I hiked the Fjällräven Classic and here’s how you can too

As hikes go, a three-day trek in the Colorado backcountry may strike some as not nearly long or challenging enough. But, as an adventurous hiking woman of a certain age, the chance to participate in the Fjällräven Classic USA hike presented a unique opportunity. One where I could hike independently in an organized and supported group and challenge myself in a landscape that was both beautiful and new to me. The only answer to this invitation was Yes!

The fact that the Classic hikes are sponsored by an outdoor company that I respect and whose clothes I buy and wear is a bonus. This series of trekking events is organized by the Swedish outdoor company Fjällräven. You may know them from their ubiquitous Kanken backpack.

These events encourage people to explore nature and experience the joys of hiking in some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. The Fjällräven Classic hikes take place in several locations around the globe, each offering unique challenges and mile after mile of scenic beauty. 

Why do a Fjällräven Classic Hike

If you’ve never done a backcountry hike, participating in a Fjällräven Classic trek is ideal for you. Why? Because you won’t be alone. 

Fjällräven Classics are supported hikes from beginning to end. From the moment you book your ticket (tip: do it early, these hikes sell out), Fjällräven staff will be in contact with helpful training, transportation and accommodation tips and advice to help you plan not just your hike but the entire journey to your chosen Classic destination. 

Here are some of the reasons why the Fjällräven Classic Hikes are so unique.

It’s a guided experience

While participants hike independently, there are checkpoints along the route with staff providing support, food, and medical assistance. Guides and hike leaders assess risks, weather and route changes and inform participants on a daily basis at evening briefings.

Emphasis on sustainability

Fjällräven emphasizes environmentally friendly practices, encouraging participants to leave no trace and promoting the use of eco-friendly gear.

You’re part of a community

The Classic hiking events attract hikers from around the world, fostering a sense of community and shared adventure. Participating hikers are all ages, from 10-year-olds to the 80+ set. All you need to participate is the health, fitness and stamina to hike the distance and elevation gain.

Fjällräven helps you prepare for the adventure

Participants receive a comprehensive guide before the hike, covering everything from packing lists to trail conditions to training schedules and videos. The organizers want you to enjoy this adventure, but only you can prepare and train to ensure that you do.

Hike with a purpose

The Fjällräven Classic hikes are designed to inspire people to explore the outdoors, promote sustainable hiking practices, and provide an unforgettable adventure in some of the most beautiful natural settings on earth.

Where are the Fjällräven Classic locations

The Fjällräven Classic Hikes take place in seven locations around the world. The oldest hike take place in Sweden, and this year (2024) is the 20^th anniversary of that Classic hike. While tickets are sold out for all of this year’s hikes, it’s never too early to start training and planning for next year.

Fjällräven Classic Sweden

The hike that started it all! The Swedish Classic is the OG, an epic journey above the Arctic Circle from Nikkaluokta to Abisko. Hike through the pristine Swedish wilderness among new friends while meeting the occasional herd of reindeer. 

Tip: This incredible hike takes place in August. Hikers are advised to book the Trekkers Train to travel to Kiruna, from where Fjällräven handles transfers to the trailhead.

Days: 3-7 

Distance: 100 km/30.5 miles

Vertical Gain: 600 m/1,969 ft

Want to extend your vacation in Sweden? Spend some time in Dalarna, the region often referred to as “Sweden in miniature.”

Fjällräven Classic Denmark

The Danish Classic passes through an historical landscape of enchanting castles, quaint manors, churches and rolling farmland. The hike blends culture and nature, with the coastline often in sight on the trail. While Denmark’s landscape isn’t the most rugged, the challenge lies in staying cool during the warm days of July and being prepared for all kinds of weather. 

Days: 3

Distance: 72 km

Vertical Gain: 125 m/410 ft

Fjällräven Classic USA

The Classic USA trek takes place in the vast and wild Colorado backcountry. Hiking through the dense pine forests, secluded lakes and over the historic Rollins Pass of the Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest deep in the Colorado Rockies, this is an epic adventure in the company of a supportive community of like-minded trekkers. 

The USA Classic was my Fjällräven hike, and I’m immensely proud to have completed it. There were approximately 160 hikers on my hike, and tickets were moderately priced at $200 USD. This includes guides, support, trailhead transfers, food supplies and meals for the hike. 

