What is Fjallraven's Alternative to Gore-Tex?

Question

What is the substitute for Gore-Tex used by Fjallraven for ensuring weather resistance in their outdoor gear?

Answer 1

Gore-Tex is made by different companies but Fjallraven has opted to create their own G1000 alternative which is a proprietary blend of polyester and cotton that is durable and allows air to flow through the fabric. To this, they use Greenland Wax, a compound of paraffin and beeswax, which serves to increase water repulsion properties and extend the life of the fabric making it less harmful for the environment.

Comments

The problem that Fjallraven suffers from is not that they don't have "best of the best" water resistance. It is that fact combined with the fact that their gear costs more than a lot of gear with "best of the best" water resistance.

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My experience with waxed G-1000 wasn't very good. I've had both a coat and trousers waxed and took them for a spin to Sottish Highlands in winter. Before anyone says anything like I did't do it properly or I should have applied more layers, I've spend almost 20 hours spread out over three days, applying and ironing-in the wax. Two full coats and extra wax at the seams. My first outing was on Ben Lomond in mid December. Snow, whiteout condition going up then mild weather front system bringing rain on the way down. I got soaked through so badly even my underwear was wet. I've tried few more times on different occasions, not so severe conditions, even regular use as a daily driver walking around town on a rainy day. But every time, without fail the material failed me. The weak link seems to be the seams themselves as water would always find a way to get inside them. That's it, rant over.

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I switched to a Fjallraven G-1000 jacket about 5 years ago because I was tired of replacing my Gore-tex jacket every couple of years. I wax my new jacket twice a year and it's aged very nicely so far. I've been so happy with it I grabbed a pair of pants when I found them on sale. I'm happy to spend a couple of days a year maintaining them. The pants are only for camping, but I've been wearing the jacket as my main shell for 5 winters now and it's fabulous.

recently learning about the issues with Gore-tex has made me happy about my decision. I don't feel bad about my Chillcheater Gore-tex socks, but I know they will last me forever and that's one situation where I need absolute waterproofness.

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I quite literally just returned home to Alaska, from the Arctic working as an expedition guide in the northern most parts of Greenland/Baffin Bay…and I used Fjallraven & reapplied their wax when needed. I’m talking, hours on end, covered head to boot, soaking in water or the constant blasting wind and sudden temperature drops …Lasted the entire expedition, no problem. Nearly every expedition Member was wearing it as well (oddly enough, I did have to teach them to wax their gear though, but I think that’s a byproduct of living in southeast, Alaska, a literal frozen rainforest).

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I have been wearing my FJALLRAVEN GREENLAND WINTER G1000 JACKET since 2012 for four/five months every year.  and it still looks almost like new.  Never even waxed it.  Stylish, comfortable and very practical.  One of my best investments in clothing.  Never regretted.

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I have two G-1000 fjallraven coats (a heavy winter and a lighter all-season one) and it's a comfortable, durable, warm while being breathable material. I don't even apply the wax to it because for the short times I get hit with rain the coats shed it easily enough.

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Living at 9000ft in the mountains of Colorado, I decided to test a single pair of Fjallraven Keb G1000 pants daily to see how the brand can perform long term. After 3 years and six months of everyday wear in a harsh climate, the pants have a single small 1 inch sewn rip on one knee and simply won't wear out. So, I retired them to work duty and finally got a second pair. For maintenance, I wash them every two weeks and wax them every few months with several thick coats of Greenland wax. Results: The best pants on earth; breathable yet stretchy, keep my legs warm and dry, protect from brambles and abrasions on the trail, resists fire or campfire sparks, still fit great and feel like armor after a fresh wax. And unlike my clammy Gore-Tex gear, G1000 won't go up in flames with a single spark

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I have a pair of Fjällräven pants and they are made with their Hydratic technology, which is basically their version of GoreTex. They are 100% synthetic. Fjällräven make plaid shirts that cost a fortune and are made of synthetic materials. I can get a similar shirt in Merino wool for around the same price which is totally natural and better in my opinion.

I think Fjällräven are overstating their eco credentials as most of their gear is synthetic.

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I love my fjallraven clothes, but the g1000 isn't waterproof and only a little water resistant. The main advantages of it are its wear resistance and how quickly it dries