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Ake NordinSwedish businessman
Country:
 Sweden |
Content:
- Biography of Åke Nordin
- Early Life and Inspiration
- The Birth of 'Kånken'
- Founding Fjällräven
- The Rise of 'Kånken'
- Legacy and Continued Success
Biography of Åke Nordin
Åke Nordin was a Swedish businessman and designer, best known as the founder of the company 'Fjällräven', which has become a global leader in producing outdoor clothing and equipment. He also designed the 'Fjällräven Kånken' backpack, which has become the most popular backpack in the world with over 3 million sold to date. The success of the 'Kånken' backpack lies in its unique strap design, which evenly distributes the weight of the backpack, making it suitable for students, hikers, and even mountaineers.
Early Life and Inspiration
Åke Nordin was born in 1936 in Sweden. From a young age, he went on hiking trips with his family and friends. It was during one of these trips to the mountains of Västerbotten province that 14-year-old Åke became so disappointed with his backpack that he decided to create the "perfect backpack". He experimented with different designs and realized that the majority of backpacks at the time placed the weight on the lower back, causing discomfort and pain. He discovered that distributing the weight evenly on the upper back and closest to the spine would make carrying a backpack more comfortable.
The Birth of 'Kånken'
Åke sewed his first backpack, which served as a prototype for the 'Kånken', using his mother's sewing machine and using leather straps and durable fabric. He also added a wooden frame to evenly distribute the weight along the spine. This innovative design was later adopted by backpack manufacturers worldwide, making backpacks with wooden or aluminum frames a classic choice for mountain hikes and outdoor adventures. Åke also introduced the idea of back ventilation to reduce sweating while wearing a backpack, although this issue remains unsolved to this day despite advancements in technology and materials.
Founding Fjällräven
In 1960, after completing his military service, Åke founded the company 'Fjällräven', which means "arctic fox" in Swedish. The company is committed to preserving this animal species and donates funds annually to their conservation efforts. While the company initially focused on producing large hiking backpacks, it was the smaller 'Kånken' backpack, introduced in the early 1970s, that gained the most popularity.
The Rise of 'Kånken'
Due to its high quality, lightweight design, and timeless style, the 'Kånken' backpack quickly became a legend in the world of streetwear and outdoor gear. It gained popularity in Europe and soon became a sought-after accessory in America. The demand for the 'Kånken' continued to grow, and by the beginning of the 21st century, annual sales exceeded 200,000 units. Today, over 3 million 'Kånken' backpacks have been sold worldwide, making it the most popular backpack in the world.
Legacy and Continued Success
Åke Nordin passed away on December 27, 2013, but his legacy lives on, and the company continues to thrive. 'Fjällräven' remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and providing outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality gear. Åke's vision and dedication to creating the perfect backpack have left a lasting impact on the industry, and his company's success is a testament to his pioneering spirit.
