For those who love Scandi-style (and who doesn’t?) there’s good news. The sleek, clean, colorful vibe that you get from your favorite chic Ganni pieces is available in outdoor gear and apparel, too. Our ace correspondent and expert on all things Scandi, Jillian Tangen, has curated a list of the best brands for Scandinavian style outdoor gear and apparel, based on the Norwegian concept of allemannsretten.
You know hygge – now, meet allemannsretten
By now you are probably familiar with the popular Danish concept of hygge, a home decor concept of coziness designed to engender feelings of wellness and contentment. Hygge often involves red wine, friends and family, and possibly even a good Easter mystery.
If you love the concept of hygge as much as we do, we’d like to introduce you to yet another Scandinavian lifestyle hack, the ancient Norwegian belief in allemannsretten.
Otherwise known as every man’s right to roam.
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In Norway, you can walk nearly anywhere you want to experience nature. Regular outdoor recreation is a major part of national identity, and is established by law. Citizens are free to enjoy the great outdoors and breathe in as much of the fresh air as they want – as long as they leave the landscape as they found it.
The result of all that fresh air and outdoor adventures? Norway consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world year after year.
While we can’t all roam as freely as we please right now in the US and in many other countries, we can each take a little time to enjoy the offerings of the great outdoors in a nearby forest or park while still maintaining social distancing.
And why not? It’s well proven that a little time in the forest not only does your body good, but your mental health, too. And who doesn’t need that these days?
Before you head off into the woods to nourish your body and your soul, there are a few things you might want to have in your rucksack.
We’ve pulled together some of our favorite must-have trail items – all from Scandinavia, of course – for enjoying a safe and responsible walk through the great outdoors. From all-weather ready apparel to snacks and sunscreens, here’s what you need to enjoy all that the outdoors offers, Scandi-style.
the best chic Scandinavian style outdoor gear right now
1.
This packable lightweight down jacket was made for all-season use. During chilly summer nights, it makes for the perfect cover. In the winter, you can layer it under your favorite downhill shell for a little extra warmth. Need more convincing? This little Norwegian powerhouse can be compressed into its own pocket, making it a perfect bring-along insulation piece.
The best Scandinavian style outdoor gear and apparel: Norrøna Falketind Down Jacket – $289.
2.
Norwegian brand Helly Hansen’s Vanir softshell pants offer a durable stretch that is not only comfortable but water repellant, windproof and breathable too – ensuring you stay comfortable no matter the weather.
The best Scandinavian style outdoor gear and apparel: Helly Hansen Vanir Hybrid Pant for women – $120.
3.
When it comes to working out and being active outdoors, wool is always a good idea. It helps regulate your body temperature and has odor and bacteria-resistant properties. This merino wool “Oslo” t-shirt from Bergans of Norway promises warmth even if it gets wet. And it can absorb more than 30% of its own weight before it starts feeling damp.
The best Scandinavian style outdoor gear and apparel: Bergans of Norway “Oslo” Wool Tee – $70.
4.
We’ve said it before and we will say it again, the key to a successful outdoor adventure includes a solid foundation. We love the colorful and fun selection of athletic socks from Sweden’s very own Happy Socks. Boring white gym socks need not apply.
The best Scandinavian style outdoor gear and apparel, based on the Norwegian concept of allemannsretten: Happy Socks – $22.
5.
Lace up and hit the trails in a pair of chic and colorful Swedish trainers.
The best Scandinavian style outdoor gear and apparel, based on the Norwegian concept of allemannsretten:: Tretorn Loyola Sneakers – $95.
6.
The iconic drinking bottles from the Danish brand Eva Solo are made of BPA-free plastic and stainless steel. In addition to being a healthy alternative to the traditional plastic water bottle, they are more beautiful to look at, too.
The best brands for Scandinavian style outdoor gear and apparel: Eva Solo Water Bottle – $28.
7.
Shield your face from the sun (or cover up a bad hair day) with one of Norway’s most popular hat brands, founded by two brothers who were in search of the perfect fitting cap.
The best brands for Scandinavian style outdoor gear and apparel: Varsity Headwear Sports Hat – $80.
8.
There’s a classic Norwegian saying that there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Be ready for whatever the elements throw at you with a cheerful rain poncho from Finnish print maker, Marimekko.
The best brands for Scandinavian outdoor gear and apparel: Marimekko Rain Poncho – $180.
9.
We love Danish audio brand, Kreafunk’s wireless earbuds because they can be used individually or as a pair for stereo sound. On top of that, they feature a detachable neck cord that’s ideal for outdoor exercise.
The best brands for Scandinavian outdoor gear and apparel: Kreafunk Bgem Wireless Headphones – $121.
10.
As the days get longer, so does the risk of excessive exposure to the sun. Keep your skin protected with this Danish organic SPF 50 sun stick.
The best brands for chic Scandinavian outdoor gear and apparel: Rudolph Care Sun Stick – $20.
11.
Every good hiker knows you don’t hit the trails without a snack. Our family’s must have is a Norwegian chocolate called Kvikk Lunsj (aka Quick Lunch). It’s similar to a Kit Kat, and provides an extra energy boost when we need it.
Favorite Scandinavian brand hiking snacks: Freia Kvikk Lunsj – $4 and Freia Firklover – $5.
12.
You’re gonna need a backpack to carry everything we’ve listed around in, right? You can’t go wrong with Sweden’s most famous rucksack. Not only will it fit all of the above, but it also comes with a removable seat pad, so you can comfortably take a break from your adventures any time you like.
The best chic Scandinavian style outdoor gear and apparel: Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 – $180.
the best chic Scandinavian style outdoor gear right now
What do you think? Are you ready to add some allemannsretten to your Scandi lifestyle repertoire? We think it pairs perfectly with some well-deserved evenings brimming with hygge. Happy trails!
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Jillian Tangen is the Head of Research at Dandelion Chandelier and a former Senior Research Analyst at McKinsey & Co and Analyst at Shearman & Sterling. She is an avid fan of Nordic design, having owned an independent lifestyle store and sales agency focused on emerging Scandinavian design. Jillian lives in New York and is married with three young children. She loves cross-country skiing, the New York Rangers, reading, travel and discovering new brands.
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For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.