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Designed in VARBERG
“All development takes place in Varberg. This makes the step from idea to finished prototype short.”
Camilla Johansson, product- and design manager
Already from the beginning, proximity was an important part of our philosophy. Thanks to a group of recently unemployed (recognized skilled) seamstresses, Paul Rydholm was able to start production in Varberg in 1983. With design, testing, and sewing under the same roof, he was able to achieve the high-quality standards he was striving for. Even today, we gather all development at our head office in Varberg for exactly the same reason.
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Think bigger
“After the turn of the millennium, a Nordic special force’s unit contacted us. They had a challenge with their current rainwear that caused interference with image intensifiers and night vision goggles.”
Jonas Rydholm, Creative Director
Can we develop a jacket that can withstand rain, but also has effective IR camouflage? In addition, it should be durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear in demanding environments. What started with a rain jacket ended up with a uniform system that changed the way people dress in cold and difficult conditions. Over ten years of development in collaboration with Scandinavian special forces resulted in CPA, a field uniform that is more functional and durable than any other on the market and a great example of the importance of always thinking bigger than a single garment.
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Constant development
“At Taiga, we don’t have a separate R&D department, the entire head office is a development workshop.”
Roland Iwanow, development and material manager
To achieve his vision of developing the world’s most durable workwear, Paul required the best materials available. We still do that. And if they don’t exist, we develop them ourselves. At Taiga, exploring new materials and techniques is part of our work process, which has resulted in groundbreaking systems and materials such as TMB-block and TCIP, our industry-leading IR camouflage.
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Tested in reality
“I have recently had the opportunity to test the quality and function of your Taiga garments. During a four-month scientific expedition in Bransfield Strait, Antarctica I used these garments daily (RACER expedition 1986-87).”
Vidar Øresland, marine biologist
These words begin the letter that marine biologist Vidar Øresland sent to Taiga on May 8, 1987. The letter, which also includes suggestions for improvement on function and design, summarizes a design philosophy that is as alive now as it was then: everything starts with the user. Our designers, pattern makers, and fabric managers have an ongoing dialogue with our most dedicated users to find out how our clothes are used. What is being put in the pockets? How does it affect the lifespan? Are the reflectors still visible after years of hard use? Nothing is left to chance.
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Close collaborations
“Together we can ensure an incredibly high level of materials and manufacturing processes.”
Camilla Johansson, product- och design manager
In 1983, we became one of the first licensed Gore-Tex suppliers in Scandinavia. In 1995, we were the first in the industry to receive ISO 9001 quality certification, and in 1997, we launched the groundbreaking TMB-block barrier system, developed for ambulance care in collaboration with W.L. Gore. TCIP, our proprietary IR camouflage, is one of the latest examples of the result of our close collaboration with some of the world’s leading suppliers.
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Personal commitment
“Collaboration with Taiga is characterized by a responsiveness and personal commitment that is unique in the industry.”
Rolf Grundberg, boatman
When Rolf Grundberg, a representative of the central clothing group at the Swedish Maritime Administration, met Taiga’s founder Paul Rydholm in the early 1980s, a collaboration began that has lasted for over 30 years. From the first thoughts on a uniform for boatmen and pilots to the development of Pilot Jacket 2.0 - the jacket that set a new standard for workwear at sea. In addition to innovation, the partnership also contains a truth that has been alive all these years: the realization that the finished garment is a direct result of the commitment and collaboration that precedes it.
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Human first
“I had an idea of starting a new company focused on people who spend a large part of their working life outdoors.”
Paul Rydholm, Taigas founder
In one of Taiga’s first product catalogues, Paul Rydholm put his finger on what still characterizes us today - our focus on people over clothes. Paul’s philosophy of quality and closeness to people, nature, and science continues to guide the way we work. The world, materials, and techniques may have changed in 40 years - but our fundamental philosophy has not.
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Scientifically proven
“I must be able to rely on my work clothes to function in a critical situation, regardless of the weather or event. They become a guarantee to get through every day in my changing assignment and can even be lifesaving.”
Erik Sarri, mountain entrepreneur
Our clothing systems are based on knowledge gained from over 40 years of collaboration with researchers, physiologists, and extreme users. Since 1998, we have had our own test center, Taiga Climate Lab, with the ability to simulate tough weather conditions such as cold, heat, or rain. There, we can expose both the garments and ourselves to extreme situations under controlled conditions with the goal of providing vulnerable occupational groups with good conditions to perform under difficult circumstances.
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Understanding the needs
“Compromising on function or lifespan is not an option for us.”
Roland Iwanow, development and material manager
We have never chosen the easiest path when it comes to design. In fact, our garments are constantly evolving because we see our users’ needs as our primary benchmark - needs that change over time. Truly trying to understand what is required of those who wear our workwear in some of the world’s most demanding professions and environments has been part of our DNA since the beginning. It’s a legacy that we proudly carry forward.
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Prepared
Idag väljer några av världens mest utsatta yrkesgrupper som polarforskare, fjällräddare, ambulanspersonal och specialenheter inom militär och polis Taiga som leverantör. Helt i linje med Paul Rydholms vision – att utveckla världens mest hållbara arbetskläder för världens mest krävande miljöer. I 40 år har vi hjälpt dig som behöver det som mest att komma rätt klädd och rätt förberedd. Till varje uppdrag.
Our history
In 1980, Paul Rydholm travels to Alaska to think about the future. He returns to Varberg with a vision: to develop the world’s most durable clothing system for the world’s most demanding environments. Today, every seam, pocket and function in our garments is characterized by the philosophy and path choices that Paul laid the foundation for over 40 years ago. This is our history.
