Fjällräven gear is built to endure the elements—but a little care goes a long way in keeping it looking great and performing at its best. Whether you’ve just picked up your first Kånken backpack or you’re a G-1000 veteran with trousers that’ve seen it all, this handy guide covers everything you need to know. From cleaning and waxing to breaking in and boosting waterproofness, we’ve got your kit covered—so you can get back to the trail, not the laundry pile. 🧼🎒🧥
1. How to Clean Your Fjällräven Kånken 🎒🧼
Your Kånken is your trusty companion—on hikes, commutes, and spontaneous adventures. But after a few muddy outings or leaky lunchbox incidents, it’s time for a clean!
Here’s how to do it properly:
- 🧹 Brush off dirt: Use a soft brush or damp cloth to remove surface grime.
- 🫧 Hand-wash only: Use lukewarm water and mild soap (never detergent or bleach).
- 🧽 Gently scrub: Use a sponge or soft cloth on dirty areas.
- 🚫 No machine washing: It can damage the fabric and water-resistant coating.
- 🌬️ Air dry naturally: Keep it out of direct sunlight or heaters.

Treat it kindly and it’ll last a lifetime—just like it was designed to.
2. How to Wax Fjällräven G-1000 Fabric 🕯️🧥
Want to boost your jacket’s weather resistance? Time to break out the Greenland Wax.
What you’ll need:
- Greenland Wax (beeswax and paraffin blend)
- A hairdryer or iron (no steam!)
Waxing Steps:
- Rub the wax bar firmly over clean, dry G-1000 fabric.
- Use a hairdryer or warm iron to melt the wax in evenly.
- Let it cool and you’re good to go!
🌧️ Extra layers = more water resistance
🌬️ No wax on high-sweat zones = more breathability
Re-wax regularly depending on use—especially in the wet and windy UK!

3. Can You Put a Fjällräven Backpack in the Washing Machine? 🚫🌀
Short answer: Absolutely not.
We know it’s tempting, but machine washing can:
- Ruin water-resistant coatings
- Weaken seams and zips
- Cause colour fading
🧼 The right way?
- Hand-wash with lukewarm water and gentle soap
- Scrub stains with a soft cloth or sponge
- Air dry in a well-ventilated area

Keep it old-school and your backpack will thank you.
4. How to Break in Fjällräven Trousers 👖💪
New Fjällräven trousers can feel a bit stiff at first—but they’re built to last and only get better with time.
Break-in tips:
- Wear them casually before heading into the hills
- Go for short walks and do some light stretching
- After a few wears, give them a gentle wash per care label
- Don’t over-wash—G-1000 gets better with age!
Before you know it, they’ll fit like a glove and be your go-to for every hike, scramble, or dog walk.

5. How Waterproof is Fjällräven G-1000? ☔🧵
The truth? G-1000 is water-resistant, not waterproof—and that’s a good thing.
It’s tightly woven cotton/polyester, treated with Greenland Wax to repel water and wind while staying breathable.
Key facts:
- Handles drizzle, light rain, snow and wind like a champ
- Wax it up for more protection
- Avoid over-waxing if you need ventilation (e.g. hiking uphill)
🧥 In summary: It won’t replace a waterproof shell in torrential rain—but for most outdoor use in the UK, it strikes the perfect balance of comfort, durability, and weather resistance.
