G-1000 is Fjällräven’s hardwearing poly-cotton fabric used across jackets, trousers and packs. Its key advantage is that performance can be tuned with Greenland Wax. Add more wax for tougher weather and abrasion; back it off when you want maximum breathability in warm conditions.
What is G-1000, and which versions take wax best?
- G-1000 Eco: recycled polyester and organic cotton; ideal for everyday outdoor use. Takes wax well.
- G-1000 HeavyDuty (and HD Eco): denser weave for packs and high-wear panels; accepts heavier waxing.
- G-1000 Lite: lighter, cooler; a light coat of wax adds shower resistance without adding much weight.
- G-1000 Air: made for airflow; keep unwaxed or very lightly waxed to retain ventilation.
What is Greenland Wax?
A solid bar made from paraffin and beeswax. It’s clean to handle, quick to apply, and easy to refresh. The finish is adjustable: a single thin coat suits mixed spring weather; additional coats increase protection against wind, drizzle, and wet foliage.
How waxing improves performance
- Weather resistance: increases beading against light rain and damp brush; water sits on the surface instead of soaking in.
- Wind protection: A waxed face slows airflow through the weave, cutting wind chill.
- Durability: A slightly stiffer, smoother surface resists abrasion and dirt, helping garments last longer.
- Tunable breathability: more wax = more protection and less airflow; less wax = cooler and faster drying.
Where to focus the wax
- Jackets: shoulders, hood, sleeves’ fronts and cuffs.
- Trousers: thighs, knees and seat; hems if walking through wet grass or heather.
- Packs & accessories (G-1000 panels): base and outer pockets to resist spray and scuffs.
Simple application (home or on the move)
- Work on clean, dry fabric. Rub the Greenland Wax bar lightly over the surface in long, even strokes.
- Heat to melt the wax into the fibres:
- Iron: low to medium heat, no steam, slow passes until the wax has disappeared.
- Hairdryer: warm, steady airflow at close range.
- Cool, then test with a few drops of water. For extra protection, repeat with a second thin coat.
When to re-wax
Reapply whenever water stops beading or after sustained abrasion (from rucksack straps, scrambling, or frequent washing). Spot clean where possible; detergent and hot washes reduce the wax finish.
When to go lighter on wax
Warm, dry trips; highly aerobic use; or garments made with G-1000 Air panels intended for maximum airflow. You can also de-emphasise waxing on the underarm and back panels to keep ventilation.
What not to wax
- Membrane or lined waterproof shells.
- Fleece, knitwear and down baffles.
- Vinylon F (e.g., classic Kånken); it’s a different fabric with its weather resistance.
Fjällräven G-1000: The Fabric Behind Jackets, Trousers and Backpacks
This video takes a closer look at Fjällräven’s G-1000 fabric, the foundation of much of the brand’s outdoor kit. Blending polyester and cotton, it’s a hardwearing material that can be adapted with Greenland Wax for extra weather protection. Watch the film to see how G-1000 delivers durability and versatility for everything from daily use to extended treks.
Recommended products & further reading
- Fjällräven Greenland Wax
- Fjällräven Jackets
- Men’s Fjällräven Trousers | Women’s Fjällräven Trousers
- G-1000: fabric fundamentals
- Fjällräven Accessories
Set your G-1000 up for the conditions you expect, and you’ll get the balance of protection, breathability and longevity that makes these garments reliable year after year.
