Fjällräven vs. Canada Goose: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Fjallraven is a Swedish outdoor brand focused on sustainable, functional gear at a premium but accessible price, while Canada Goose is a Canadian luxury brand known for its extreme cold-weather parkas that command a much higher price and serve as a fashion status symbol. Fjallraven prioritizes durable, eco-friendly materials and versatile designs for hiking and general outdoor use, whereas Canada Goose prioritizes maximum warmth and a distinct urban aesthetic using high-end down and fur.

Let's compare these two outerwear giants to help you decide which brand best fits your needs, budget, and values.

Fjallraven: Sustainable Functionality and Scandinavian Design

Fjallraven is a Swedish outdoor brand that has earned a loyal following for its commitment to creating durable, functional, and environmentally friendly products. Known for its iconic Kanken backpacks and rugged G-1000 fabric clothing, the brand appeals to hikers, travelers, and anyone who values timeless design and sustainable manufacturing practices.

• Product mix: A wide range of outdoor apparel including jackets, trousers, and sweaters, alongside technical gear and their world-famous Kanken backpacks. Their clothing is designed for everything from trekking in the wilderness to daily urban commutes.
• Price point: A mid-range to premium price point that reflects its quality and sustainable sourcing. Jackets typically range from $150 to $400, while backpacks cost between $80 and $250.
• Quality & Materials: The brand is famous for its proprietary G-1000 fabric, a durable, weather-resistant blend of polyester and cotton that can be waxed for enhanced waterproofing. Fjallraven also heavily emphasizes the use of recycled polyester, organic cotton, and PFC-free water-repellent treatments.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments generally fit true to size with a focus on practical, comfortable fits that allow for layering. Their designs are functional and less trend-driven, prioritizing movement and utility.
• Sustainability: This is a core part of its identity. Fjallraven leads with its use of eco-friendly materials, transparency in its supply chain, and initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact.

For outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize eco-consciousness and need versatile, long-lasting gear without a luxury price tag, Fjallraven offers a compelling combination of performance and principle.

Shop Fjallraven: fjallraven.com

Canada Goose: The Leader in Luxury Winter Outerwear

Canada Goose is a Canadian brand that has become synonymous with extreme winter warmth and luxury status. Their high-performance parkas are designed to withstand the harshest cold conditions on Earth, making them a favorite in freezing urban environments and a fixture on film sets. The brand is built on uncompromising warmth, exceptional craftsmanship, and its iconic branding.

• Product mix: Primarily focused on premium winter outerwear, including heavyweight parkas, lightweight down jackets, and bombers. They also offer a selection of knitwear, accessories, and spring-weight jackets.
• Price point: Positioned firmly in the luxury market. Jackets typically start around $900 and can easily exceed $1,500 for their most popular parka models.
• Quality & Materials: The company uses high-quality, ethically sourced down and premium fabrics designed for maximum insulation and water resistance. Meticulous construction ensures their jackets are incredibly durable and warm.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is consistent and true to size, but the fit is often tailored to trap body heat effectively. The sleek, structured silhouette is a key part of its style appeal.
• Ethics: The brand has increased transparency around its supply chain, promoting its use of ethically sourced down and fur while working to reduce its environmental footprint.

Renowned for its unparalleled warmth and as a symbol of winter luxury, Canada Goose jackets are an investment piece for those who demand the best in cold-weather performance and style.

Shop Canada Goose: canadagoose.com

Fjallraven vs. Canada Goose Comparison

Price Comparison

The price difference between the two brands is significant. Fjallraven jackets, which are highly capable for most winter conditions, are priced between $150 and $400. This makes the brand a premium but far more accessible choice for quality outdoor wear.

Canada Goose operates in a different bracket. With parkas starting around $900 and quickly surpassing $1,500, the cost reflects its status as a luxury good. The price is backed by extreme-weather insulation, high-end materials, and the powerful brand recognition that comes with its iconic patch.

Quality & Materials

Fjallraven's approach to materials is centered on sustainability and functional durability. Their signature G-1000 fabric is tough, breathable, and adaptable, while their increasing use of recycled and organic materials showcases their environmental commitment. The quality is a focus for longevity and practical use in the outdoors.