Days: 3

Distance: 50 km/30.5 miles

Vertical Gain: 760 m/2,500 ft 

Fjällräven Classic Germany

The German Classic takes place in the picturesque Allgäu Prealps of Bavaria. Trekkers enjoy hiking through wide alpine valleys, gentle hills, towering mountains, dense forests, and vibrant alpine meadows. The trek can be one of the most challenging treks in the Fjällräven Classic series, with varying weather conditions adding to the adventure. But proper preparation and a positive attitude will ensure that anyone who can walk 20km in a day can complete this hike.

Days: 3

Distance: 58 km

Vertical Gain: 2,272+ m/7,400 ft

Fjällräven Classic U.K.

Trek in the footsteps of shepherds and ponies in the hills and valleys of England’s Lakes District. The three-day hike winds through traditional Lakeland villages, Neolithic landmarks and the National Park which is home to England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike. Participants camp by rivers and lakeshores and revel in the company of mountains, lakes and valleys. This is different and wonderful way to experience wild Britannia.

Days: 3

Distance: 50 km

Vertical Gain: 375 m/1,230 ft

Fjällräven Classic Korea

The only Classic held in Asia takes place on one of the most unique islands in Korea. Experience the highest mountain in the country (Hallasan), hike through tranquil forest trails, and revel in the autumnal beauty of Jeju island, a world heritage area. This trek goes over Hallasan, through the forest and down to the sea. Extra bonus: Enjoy authentic Korean cooking with food that will be provided.

Days: 3

Distance: 56 km

Vertical Gain: 900 m/2,953 ft

Fjällräven Classic Chile

This is the newest route in the Fjällräven Classic hiking family. The trek winds through the heart of Southern Patagonia and its unique and jaw-dropping landscapes. Every day there’s a new view of Patagonia’s wild forests, magnificent mountains and iconic glaciars. This trek offers a unique trail over private property that is exclusive to the Classic. If you want an epic hiking challenge, the Fjällräven Classic Chile is it.

Days: 4

Distance: 74 km

Vertical Gain: 3,500m/11,483 ft 

What about the Fjällräven Polar?

The Fjällräven Polar trek takes place in October over 300 km of Scandinavian Arctic wilderness. This epic quest involves 180 skilled sled dogs, a handful of experts, and a small group of 20 people from around the world.

Curious? You need to apply for a place on the team. If you earn a spot, you’ll learn to drive your own dog sled through vast frozen landscapes, as well as essential survival skills and adapt to life in the Arctic where temperatures can drop to minus 30°C. This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure opportunity for any wannabe Arctic explorer. 

How to pack for a Fjällräven Classic hike

As you can tell from the outline of the seven treks, every Fjällräven Classic hike is different in its own way. But preparation and packing remain pretty much the same for them all.

I had the privilege of being hosted by on my Fjällräven Classic USA hike in Colorado in July 2023. Fjällräven loaned me a backpack, trekking poles and cooking supplies. I was gifted clothing items like hiking tights, warm hat, merino wool shirts, a Goretex shell and a warm puffer for my three-day trek.

I was already a Fjällräven customer before doing the Classic USA hike but wearing all of their gear while hiking for 50 km in the Colorado wilderness confirmed my trust in their product quality and durability. 

Here’s an overview of the gear and equipment you’ll need for your Fjällräven hike. Remember that you have to carry everything with you on your back, so look for lightweight, compressible gear and equipment wherever possible.

Fjällräven Classic gear essentials

Backpack – Choose a comfortable and well-fitted backpack with a capacity of 40-60 liters, depending on your packing style and the duration of your hike.

Tent – Look for a lightweight, three-season, one or two-person tent that can withstand the elements.

Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad – Choose a sleeping bag rated for the temperatures you’ll encounter (usually a 20°F/-6°C bag is sufficient).  An insulating sleeping pad is a good choice for comfort and warmth.

Clothing – You’ll need to pack the following items:

• Moisture-wicking base layers, preferably of merino wool
• Hiking pants. I hiked and loved my Fjallraven Abisko tights
• Insulating mid-layers (fleece or down jacket)
• Waterproof and windproof outer layers (jacket and pants).
• Warm hat, sun hat, gloves, and warm socks.
• Hiking boots with good ankle support and appropriate for rocky terrain. *Be sure to break them ahead of time.
• Extra clothing for layering and to stay dry. I own several Fjällräven hiking shirts in short and long sleeves.
• Pajamas for nighttime if you wear them.

