Think the small town of Örnsköldsvik, Sweden is known only for grooming NHL hockey stars? In 1960, Örnsköldsvik resident Åke Nordin founded outdoor adventure goods company Fjällräven in the family basement.
Nordin built his first framed backpack in his basement with his mother’s sewing machine. Using strong cotton fabric for the pack, he attached the wooden frame using leather straps and used calfskin for the support straps. Not only was the pack more comfortable and distributed weight evenly, it also increased ventilation between his back and the pack.
Soon after, during a trip up North, his invention caught the attention of the indigenous Sami people who spent weeks at a time high up in the mountains. They asked Nordin to build them a backpack and after that a tent. Fjällräven had found its beginning.
Since then, Fjällräven has made a commitment to high quality, well-designed products, while staying true to its mission of developing timeless, functional, and durable outdoor equipment.
The Swedish-based company currently has a presence in over 30 countries worldwide.
Fjällräven’s pop-up shop just launched at 434 Columbia Street in Vancouver’s Chinatown, focusing on a curated selection of long-time favourites. Stock up on the brand’s iconic Kånken backpack, their signature Greenland Jacket, and select unisex accessories.
One thing I noticed at the launch party last night: there’s a Kånken colour to suit any wardrobe!
Store hours are Monday to Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm, and Sundays, noon to 5 pm. Fjällräven will remain open through December 31 at @thisopenspace, a popular rotating Vancouver storefront that’s hosted over 70 pop up concepts to date.
Fjällräven’s flagship store is located at 147 West Broadway on Vancouver’s Westside.