Fjällräven vs. North Face: Brand comparison [2026 updated]

Fjallraven is a Swedish outdoor brand known for its durable, sustainably-made gear and minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic, famously represented by its G-1000 fabric. In contrast, The North Face is an American giant that focuses on high-performance technical apparel and equipment, utilizing cutting-edge materials and a sporty, modern design.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right outdoor brand for your adventures.

Fjallraven: Sustainable Scandinavian Durability

Founded in Sweden in 1960, Fjallraven has built a global following based on functionality, durability, and a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. The brand appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and urban dwellers who value timeless design, long-lasting products, and a transparent approach to sustainability. Their iconic Kånken backpack is a perfect example of their simple, practical, and enduring design philosophy.

• Product mix: Known for their durable backpacks like the Kånken, their product line also includes technical hiking and trekking trousers, jackets, tents, and various outdoor accessories.
• Price point: Mid-range to premium. The classic Kånken backpack starts around $80, trousers are typically $150-$250, and technical jackets can range from $200 to over $400.
• Quality & Materials: Famous for their proprietary G-1000 material - a dense weave of recycled polyester and organic cotton. This fabric can be treated with Greenland Wax for enhanced water resistance and incredible longevity.
• Style: Characterized by a minimalist, functional aesthetic with earthy, natural color palettes. The designs seamlessly transition from trail to city streets.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments generally run true to size with a focus on a comfortable, practical fit that allows for movement.

Fjallraven is ideal for those who invest in gear for the long haul, prioritize sustainability, and appreciate a timeless, understated style.

Shop Fjallraven: fjallraven.com

The North Face: Innovation and High-Performance Adventure Gear

The North Face, an American brand founded in 1966, has become one of the most recognizable names in outdoor gear and fashion. It is synonymous with high-performance adventure, technical innovation, and exploration. The brand serves serious mountaineers and everyday consumers alike with a vast product range that balances cutting-edge technology with modern, urban style.

• Product mix: A comprehensive offering that includes insulated jackets (like the iconic Nuptse), high-performance shells, hiking backpacks, tents, fleeces, footwear, and everyday apparel.
• Price point: A broad spectrum covering entry-level to high-end expedition grade. You can find a fleece for under $100, while a technical insulated jacket might cost $300-$500+.
• Quality & Materials: Employs advanced, high-tech materials and proprietary technologies like DryVent for waterproofing and Futurelight for breathability. Many products also feature industry-leading fabrics from partners like GORE-TEX.
• Technology & Innovation: A key brand focus is developing and implementing new fabric technologies to enhance performance in extreme conditions, focusing on waterproofing, insulation, and moisture-wicking.
• Style: The aesthetic is modern, sporty, and often features bold branding and bright colors alongside classic black. Their gear is a common sight in both mountain towns and major cities.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is consistent and typically true to standard sizing. Technical or "Summit Series" pieces may have a more athletic, streamlined fit.

The North Face is the go-to for shoppers wanting high-tech gear with proven performance, a wide selection of styles, and a brand name recognized worldwide for adventure.

Shop The North Face: thenorthface.com

Fjallraven vs. The North Face Comparison

Price Comparison

The North Face offers a wider range of price points. It's possible to get entry-level fleeces and jackets for around $100-$150, but their high-end Summit Series gear for serious mountaineering can easily exceed $500. They also run frequent seasonal sales, making their products more accessible at a discount.

Fjallraven occupies a more consistent mid-to-premium price bracket. Their focus is on the long-term value of durable, repairable items, so there isn't really a "budget" tier. While you pay more upfront, the idea is that the product will last for decades, representing a better investment over time.

Quality & Materials

Both brands produce high-quality gear, but their philosophies differ. Fjallraven banks on rugged simplicity. Their G-1000 fabric is exceptionally tough, abrasion-resistant, and can be customized with wax for water resistance. It's a low-tech, high-durability solution that is easy to repair.

The North Face focuses on high-tech solutions. They use laminates, membranes, and synthetic insulations to achieve maximum waterproofing, breathability, and warmth-to-weight ratios. Materials like GORE-TEX and their own Futurelight are designed for peak performance in the most challenging weather conditions, though these complex materials can be harder to repair at home.

