Helly Hansen vs. Fjällräven: Brand comparison [2026]

While both brands are rooted in Scandinavian outdoor heritage, Helly Hansen is a Norwegian performance brand focused on technical gear for extreme weather, particularly for sailing and skiing, using advanced waterproof membranes. In contrast, Fjallraven is a Swedish brand celebrated for its sustainable, timeless, and exceptionally durable apparel for hiking and everyday use, built around its signature G-1000 waxable fabric.

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

Helly Hansen: The Professional's Choice for Performance Gear

Founded in Norway in 1877, Helly Hansen has earned its reputation by creating reliable gear for professionals who face the harshest weather on sea and land. The brand is the go-to choice for sailors, skiers, and outdoor workers who require a high degree of technical functionality and protection from the elements. Their focus is on innovation, durability, and practical design that performs when it matters most.

• Product mix: Specializes in high-performance apparel, including waterproof shells, insulated ski jackets, technical base layers, and professional-grade workwear and sailing gear.
• Price point: Sits in the mid-range to premium category. Technical jackets typically cost between $150 and $400, reflecting the advanced materials and construction.
• Quality & Materials: Known for advanced technology like their proprietary Helly Tech waterproof and breathable membranes and warm, lightweight PrimaLoft insulation. Materials are chosen for maximum durability and protection in wet and cold conditions.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments generally are true to size with an athletic fit designed to allow for layering without restricting movement. The cut is functional and tailored for active use.
• Aesthetic: The style is modern, sleek, and technical. Collections often feature bright, bold colors and performance-oriented details like sealed seams and reflective elements.

Helly Hansen offers rugged, technically advanced gear designed for elite performance in extreme conditions, making it ideal for specialized outdoor sports and professional use.

Shop Helly Hansen: hellyhansen.com

Fjallraven: The Leader in Sustainable & Timeless Design

Born in Sweden in 1960, Fjallraven creates outdoor clothing and equipment with a philosophy of simplicity, practicality, and respect for the environment. While famous for its iconic Kanken backpacks, the brand's core is durable apparel built to last for generations. Their focus is on sustainability, longevity, and a classic aesthetic that feels equally at home on a remote trail or a city street.

• Product mix: Offers a wide range of outdoor apparel, including trekking jackets and trousers, as well as daypacks, tents, and accessories for hiking and everyday adventures.
• Price point: Positioned in the mid-range. A durable G-1000 jacket costs between $150 and $300, while their famous backpacks range from $80 to $200.
• Quality & Materials: Centered around its highly durable G-1000 fabric - a blend of polyester and cotton that can be waxed with Greenland Wax for customized water resistance. Prioritizes sustainable materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton.
• Sizing/Fit: The fit is generally consistent and more relaxed to prioritize comfort and allow for easy layering.
• Sustainability: A core principle of the brand. Fjallraven promotes product longevity through durable materials, transparent production, repair programs, and the use of eco-friendly and recycled materials.
• Aesthetic: Timeless, minimalist, and distinctly Scandinavian. Fjallraven uses a palette of earthy, nature-inspired tones and clean, functional designs.

Fjallraven is the top choice for durable, eco-conscious gear with a classic design that transitions seamlessly from outdoor adventures to urban life.

Shop Fjallraven: fjallraven.com

Helly Hansen vs. Fjallraven Comparison

Price Comparison

In general, Fjallraven's core products can be slightly more accessible. For instance, a classic Fjallraven G-1000 jacket is often priced between $150-$250. Helly Hansen's technical shells incorporating their advanced Helly Tech membranes typically start around $200 and can reach $400+ for professional-grade ski or sailing jackets.

While both brands are an investment in quality, you'll pay a premium at Helly Hansen for waterproof technologies designed for extreme conditions. Fjallraven offers better value for versatile, everyday outdoor use where ultimate waterproofing isn't the primary concern.

Quality & Materials

This is the most significant point of difference. Helly Hansen focuses on high-tech synthetic solutions like their multi-layer Helly Tech fabric, which provides excellent waterproof and breathable performance straight off the shelf. These garments use technologies like sealed seams and durable water-repellent (DWR) coatings to keep you dry.

