I came of age as an outdoorsperson in Norway, so my relationship to the outdoors is rooted in Norwegian philosophy and traditions—and I’m also extremely partial to Norwegian gear, which perfectly balances tech and heritage. Plus, it’s gorgeous. Norwegians don’t coddle their beautiful things; they understand that a hand-knit sweater deserves to see the top of a mountain, not just the top shelf of a closet, where it’s safe and untouched. If you want to bring some of that wisdom into your own life, try to use more of your “nicer” clothes and belongings outdoors, trusting that wear will only make them more special. And if you want to try out some Norwegian gear yourself, here are a few favorites I can recommend.
Kofte (Wool Sweater)
The most iconic Norwegian outdoor clothes are wool sweaters, called “kofter,” which are both super-warm and intricately beautiful. The multi-color patterns aren’t just for show; the yarn that’s not included in each stitch “floats” behind the fabric, adding another layer of warmth. Plus, the patterns originate in different valleys and regions, getting passed down and adapted over time. The traditional star that you might associate with Christmas sweaters? It’s actually called a selburose, a rose-inspired design from a region in central Norway. And these sweaters aren’t niche: one pattern called the mariusgenser, designed by Unn Søiland in 1953, has sold over five million copies nationwide. Of course, the most precious sweater is one that’s made by someone who loves you—but if you don’t have an extraordinarily generous knitter in your life, I like Dale of Norway’s Trondheim Sweater, which was designed for the 2025 World Ski Championships and combines playful colors with traditional design. (And if you want inspiration for wearing your best sweater outdoors, follow knitwear designer and self-proclaimed “soft explorer” Helene Myhre on Instagram at @helenemoo.)
Turkniv (Outdoor Knife)
When I was a teenager in the Norwegian Arctic, beautiful outdoor knives were one of the ultimate status symbols among my outdoorsy friends, and since then, heritage knives have been my go-to gift for pretty much all special occasions. (This tradition isn’t just mine; when my twins were born, a 76-year-old Norwegian friend gave them each camping knives as a welcome-to-the-world gift.) Scandinavian knives tend to be fixed-blades with laminated steel blades, wood or antler handles, and leather sheaths, and come in a range of sizes; the biggest ones can even be used for chopping wood. You can’t go wrong with Helle’s Harding knife, which features a curly birch and oak handle, a full-length tang, and is sized for versatility with a just-under-four-inch blade.
Fjellbukser (Mountain Pants)
In Norway, hard-wearing outdoor pants are called fjellbukser: mountain pants. (They’re also sometimes called turbukser—trip pants.) Mountain pants are a bit of a you-know-them-when-you-see-them situation, with different brands putting their own spins on the platonic ideal. But they usually have a few things in common: they can be worn on their own, but are loose enough to wear over long underwear or other layers; they feature reinforced knees, cuffs, and/or seat; they have ample pockets for supplies and snacks; and they’re often made of a poly-cotton blend for lightness, toughness, and breathability. Though a number of American-made pants could arguably fit into this category, some of the most authentic fjellbukser available are Fjallraven’s “Trekking Trousers,” which come in a range of materials for different conditions. I’m partial to the Vidda Pros, which have six pockets and adjustable cuffs, and are super-durable thanks to full construction in a proprietary water-resistant poly-cotton blend. (They’re hardcore for a reason; vidda means tundra in Norwegian.) If you want something more flexible with the same look, the Keb trousers feature stretch fabric with woven reinforcements.
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