Canada Goose focuses on performance-driven luxury materials. Their arctic-grade parkas feature responsibly sourced, high-fill-power down, providing some of the best insulation available. The focus is purely on delivering uncompromising warmth and a premium feel, making it suitable for polar expeditions and frigid city streets.

Style & Aesthetic

Fjallraven embodies a minimalist, practical Scandinavian design ethos. Their pieces often feature clean lines, earthy tones, and a functional, timeless look that feels at home on a trail or a city sidewalk. The aesthetic is understated and more aligned with an outdoor-centric lifestyle.

Canada Goose has a bold, urban, and instantly recognizable style. Their parkas are designed not just for performance but also as a fashion statement. The prominent branding, fur-trimmed hoods on classic models, and tailored silhouettes appeal to a fashion-conscious consumer looking for high-end winter wear.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally run true to size, but their fit philosophies differ. Fjallraven leans toward a slightly more relaxed fit, offering comfort and room for layering clothing underneath for activities like hiking or camping.

Canada Goose jackets have a more tailored, efficient fit designed to maximize heat retention. While not restrictive, the silhouette is cleaner and more aligned with fashion outerwear, though some may prefer to size up if they plan on wearing bulky layers.

Sustainability & Ethics

Fjallraven is a clear leader in this category. From their promotion of forever-repairable clothing to their use of recycled materials and PFC-free finishes, sustainability is integral to their brand identity. They are one of the most trusted names for environmentally conscious consumers.

Canada Goose has made notable improvements in its practices, launching more sustainable products and moving toward recycled and organic materials. They also adhere to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). However, their historical use of fur has been a point of contention for some, even as they work towards more responsible options and fur-free designs.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands deliver exceptional quality, but they cater to very different priorities and budgets.

Choose Fjallraven if:

• You prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly manufacturing.
• Your budget is in the $150–$400 range for a high-quality jacket.
• You need versatile outerwear for a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and general travel.
• You prefer an understated, minimalist Scandinavian style over conspicuous branding.

Choose Canada Goose if:

• Your top priority is unmatched warmth for extremely cold winter weather.
• You see your winter coat as a luxury fashion investment and a status symbol.
• Your budget comfortably accommodates a starting price of $900+.
• You prefer a bold, urban aesthetic that stands out in a crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brand is warmer, Fjallraven or Canada Goose?

Canada Goose is significantly warmer. Their parkas are specifically designed for arctic and extreme cold-weather conditions, using high-fill-power down that provides superior insulation compared to most of Fjallraven's offerings.

Why is Canada Goose so expensive?

The high price of a Canada Goose jacket is due to a combination of premium materials (like responsibly sourced down), meticulous Canadian craftsmanship, extreme-weather performance ratings, and its powerful positioning as a luxury brand and status symbol.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Fjallraven is the more sustainable brand. Their entire philosophy is built around environmental responsibility, from their material choices (recycled/organic materials, PFC-free finishes) to their design ethos of creating durable, repairable products that last a lifetime.

Are Fjallraven jackets good for winter?

Yes, Fjallraven makes excellent winter jackets suitable for most cold, snowy conditions. Models like their Nuuk Parka are very warm. However, they are generally not rated for the same extreme negative temperatures as Canada Goose's expedition-level parkas.

Do Fjallraven jackets run big or small?

Fjallraven jackets typically run true to size, often with a slightly relaxed fit to allow for comfortable layering without feeling bulky. It's always best to check the specific sizing guide for the model you are interested in.

Does Canada Goose use real fur?

Historically, many iconic Canada Goose parkas featured coyote fur. The company has since ended the purchase of new fur and introduced a growing collection of fur-free styles, reflecting a shift in their material strategy.

Where are the jackets made?

Canada Goose prides itself on being "Made in Canada," and all of its core outerwear is manufactured in Canada. Fjallraven products are designed in Sweden and manufactured in a network of factories in countries such as Portugal, South Korea, China, and Vietnam, with a focus on ethical production and quality control.