Why is Haglöfs so Expensive? Is It Worth It?

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Outdoor enthusiasts are always looking for the best gear to enhance their experiences, and Haglöfs is a brand that has gained significant attention for its reputation of quality and durability. However, a common question among those new to the brand is why Haglöfs products come with such a hefty price tag.

Today, we’ll examine the factors that contribute to the high cost of Haglöfs products and aim to answer the question of whether or not the brand is worth the investment.

One of the primary reasons behind Haglöfs’ pricing is the materials used in the manufacturing of their products. The company sources these materials from some of the most renowned suppliers worldwide, ensuring the highest quality and sustainability standards are met.

This commitment to utilizing top-notch materials not only guarantees that customers receive a product that can withstand the test of time, but also allows the brand to maintain its positions on environmental responsibility and adhere to strict ethical guidelines.

Another contributing factor to Haglöfs’ premium pricing is the rigorous research and development process which goes into crafting each product. The company invests heavily in innovation, constantly seeking to advance its technical designs and improve overall performance, comfort, and functionality.

This dedication to product improvement sets Haglöfs apart from competitors and can make a significant difference in the user experience, which may justify the additional cost for some outdoor enthusiasts.

But let’s take a more detailed look!

1. Brand History and Reputation

Origins of Haglöfs

Haglöfs was founded in 1914 by Swedish outdoorsman Wiktor Haglöf. He started the company in his small village of Torsång, where he initially crafted backpacks for local farmers and loggers.

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Haglöfs official website

Over the years, Haglöfs has expanded its product range to include clothing, footwear, and outdoor equipment for various activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountaineering.

The brand is known for its commitment to sustainable practices and using high-quality materials that offer durability and performance in all weather conditions.

Current Market Position

Today, Haglöfs is considered one of the leading outdoor brands in Europe, with a strong presence in the Scandinavian region. It is widely recognized for its innovative designs, eco-conscious approach, and technical expertise. Some key aspects of their market position include:

Market Presence: The company operates in many countries, with most of its sales coming from Sweden, Norway, and Finland.
Product Range: Haglöfs offers a comprehensive range of products for various outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and mountaineering, relying on the Gore-Tex® technology for high-performance, waterproof garments.

Sustainability: Haglöfs is committed to minimizing its environmental impact through various initiatives such as using bluesign®-approved fabrics, recycling materials, and maintaining strict chemical usage guidelines.
Awards and Recognition: The brand has received several awards for its innovative products and sustainable practices, reinforcing its reputation as a premium outdoor brand.

In terms of pricing, Haglöfs products typically fall within the medium-to-premium segment. This can be attributed to the brand’s use of high-quality materials and advanced technological features, which provide superior durability, comfort, and performance.

Also, their focus on sustainability and eco-conscious initiatives contributes to the higher price point. While Haglöfs products may be more expensive than other outdoor brands, many customers consider the investment worth it due to the brand’s commitment to quality and sustainability.

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Haglöfs Men’s Riksgränsen Down 850 Hood Jacket – costs around $530
image: haglofs.com

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2. Materials and Construction Quality

Selection of Premium Materials

Haglöfs carefully selects premium materials for creating its outdoor clothing and gear. Their focus is on durability, designing lightweight gear, and sustainability. As an example, they use:

Gore-Tex®: A waterproof, windproof, and highly breathable membrane known for its exceptional performance.
Polartec® Power Stretch®: A resilient fabric providing excellent insulation and moisture-wicking properties.

Pertex®: A lightweight, breathable fabric with high-performing weather resistance.
Haglöfs MIMIC synthetic insulation: For its cold-weather clothing, offers great warmth just like natural down insulation.

These materials are carefully sourced for their ability to withstand harsh weather and demanding activities. By incorporating them into their products, Haglöfs can ensure a user’s comfort and safety in the outdoors.

You might also like: Haglöfs vs The North Face: Which is Better for Outdoor Gear?

Innovation in Design

Haglöfs products are innovative in design, providing features essential for outdoor enthusiasts. This is evident in their approach to engineering:

Ergonomics: Understanding the importance of comfort and movement, Haglöfs designs its products to fit the contours of the body and to facilitate natural motion.

Weather Resistance: Comprehensive weather protection is essential, and Haglöfs products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand challenging conditions.
Breathability: Maximizing comfort during outdoor activities is a priority. Haglöfs gear is designed to maintain breathability for temperature regulation and moisture management.

