5 Takeaways from the 2025 Fjallraven Annual Classic USA
Last week, I experienced my first-ever Fjallraven Annual Classic! Let’s just say it was nothing short of incredible!
Over three days and 30 miles, I got to trek amidst the majestic Colorado Rockies, learn more about why Fjallraven puts on their Annual Classics (globally), and meet some rad individuals. For someone who just moved to Denver and was looking to build a new community and see nature out here, it was the perfect opportunity for me!
If you’re interested in backpacking but haven’t done much of it or would like to be a part of a huge event, I think the Fjallraven Annual Classic USA is perfect. But I’ll leave that up to you as you read through the trip’s breakdown, what I learned, and the photos along the way.
Takeaways from North America’s 2025 Fjallraven Annual Classic
After completing my first Fjallraven Annual Classic USA, I want to share some of the biggest takeaways from the trek. Hopefully, this will inspire you to join the US Classic next year!
1. Incredible introduction to backpacking
If you’ve never gone backpacking before or are somewhat new to it, this is the BEST way to venture in.
I personally consider this to be glamorous backpacking. They provide all of your water for you (you can filter or you can go down to the check-in stations and get drinking water), snacks are provided throughout the trek (which limits how much weight you need to carry), and there are medics on site.
And you have some 300 people joining you on the trail as well. (They are broken up into two groups, so it’s technically 150 people per hiking group.)
One of the most significant barriers to entry for backpacking is not knowing who to go with, being worried about getting lost, or not knowing what to bring. The Fjallraven Annual Classic takes care of all that. (Well, you do need to bring your gear, but they tell you what to bring.)
2. Long days, but not strenuous
This is not an easy trip by any means. The Fjallraven Annual Classic is 3 days and roughly 30 miles of hiking. But, it’s also not overly challenging. The hardest part, in my view, is hiking at elevation. The trail starts around 9,300 feet. Thankfully, it’s one of the most gradual trails you’ll find in Colorado (also because it’s a 4×4 road).
A few people did have to bail after the first day due to altitude sickness.
The hardest day (and best day) was day 2. This was when we went above the tree line and crossed over the Continental Divide. It’s a 7-mile hiking day wth an option for a 4-mile round trip detour to Corona Lake. (Totally worth it and you get to drop your heavy packs at the checkpoint.)
3. Supportive environment
This truly felt like a family affair. The Fjallraven team does an amazing job putting this together to make it welcoming, supportive, and fun. No one’s left out to dry on this trek.
At every checkpoint, you have to ‘check in’ and get your passport card stamped. This ensures they know where everyone is throughout the day.
4. Easily worth the $250
It costs $250 per person to join the USA Annual Classic. For that price, it’s a steal!
This is everything that comes with the cost:
- Shuttle from the Fjallraven Boulder store to Trekkers Inn and back
- You’re provided with dinner on the first night at Trekkers Inn and breakfast the following morning.
- Backpacking meals provided by Backpackers Pantry.
- Annual Classic Shirt and Hat
- BBQ Lunch after the 30 miles are wrapped up.
5. Not the most scenic, but day 2 rocked
I went into this with fairly low expectations for views and photography opportunities. I can happily say they were exceeded. The hiking portions of the first and last day are not scenic, as you’re simply hiking in a forest on a path.
What was incredible were all the wildflowers near the lakes and the higher elevations.
Day 2 was pretty grand. The flowers were phenomenal, and hiking over the trestles near the Continental Divide was a unique experience.
You have to go into this not expecting the most brilliant scenery because it’s geared more as a low-key experience and trek, and not an epic mountaineering conquest.
A Day-By-Day Breakdown of the Fjallraven Classic USA
Here’s how the day-by-day breakdown went. I won’t share some details to keep the experience alive!
Day 0 – Arrive in mid-afternoon: Meet at Trekkers Inn (just a meadow near Nederland, CO). Get all your supplies, hear safety talks, and dinner is provided. Set up camp for the night.
Day 1 – Pack up camp and pack backpacks, hop on the shuttle to the trailhead. (Shuttle is 30-40 mins). Breakfast is provided on-site. Hike 9 miles to camp.
Day 2 – Pack up camp and hike to Rollins Pass. The first 2.5 miles are uphill—optional 4-mile round-trip hike down to Corona Lake—600 feet of loss/gain. Hike back over the Divide and down to camp. 11 miles total. Dinner at the lake.
Day 3: Final Day! It’s all downhill to the trailhead. About 10 miles in total. Treats at the end of the hike. Then hop on the shuttle back to Trekkers Inn for a BBQ lunch, beers, and more! Then head home.
Photos from the trail in the Colorado Rockies
FAQ’s on the USA Annual Classic
What gear do I need to bring?
You’ll need to bring all of the core backpacking gear that you usually would. They will provide all meals, though if you want to bring more food, you can, but it’s not needed.
- Light backpacking tent
- 15-30 degree sleeping bag
- Light, yet comfy sleeping pad
- 55L-65L backpacking bag: Men’s | Women’s
- Jet Boil Stove
- Water filter
- Hiking Poles
- Backpacking Chair
- 2x Backpacking Meals
- 1x Hiking Pants, 2x Sunshirt, 1x Down Jacket, 1x Rain Jacket, 1x sleeping shirt, 1x leggings, 1x beanie and hat, 2x Socks
- Headlamp
What Fjallraven gear did I try out?
As a media member, Fjallraven gave me some gear to test out. I had never tried any of their clothes before, and I enjoyed the opportunity to use the gear and put it to the test! Everything worked perfectly, and I even needed the rain jacket for some afternoon rain and hail.
- Keb Eco Shell Rain Jacket: Men’s | Women’s
- Expedition X-Latt Insulated Jacket: Men’s | Women’s
- Abisko Hybrid Trail Shorts – Men’s
- Abisko Hybrid Trail Trousers – Men’s
What was my favorite part of the Annual Classic?
My favorite part of the Fjallraven Annual Classic was being part of an event that was bigger than myself. I got to meet some cool people and hear stories of the Rollins Pass area that I didn’t know. The views above treeline were also pretty incredible, offering a glimpse of an area I had never seen before.
What’s one thing I should bring that I wouldn’t think about?
This is strictly due to the weather, but I wish I had brought a book to read. We had some heavy rains on day 2 and were stuck in our tents for a bit. It would have been nice to settle in and read instead of staring up at my tent.
Who is the US Fjallraven Annual Classic meant for?
This is meant for anyone who wants to get out and have a great time in nature and join an awesome community. There are people with all kinds of skill levels, from brand new backpackers to those who have done the PCT and other long thru hikes.
While it’s not a rugged backpacking trip, it is still backpacking and allows you an epic experience in the Colorado Rockies.
Where do you hike?
We started the hike just before East Moffat Tunnel and hiked up to Rollins Pass and the Continental Divide. It’s a long, winding route (partially accessible by 4×4). The first and third days are somewhat ‘meh’ for views, but day 2 is gorgeous and definitely my favorite!
Want to join the 2026 Annual Classic?
Keep an eye on this page.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
Follow on social media: TikTok || Instagram || Facebook || Newsletter | YouTube