Editor´s Note: GQ editor Andrew Richdale joined us for this year’s Fjällräven Classic trek, see his guest post below, also read more from his experience at the Classic in the feature The Swede Life on GQ.com


One of the things that surprised me most about The Classic was the dedication people had to the Fjallraven brand. In the States, there really isn’t anything similar. You’re lucky if people will leave their residences to see your store, let alone travel out of the country to participate in one of your events like so many folks did. I never got sick of seeing gritty grandpas sporting their beat-to-hell external frame bags on the trail either. They were like footprints of the owner’s travels and perfectly reflected the intimacy of the outdoors experience, as well.