Style & Aesthetic

Fjallraven's style is quintessentially Scandinavian: minimalist, understated, and functional. Their designs often feature simple silhouettes, leather details, and a palette of earthy, natural tones. It's gear that looks just as appropriate on a city commute as it does on a forest trail.

The North Face has a distinctly modern and sporty vibe. Their designs often feature bold color-blocking, prominent logos, and technical details like sealed zippers and adjustable toggles. While many of their pieces have crossed over into streetwear, their aesthetic is rooted in athletic performance.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands generally fit true to size and are consistent with standard American and European sizing. Fjallraven's fit is often geared towards comfort and layering, offering a bit more room for movement in their trekking gear. The North Face offers a variety of fits, from a "standard fit" in their lifestyle pieces to a slimmer, "active fit" in their technical performance lines designed to reduce bulk and maximize mobility.

Sustainability & Ethics

Sustainability is at the very core of Fjallraven's brand identity. They emphasize using recycled and organic materials, PFC-free water repellency, and design with longevity and repairability in mind to combat throwaway culture. Their transparency about their production process is a major draw for environmentally conscious consumers.

The North Face has also made significant commitments to sustainability, with goals to use recycled, regenerative, or renewable fabrics in all its top apparel products. They have robust programs like "Renewed," which refurbishes and resells used gear. While their efforts are substantial, Fjallraven's philosophy is more deeply integrated into its entire brand ethos from the ground up.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice depends entirely on your priorities and intended use for the gear.

Choose Fjallraven if:

• You prioritize sustainability and want products from a brand with a transparent environmental mission.
• You value timeless, minimalist style that works equally well for outdoor and everyday life.
• You believe in buying high-quality gear that is designed to be repaired and last for decades.
• Your outdoor activities include hiking, trekking, and bushcraft in varied, but not always extreme, weather.

Choose The North Face if:

• You need cutting-edge technical performance for activities like skiing, snowboarding, or mountaineering in harsh weather.
• You want a wide selection of products at various price points, from affordable basics to expedition-grade equipment.
• You prefer a modern, sporty aesthetic with visible-tech features and bold color options.
• You are looking for specific technology, such as the trusted waterproofing of GORE-TEX membranes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fjallraven or The North Face more expensive?

Generally, Fjallraven's entry-level price is higher than The North Face's. The North Face offers a wider spectrum, with more affordable options available, but their top-tier technical gear can be more expensive than Fjallraven's most technical items.

Which brand is better for hiking?

For general hiking and trekking in moderate conditions, Fjallraven's durable and comfortable gear is an excellent choice. For hiking in extreme and unpredictable weather where lightweight and highly technical weatherproofing is critical (like heavy rain or alpine conditions), The North Face may have the edge with its advanced materials.

What is Fjallraven’s G-1000 fabric?

G-1000 is Fjallraven's signature material, a tightly woven blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. It's known for being extremely durable, breathable, and UV-protective. Its key feature is that it can be impregnated with Greenland Wax to make it highly water-resistant and windproof.

Is Fjallraven a luxury brand?

Fjallraven is considered a premium outdoor brand, not a luxury fashion brand. Its pricing reflects the high cost of sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing, and durable construction designed for longevity, rather than runway fashion trends.

How does the sizing compare between Fjallraven and The North Face?

Both brands generally run true to size, but the intended fit can differ. Fjallraven often has a slightly more generous, "regular" fit designed for comfort. The North Face offers a range of fits, and its technical apparel is often designed with an "athletic" or "slim" fit to be worn in a layering system.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Fjallraven is widely regarded as a leader in sustainability in the outdoor industry. This ethos influences every aspect of their business, from material sourcing to product repair. While The North Face has strong environmental initiatives, sustainability is the central pillar of Fjallraven's brand identity.

Can I use a Fjallraven Kånken for both school and hiking?

Yes, absolutely. The Kånken's durability makes it perfect for carrying books and a laptop for school or work, while its simple design and comfortable straps are great for short hikes or use as a daypack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and a light jacket.