Fjällräven G-1000 Materials: Review and Performance

Fjällräven G-1000 Materials: Review and Performance

Outdoor brands are numerous and, in our opinion, a good deal of them are quite good at what they do.

We have seen a number of these brands over the years and have gone through their products, and the materials they use and also compared some of them to get a better grasp of which one would be a better choice for different activities.

In the context of the above, we also take a more in-depth look at fabrics and technologies that these brands rely on, in particular those they develop themselves.

We have done so for several fabric technologies, such as Polartec® Power Grid™ Fleece or Marmot EVODry, and others because we believe that they are a great representation of what the brand behind them really stands for in their product quality and performance.

For that reason, today we will look at another type of fabric, the G-1000, which the brand that created it, Fjällräven, claims may possibly be “the best outdoor material there is”.

Fjällräven is a brand we have previously featured in our selections and reviews, but we have to admit that it has been a while since the last time it made an appearance on our site.

Let’s first get a bit acquainted with the brand itself and then move on to the G-1000 materials.

Contents:

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1. Fjällräven – The Brand

Fjällräven is a Swedish company founded in 1960 by Åke Nordin, a Swedish entrepreneur, who started his journey in outdoor gear at a very early age.

His first product was a backpack that he made himself at home, designed to distribute weight better and be more comfortable to carry.

Fjällräven Logo

He established Fjällräven keeping in mind his goal to make ergonomic and high-quality products, which we have to say that he did manage to achieve considering the brand’s revenue over the years and its popularity, particularly in Europe.

Over the years, the brand expanded its product range to include not just gear, such as backpacks and tents, but also performance clothes that would provide a well-rounded experience for their wearer.

Johan Jonsson | Above the tree line x Bergtagen | Fjällräven

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Fjällräven stands for “arctic fox”, which is also evident in the brand’s logo, typically placed on the left sleeve of their clothing line and their products are also accompanied by a small Swedish flag.

We will now turn our attention to their G-1000 Materials and see whether they live up to the Fjällräven’s claims and reputation.

2. The G-1000 Materials

Designed to be both versatile and hardwearing, G-1000 is a fabric that is made of a combination of Polyester and Cotton, and comes in various types, which we will discuss shortly.

G-1000 has been around for a very long time, for several decades, and it has also been part of some of their award-winning products, such as the Keb Touring Trouser (featured below) for example.

Their original G-1000 fabric dates all the way back to 1968 and it is still in use to this day.

What sets the G-1000 materials apart from most performance fabrics is not solely due to their materials, as both polyester and cotton are a standard in the industry of outdoor clothing, but it’s in the weaving and the waxing.

The weaving is done in a way that allows for considerable air permeability, making these fabrics quite breathable.

G-1000 fabrics come pre-waxed with the Greenland Wax, which we have discussed here.

This wax is a mixture of 65% paraffin and 35% beeswax, which works for both first-time waxing and re-waxing a garment.

In the piece linked above, you will also find a guide on how to properly wax clothes.

Fjällräven - G1000 Air

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Read also: Fjällräven G-1000 vs Gore-Tex Fabrics: Which is Better?

Types of G-1000 Materials

1. G-1000 Original – which is 65% Polyester and 35% Cotton, mosquito proof, durable, and both wind and water-resistant.

2. G-1000 Lite – lightly waxed, flexible and woven with ripstop threads to increase its durability.

3. G-1000 Silent – an “active” fabric that breathes well, is soft and smooth, and weather resistant. Designed for stealth activities such as hunting and is also mosquito-proof.

4. G-1000 Air – the lightest of the three and suitable for high breathability, it comes unwaxed, made from sustainable materials, and is suitable for warmer conditions.

5. G-1000 Heavy duty – water-resistant and very long-lasting, this is a fabric reserved for backpacks, bags, and garment reinforcement.

Some of these types come in Eco alternatives, made of mostly recycled content, as an effort by the brand to move towards more sustainable production means and reduce its environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is G-1000 Waterproof?

The G-1000 fabric is not waterproof. It is water-resistant. You can improve its weather resistance by waxing it, but it is not completely waterproof.

Learn more: Waterproof vs Water Resistant vs Water Repellent Jackets: What’s the Difference?

When Did Fjällräven Start Using G-1000?

Fjällräven started using the original G-1000 in 1968. It was created by the company’s founder Åke Nordin. He used the material from a tent that had been rejected to create a jacket that was durable and rugged.

G-1000 was used to create the Greenland jacket, an iconic product of the Swedish brand.

3. Do G-1000 Fabrics Work?

In short, they do.

There is a reason why some clothes that are made from them are held in high regard and even received awards for their durability and performance. They are quite durable and can withstand different terrains and environments, while also being comfortable to wear.

These are fabrics suitable for a variety of activities and conditions, however, they are not fully waterproof or windproof, which should be kept in mind if that is what you are looking for.

To keep them weather-resistant, you will have to re-wax them as needed, which may be a hassle to some. Thus, unless you wax them, you are looking at gear that will provide no protection against rain.

Fjällräven - How to wax G-1000 Hybrid Garments

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4. Products Made of G-1000 Materials

We have picked two products that are made of G-1000 fabrics:

Fjällräven Men’s Keb Trousers Regular

Fjällräven Mens Keb Trousers Regular
Image: fjallraven.com
Check them out at Amazon.com (#ad)

The first is Keb Regular, the trouser design for men, which is part of the award-winning Keb series that also includes jackets.

These trousers are made of G-1000 Eco combined with nylon and elastane to add some elasticity and improve comfort.

They are reinforced in several key points in order to ensure durability and prevent damage from hiking boots and regular wear.

There is a zippered opening from the knee up to the hip, which helps to cool down quickly. This design comes with two leg pockets with snap button flaps, one zip pocket, one mesh pocket also two hand pockets on the sides.

It is suitable to wear with a belt if necessary and it comes in a range of colors.

Fjällräven - Keb Trousers For Men

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Fjällräven Women’s Kiruna Padded Parka

Fjällräven Womens Kiruna Padded Parka
Image: fjallraven.com
Check it out at Amazon.com (#ad)

The jacket we chose is Kiruna, a padded parka for women, which is made of G-1000 original and insulated with G-Loft supreme.

This is a minimalistic design, which comes with two hand pockets, one chest pocket, and one placed inside, all of which have zipper closures.

The main zipper is a two-way design that makes it easier to move around and sit down without having to take the parka off.

It comes with a drop-tail hem for better coverage and is thigh-length, providing well-rounded protection against the cold.

5. Conclusion

man wearing fjallraven jacket

Fjällräven has been in the game for a long time now and they have certainly perfected their craft. G-1000 Materials are fabrics of commendable performance, made to last long, breathe well, and be comfortable.

Are they “the best outdoor material there is”?

In our opinion, at that price range, you can find products that perform similarly if not better (further reading: Why Is Fjällräven So Expensive? Is It Worth It?).

With that being said, they are great for those looking exactly for these qualities and who don’t intend to test them too much in unpredictable or wet weather.

Therefore, if you are looking for products that will last for a long time and are versatile, then those made of G-1000 materials may be worth a try.

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