Cooking and Food – You need to pack in and pack out everything on your hike. Cooking items should include lightweight stove and fuel; cooking pot, utensils, and a lighter/matches; freeze-dried meals, energy bars, snacks, and other lightweight food options; water purification system (filter, purification tablets, or a UV purifier).

Navigation and Safety – Have a topographic map of the area and a compass/GPS; first-aid kit; multi-tool or knife; headlamp with extra batteries; emergency shelter (like a bivy sack) and a whistle.

Hydration – Plan to carry sufficient water and the means to purify more from natural sources. I packed two water bottles, one of which was a GRAYL water purifier bottle. Fjällräven staff will have water at trail break stops but it may not be enough if you drink a lot while hiking. 

Other essential trekking items:

• Trekking poles for stability on rough terrain
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sun protection
• Insect repellent
• Personal hygiene items and a small pack towel
• Trash bags to pack out all waste*

*Leave No Trace

On my Fjällräven Classic USA hike in the Colorado backcountry, we practiced Leave No Trace principles. There are seven principles of Leave No Trace, which has a mission to ensure that as humans enjoy the outdoors, we do it in a way that values and protects the environment. 

Every Fjallraven hiker receives a Waste Bag to put all personal food wrappings and garbage in. For the Classic USA hike, we also packed out our own human waste in special bags. I will say that pooping into a bag took some practice (haha), but it was gratifying to keep the Arapaho Roosevelt National Forest as pristine as we’d found it.

How to prepare for a Fjällräven Classic Hike

As Fjällräven Classic Hikes are supported hikes, the company and Classic organizers do a great job in helping participants prepare for the physical aspects of the treks. That includes advice on training schedules and routines with helpful Youtube videos. 

I’ll confess that I did not prepare enough for my Fjällräven Classic USA hike. It’s not that I intended to run the route like a race, but I could have and should have trained harder ahead of time. It would have made the hike much easier and more enjoyable, too. 

Not that I didn’t enjoy it, I did! Completing the Classic USA trek was one of my life’s hiking highlights. But there’s always room for improvement.

Physical Fitness

Do regular cardio and strength training exercises to build endurance and strength. Practice hikes with a loaded backpack to simulate the conditions you’ll face. Try to follow Fjällräven’s training schedules and helpful videos – preparation is half the hiking battle.

Acclimatization

If you’re not accustomed to high altitudes, try to arrive early and spend a few days acclimatizing before the hike. It can reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

The Classic USA hike takes place at altitude in Colorado. The elevation starts around 2,800 m/9,200 ft and goes up to over 11,000 ft at the top of Rollins Pass. The elevation didn’t bother me, but it did make other hikers miserable and in a couple of cases, ended their hikes early.

Route Planning

Every hiker gets a Trekking Passport that details the entire itinerary and breaks down the hike day by day. Fjällräven does a superb job of informing hikers about what they need to know, and the Passport gets time-stamped at hike Checkpoints every day.

It’s still a great idea to familiarize yourself with the trail, including its length, elevation changes, and potential hazards.

At the end of each day’s hike, you’ll walk into the official Camp spot, where you’ll need to find your own suitable camping spot for the night.

Permits and Regulations

As these are well-organized and supported hikes, Fjällräven takes care of the permits. Hike leaders outline any local regulations or issues that hikers need to be aware of during daily evening briefings.

For the Classic USA, Fjällräven works with the USDA Forest Service to ensure that campsites are properly located and that hikers walk on regulated trails.

Mental Preparation

Having a strong and positive mental state is important. Yes, you’re in nature and that’s uplifting in itself. But there are times when the trek will serve up some changing conditions and unexpected challenges. Be prepared for varying weather conditions, physical fatigue, and the mental challenge of multi-day hiking. 

Stay Informed

Pay attention to trail guides and leaders on weather updates, trail conditions, and any advisories for the area. While you’re on an independent adventure, you are part of a support network, and everyone wants to ensure that you enjoy and complete the hike.

Hiking in some of the world’s most beautiful outdoor spaces is a dream come true. By carefully planning and preparing for the Fjällräven Classic hike, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy a safe and rewarding adventure on whichever life-affirming trek you choose.

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Disclosure: The writer thanks Fjällräven for the opportunity to hike the Classic USA route in Colorado. As always, her opinions and love of hiking are honest and her own.

Photo credits: Claudia Laroye, Rose Groves, Matlai Photograph,  www.matlaiphotography.com