The Haglöfs story: from small workshop to Nordic outdoor pioneer
A backpack born in a Swedish workshop
The Haglöfs story begins in 1914, in the heart of the Swedish countryside.
Wiktor Haglöf, a 27-year-old carpenter, makes his first backpack. backpack in a small wooden workshop.
Its aim was simple: to create a sturdy, practical piece of equipment for local schoolchildren.
Little did he know that this modest gesture would lay the foundations for a brand that would become one of the symbols of Scandinavian outdoor design.
Bags for Swedish pioneers
Over the years, Haglöfs bags have won over more and more users, far beyond schoolchildren.
Hikers, foresters and workers in Sweden’s wide open spaces are adopting these bags, renowned for their sturdiness.
In the 1930s and 40s, the brand established itself as a reliable equipment supplier for all those who faced the demanding climate of the North.
Expansion and diversification
After the Second World War, Haglöfs expanded its range with clothing and equipment designed for hiking and mountaineering.
Materials evolve, manufacturing techniques are modernized, but the philosophy remains the same:
to offer products capable of withstanding the harshest environments, with enhanced comfort.
Innovation and technical expertise
In the 1970s and 80s, the outdoor industry experienced a boom.
Haglöfs became a major player in Scandinavia with its technical technical backpacks, clothing and footwear.
The brand established itself as a specialist in durable equipment for hikers, climbers and mountaineers.
Innovation becomes its driving force: windproof, water-resistant fabrics, ergonomic adjustments.
An international brand
In the 1990s, Haglöfs began to expand internationally.
Its products, designed and tested in the extreme conditions of the Swedish wilderness, appeal to enthusiasts the world over.
The brand is expanding in Europe, Asia and North America, while remaining true to its Nordic identity.
Sustainability and responsibility
In the 2000s, Haglöfs took a strong turn towards sustainability.
The brand is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and adopting strict standards:
bluesign® certifications, increasing use of recycled materials, traceability of supply chains.
Its objective is clear: to combine technical performance with respect for nature.
Haglöfs today
More than a hundred years after its creation, Haglöfs has become one of the leaders in high-end outdoor equipment.
Its bags, clothes and shoes are designed to tackle the most extreme mountains, forests and climates.
Always faithful to the heritage of its founder, the brand embodies robustness, innovation and durability.
From Wiktor Haglöf’s workshop to the summits of the world, Haglöfs continues to write the history of Nordic adventure.
“Haglöfs has a real appreciation for natural spaces and the beautiful places where we spend time. We see the changes with our own eyes, and so do our consumers. So we must do everything we can to preserve them for future generations.”
