Understanding Fjällräven Families: The Stories Behind Sweden's Most Loved Outdoor Collections

Oct 10

4 min read

A Guide to Sweden's Most Iconic Outdoor Collections - Fjällräven Families

If you've ever browsed Fjällräven products and wondered what names like Abisko, Keb, Greenland or Övik actually mean, you're not alone.

Unlike many outdoor brands, Fjällräven doesn't simply create collections around trends or seasons. Each family has its own story, often inspired by the Swedish landscape, outdoor traditions or important moments in the company's history.

Fjällräven families are much more than product collections. From the iconic Kånken backpack to the mountain-ready Keb range and lightweight Abisko series, each family tells a story rooted in Swedish outdoor culture and adventure.

Understanding these families can help you choose the right gear for your adventures, whether you're planning a mountain trek, cycling holiday, everyday commute or wilderness expedition.

Let's explore the stories behind some of Fjällräven's most iconic collections.

Three smiling hikers with backpacks on a rocky trail at sunset, with forested hills in the background.

Kånken – The Backpack That Changed Everything

No Fjällräven story is complete without the Kånken.

Introduced in 1978, the Kånken was designed to help prevent back problems among Swedish schoolchildren. Its simple, practical design quickly became a favourite throughout Sweden before eventually becoming a global icon.

Today, the Kånken remains one of the world's most recognisable backpacks, loved for its durability, functionality and timeless Scandinavian design.

Best for: Everyday use, commuting, travel and students.

Child in striped hat and red Fjällräven backpack crouches on grass playing with a toy car outdoors.

Greenland – Inspired by Adventure

The Greenland family traces its roots back to one of Fjällräven's earliest adventures.

In the 1960s, members of the brand took part in an expedition to Greenland. The experience inspired the development of what would become the iconic Greenland Jacket, helping establish Fjällräven's reputation for reliable outdoor clothing.

Even today, Greenland products retain a classic outdoor aesthetic while offering modern performance.

Best for: Everyday outdoor use, travel and timeless style.

Woman in teal cap and jacket stands on a rock above a snowy harbor town with colorful houses and blue water under clear sky.

Keb – Built for the Mountains

Named after Kebnekaise, Sweden's highest mountain, the Keb family is designed for serious trekking adventures.

Combining durability with freedom of movement, Keb products are among Fjällräven's most technical offerings and have become favourites among long-distance hikers and mountain enthusiasts.

Best for: Trekking, mountain hiking and multi-day adventures.

Two smiling hikers in rain jackets sit by a waterfall; one holds a blue bottle, the other uses a Primus Lite+ camping stove.

Abisko – Lightweight Exploration

Abisko takes its name from the famous national park in Swedish Lapland, home to part of the legendary Kungsleden hiking trail.

The Abisko family focuses on lightweight comfort and versatility, making it ideal for hikers who want to travel further while carrying less weight.

Best for: Hiking, summer trekking and lightweight adventures.

Blue tent on a tiny lakeside island as a person packs gear; calm water reflects the camp and hazy mountains.

Bergtagen – For Alpine Challenges

The name Bergtagen comes from an old Swedish expression associated with being captivated by the mountains.

This collection is designed for mountaineers and those heading into demanding alpine environments where technical performance matters most.

Best for: Mountaineering and alpine climbing.

Skier in bright orange jacket climbs a snowy ridge with poles and skis on a pack, overlooking jagged alpine peaks under blue sky

High Coast – Adventure by Land and Sea

Named after Sweden's spectacular Höga Kusten (High Coast), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this collection celebrates lightweight outdoor living.

High Coast products are versatile, packable and ideal for people who enjoy combining outdoor adventures with everyday life.

Best for: Day hikes, travel and active lifestyles.

Woman in pink Fjällräven sweatshirt stands on a mountain trail holding a yellow duffel and jacket, with forested peaks behind.

Övik – A Tribute to Fjällräven's Origins

Övik is short for Örnsköldsvik, the Swedish town where founder Åke Nordin started Fjällräven in 1960.

This family celebrates the brand's heritage and Scandinavian outdoor lifestyle, blending classic designs with everyday practicality.

Best for: Casual outdoor living and everyday wear.

Vardag – Everyday Simplicity

The Swedish word "vardag" means everyday.

As the name suggests, this collection is designed for daily life, offering practical and durable products that move effortlessly between town and trail.

Best for: Work, commuting and daily adventures.

Woman in a Fjällräven cap and green fleece stands outdoors in warm light, wearing a backpack.

Singi – Traditional Wilderness Living

Named after the Singi mountain region in Swedish Lapland, the Singi family embraces traditional trekking values.

Durable materials, practical features and dependable performance make it popular among those who spend serious time outdoors.

Best for: Wilderness trekking and bushcraft-inspired adventures.

Smiling couple in winter coats sit outside a cabin with a black-and-white dog, sharing drinks in a snowy landscape.

Lappland, Sörmland and Värmland – Inspired by Sweden's Wild Places

These families draw inspiration from different regions of Sweden and are often designed with hunting, countryside pursuits and life in nature in mind.

Each collection reflects Fjällräven's deep connection to the landscapes that have shaped Swedish outdoor culture for generations.

Best for: Hunting, country pursuits and traditional outdoor activities.

Woman in camo jacket and black beanie hikes through a forest with a backpack and radio.

Hoja – A New Chapter for Cyclists

One of Fjällräven's newest families, Hoja is designed specifically for cycling and bikepacking adventures.

Combining outdoor durability with cycling-specific functionality, it reflects the growing popularity of exploring by bike.

Best for: Bikepacking, cycling and multi-modal adventures.

Close-up of a loaded touring bike with tan frame bags and black handlebars, parked on grass outdoors.

Polar – Inspired by Arctic Expeditions

The Polar family takes inspiration from the famous Fjällräven Polar event, where participants cross Arctic landscapes by dog sled.

These products are built to handle extreme cold and challenging winter conditions.

Best for: Cold-weather adventures and winter expeditions.

Musher in a blue parka rides a dog sled across a snowy plain with huskies pulling under a cloudy sky.

Numbers and Samlaren – Sustainability at the Core

Two of Fjällräven's most interesting collections focus on sustainability.

The Numbers series was created around the principle of producing fewer, better products designed to last for many years.

Samlaren, which means "the collector" in Swedish, uses leftover materials from production to create unique items that reduce waste and make use of existing resources.

Together, they reflect Fjällräven's long-standing commitment to responsible design.

Two hikers on a mossy mountain ridge above a narrow waterfall under a cloudy sky.

Which Fjällräven Family Is Right for You?

One of the reasons Fjällräven has earned such a loyal following is that each family has a clear purpose and identity.

Whether you're tackling mountain trails with Keb, travelling light with Abisko, commuting with a Kånken or embracing everyday Scandinavian style with Övik, there's a collection designed to support your adventures.

At Hit The Trail, we're proud to stock a range of Fjällräven products that combine Swedish craftsmanship, practical functionality and a genuine love of the outdoors. Understanding the stories behind these collections not only helps you choose the right gear—it also reveals why Fjällräven has become one of the world's most respected outdoor brands.

If you can't find the products your looking for then please jsut get in touch as we will be only to happy to help you. info@hitthetrail.co.uk