kept us cool, dried quickly, and provided ample protection from the sun (UPF 30). Simple, functional, with timeless style. 

Abisko Shorts

[v_product_widget id=~3452~ class=~right wrap~]These lightweight shorts utilize a stretch fabric and strategically placed G-1000 for durability. Zippered front pockets and two side cargo pockets are secure when biking, and our reviewer loved it for bike commuting across town. There are no rear pockets, which made for a much more comfortable ride. G-1000 in the rear grants serious durability, while the front stretch sections allow for maximum mobility. We also loved them for steeper hikes where mobility is especially important.

Barents Pro Trousers

Barents Pro Trousers Starting at: $124.11 Fjällräven’s trousers are popular for a reason, and the Barents Pro is no exception. Made of burly, waxed G-1000, they’re the hardest-wearing pants we’ve ever tested. Multiple side cargo pockets and an axe sleeve make for plenty of storage. They’re made extra long, allowing for hem-to-fit customization. We loved the pre-shaped knees—many outdoor pants that are made from tough fabrics limit mobility, but Fjällräven seems to have perfected the art. The Barents Pro shined while wet wading in small streams, as the fabric shed water and never got heavy or waterlogged.

Overall, Fjällräven’s summer and fall offerings definitely impressed Active Junky. The balance of function and style can be a difficult one, but by sticking to its roots in material and design, Fjällräven delivers.