Haglöfs

In 2014, it was exactly 100 years ago that Wiktor Haglöf started making backpacks in a small hut in Dalarna, Sweden. Much of what makes Haglöfs so successful today is the same as what the company stood for a long time ago: detailed craftsmanship, high quality and functional solutions. The modern Haglöfs company looks back on a rich heritage and has also made history itself. Over time, new chapters have been added to this story. Wiktor Haglöf started making backpacks in 1914 in a small wooden hut in the Swedish village of Torsång, Dalarna. Wiktor set out by bicycle and on foot to sell his backpacks to farmers, woodcutters and schoolchildren in the region.

The wooden hut soon became too small and in 1919 Wiktor left the family business and bought a plot of land in Torsång with a wonderful view of the river Dalälven. There he built his workshop - the later legendary Dalstugan. He contracted a salesman who sold Haglöfs products by bicycle. He had to travel long distances - there are stories that he rode his bike all the way to Östersund, 400 km from Torsång.

From 1945, both sons, Hans and Rolf Haglöf, worked in the company. At this time, the Swedish army and the growing scout movement were also among their most important customers. The Haglöfs company began to give names to backpacks inspired by nature or outdoor activities - a tradition that Haglöfs continues today. Several of Haglöfs' classic backpacks, such as Alaska, Greenland and Skarja, date back to this time. However, the company had no plans for expansion and limited itself to Scandinavian customers. Until the 1980s, the Haglöfs brand was at best an insider tip among Nordland insiders in Central Europe. The big breakthrough came with an export offensive, which started in 2000 and for which the Swedes invested heavily. In just a few years, Haglöfs establishes itself in 15 European countries and Japan. Turnover grows by an average of 16 percent per year. It seems as if the world has been waiting for Haglöfs.

In 2002, Haglöfs opened a design and marketing office in Kallhäll, just outside Stockholm. The innovative strength that characterized Wiktor Haglöf was now also anchored in the modern Haglöfs. Through innovation in all areas, from new carrying systems to materials and construction, Haglöfs had become a major player in the technical outdoor sector. Several of the company's products won international awards and prizes.

From the mid-2000s, Haglöfs became increasingly concerned with issues of responsibility and placed ever higher demands on suppliers, manufacturers and partners. In 2008, the company added the term 'responsible' to its business concept, became a member of bluesign® and appointed a person responsible for sustainability in the company to pursue this issue at a strategic level. Today, the largest manufacturer in Northern Europe stands for technically functional outdoor equipment, high-quality materials and perfect adaptability to external conditions. Haglöfs also has high ecological standards: environment protection and responsible use of resources are essential components of the company philosophy. Haglöfs wants to be the market leader in the segment of environmentally friendly equipment. And it is well on the way to achieving this ambitious goal.