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Haglöfs LIM Gore-Tex Active Men’s Jacket
image: haglofs.com

Their commitment to innovation extends to sustainability and corporate responsibility as well:

bluesign® Approved: Haglöfs partners with bluesign® technologies, a leading industry standard for eco-friendly production.
Environmentally Friendly DWR: Many products feature Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings free from harmful chemicals like perfluorinated compounds (PFCs).

These features contribute to the high price of Haglöfs products, but they also reflect the brand’s commitment to providing the best possible outdoor experiences.

3. Comparative Market Analysis

Price Bracket of Competitors

When exploring the prices of Haglöfs products, it’s essential to compare them to their competitors to gain a better understanding of the market. A few recognized competing brands in the outdoor gear industry include:

The North Face: Known for producing high-quality outdoor gear, The North Face offers a range of jackets, backpacks, and other outdoor equipment at various prices.
Patagonia: Patagonia focuses on environmentally friendly sustainable outdoor products. Their pricing is often in a similar bracket as Haglöfs.
Arc’teryx: Arc’teryx is a premium brand in the outdoor gear market, offering high-quality products at a higher price range.

Columbia: Columbia targets budget-conscious consumers by delivering affordable yet functional outdoor gear solutions.

A quick look at an example list of average price ranges for these brands’ jackets in USD:

Brand	Jackets’ Price Range (USD)
Haglöfs	$100 – $800
The North Face	$70 – $800
Patagonia	$130 – $700
Arc’teryx	$150 – $1000
Columbia	$50 – $300

Learn more: Haglöfs vs Arc’teryx Outdoor Gear: A Comparison

Cost vs. Performance Analysis

Haglöfs products generally fall into a mid to high price range. The question is, do the performance and quality justify the price? It’s crucial to examine the materials, construction, and innovation of their products to understand their value.

Materials: Haglöfs utilizes advanced materials such as GORE-TEX, Polartec, MIMIC, and Pertex, which are known for their high performance and durability. These materials contribute to the product’s overall functionality and enable it to withstand difficult weather conditions.

Construction: When it comes to construction, Haglöfs makes products that are both reliable and well-designed. Their attention to detail includes reinforced stress points, seam-sealed zippers, and ergonomic fit, which enhance durability and overall performance.

Innovation: Haglöfs is continuously working on new technologies and adapting to customer needs, which adds value to their products. For example, their QuadFusion™ Mimic insulation technology provides an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, making their products suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities.

In the end, it’s clear that Haglöfs strives to provide a balance of performance and quality, which contributes to its overall value in the market. We think that their prices are justified after examining all the features and technologies that go into each of the Swedish brand’s products.

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Haglöfs LIM 35 Hiking Backpack – image haglofs.com

4. Consumer Considerations

Longevity and Durability

When considering the prices of a brand, it’s essential to take into account the longevity and durability of their products.

Users typically find that Haglöfs items can withstand difficult outdoor environments, frequent use, and the test of time. As a result, the initial investment in Haglöfs products often pays off due to the extended life of the items.

Some of the factors contributing to Haglöfs’ durability include:

Material selection: Haglöfs carefully selects materials that are resistant to wear and tear, such as GORE-TEX and Polartec for their jackets and pants.
Design and construction: Haglöfs invests in robust designs and construction techniques to create products that can endure the challenges of outdoor activities.

Warranty and Customer Service

Another factor contributing to the value of Haglöfs products is their warranty and customer service. Haglöfs offers a warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for the reasonable lifespan of the product.

This warranty gives customers peace of mind, knowing that they are protected in the event of any issues with their products. It also demonstrates the confidence Haglöfs has in the quality of their offering.

In addition, Haglöfs is known for its responsive and helpful customer service. They are committed to addressing customers’ concerns and providing solutions to ensure a positive experience. This level of support can add value to a brand, with customers appreciating the assistance when needed.

Resale Value

Lastly, the resale value of Haglöfs products is another aspect to consider. Due to the high quality and durability of their products, Haglöfs items often maintain a higher resale value compared to other brands.

This means that even after years of use, customers may still be able to sell their used Haglöfs gear for a reasonable price, partially offsetting the initial cost.

Popular platforms for reselling outdoor gear, such as eBay or outdoor-specific marketplaces, can give you a sense of the resale value of your specific Haglöfs items.