Fjallraven prioritizes a different kind of durability with its G-1000 fabric. This dense canvas-like material is incredibly tough, breathable, and can be easily repaired. Its water resistance comes from applying Greenland Wax, allowing you to adapt the jacket's weather protection to your needs. For outright waterproofing in a downpour, Helly Hansen has the edge, for sustainable, lifelong durability, Fjallraven is hard to beat.

Style & Aesthetic

Helly Hansen embodies a modern, sporty, and technical aesthetic. Their designs are clean-lined and functional, often in bright, high-visibility colors well-suited for skiing or sailing. The look is performance-first, designed for function on mountain slopes or open water.

Fjallraven embraces a classic, heritage-inspired Scandinavian look. Their designs are simple and understated, using earthy tones that reflect the Swedish landscape. This functional but timeless style transitions much more easily into daily wear and has become a staple of outdoor-inspired fashion.

Fit & Sizing

Helly Hansen's sizing is typically true-to-fit with a distinct athletic cut. Their jackets and pants are tailored to allow a full range of motion for active sports like skiing and sailing, often fitting closer to the body to prevent snagging and optimize thermal efficiency.

Fjallraven offers a more relaxed and straightforward fit. Their sizing is consistent and designed with comfort in mind, allowing generous room for layering underneath. If you prefer a looser, less-constricting fit for hiking and general use, Fjallraven is an excellent choice.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands take sustainability seriously, but it is the central pillar of Fjallraven's identity. From their long-lasting G-1000 material (reducing waste) to their use of recycled and organic materials and transparent supply chains, Fjallraven is a leader in eco-conscious outdoor gear. They emphasize repairing gear rather than replacing it.

Helly Hansen also pursues sustainable practices, such as incorporating recycled materials into its collections and adhering to environmental certifications. However, their primary marketing and design focus remain on technical performance first and foremost.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands produce excellent outdoor gear, but they excel in fundamentally different areas.

Choose Helly Hansen if:

• Your activities include skiing, sailing, or require navigating extremely wet and windy conditions.
• Waterproof and windproof performance is your number one priority.
• You prefer a modern, athletic fit and a technical, sporty aesthetic.
• You are an outdoor professional who needs gear certified for safety and reliability.

Choose Fjallraven if:

• Sustainability, repairability, and eco-friendly materials are key factors in your decision.
• You want incredibly durable gear with a timeless style that will last for decades.
• Your primary activities are hiking, trekking, camping, and everyday outdoor use.
• You prefer a relaxed, comfortable fit and classic, understated design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Helly Hansen or Fjallraven cheaper?

Generally, Fjallraven's core collection of jackets and trousers is slightly more affordable than Helly Hansen's highly technical alternatives. However, both are premium brands, and pricing can overlap depending on the specific product.

Which brand is better for extreme rain?

Helly Hansen is the clear winner for heavy, sustained rain. Their Helly Tech waterproof membranes and sealed-seam construction provide superior protection against downpours compared to Fjallraven's waxable G-1000 fabric.

Which brand is more sustainable?

Fjallraven has built its entire brand around sustainability. Their focus on lifelong durability, natural materials, repair programs, and transparent manufacturing makes them one of the most eco-conscious brands in the outdoor industry.

How does the sizing compare between Helly Hansen and Fjallraven?

Helly Hansen offers a more athletic, true-to-size fit designed for performance. Fjallraven uses a more relaxed, comfortable fit that is great for layering and general outdoor activities.

Are Fjallraven jackets fully waterproof?

Fjallraven's jackets made with G-1000 fabric are highly water-resistant, not fully waterproof like a seam-sealed shell. Applying their Greenland Wax significantly increases water repellency, but they may soak through in a prolonged deluge.

Is Helly Hansen gear good for hiking?

Yes, Helly Hansen's shells, pants, and base layers are excellent for technical hiking, especially in mountainous or coastal areas with challenging weather. They provide excellent protection from wind and rain.

Which brand is better for everyday wear?

Due to its timeless Scandinavian aesthetic, earthy tones, and more casual cuts, Fjallraven's gear is often better suited for blending outdoor functionality with everyday urban life.

What exactly is G-1000 fabric?

It is Fjallraven's signature material, a tightly woven, durable blend of 65% polyester and 35% organic cotton. It is wind-resistant, highly breathable, quick-drying, and can be impregnated with Greenland Wax to become water-resistant. Its durability is legendary in the outdoor community.