Fjällräven Polar
Reigniting the spark
Fjällräven Polar expands comfort zones, and can even be a transformative experience, with some alumni embarking on entirely new ways of living after the expedition.
For Tiffany Diep, a 2025 participant and mother of three young daughters, Fjällräven Polar reignited the spark to once again set goals for herself in nature. Now, she’s living more authentically and inspiring her children to dream big.
Why was it important for you to participate in Fjällräven Polar?
I led an adventurous life before motherhood. When I found nature as a young adult, I felt like I found myself. I was always planning the next big adventure or looking to learn new skills – anything that would allow me to explore in different ways.
Life got busy after becoming a mom. Then even more so due to the health issues of my twins. I needed this experience to prioritise self-care and find myself again.
My girls are my motivation to be the best version of myself. Incorporating nature into my life and sharing my love for it is part of that. It’s good for them to see their mom doing challenging things and know it’s okay to push beyond your comfort zone, because great beauty lies there. I don’t fit the mould of what most people envision as an explorer, but I think everyone belongs outdoors. If a petite South-Asian female who never camped or hiked as a child can be an Arctic explorer, they can too!
For Tiffany Diep, a 2025 participant and mother of three young daughters, Fjällräven Polar reignited the spark to once again set goals for herself in nature. Now, she’s living more authentically and inspiring her children to dream big.
Why was it important for you to participate in Fjällräven Polar?
I led an adventurous life before motherhood. When I found nature as a young adult, I felt like I found myself. I was always planning the next big adventure or looking to learn new skills – anything that would allow me to explore in different ways.
Life got busy after becoming a mom. Then even more so due to the health issues of my twins. I needed this experience to prioritise self-care and find myself again.
My girls are my motivation to be the best version of myself. Incorporating nature into my life and sharing my love for it is part of that. It’s good for them to see their mom doing challenging things and know it’s okay to push beyond your comfort zone, because great beauty lies there. I don’t fit the mould of what most people envision as an explorer, but I think everyone belongs outdoors. If a petite South-Asian female who never camped or hiked as a child can be an Arctic explorer, they can too!
What was it like to be in the Arctic?
It was emotional. It was surreal that all my life experiences, as trivial as they may have felt in the moment, led me to be in the Arctic with the best people. I felt deep gratitude for life and connection with others and nature.
It was emotional. It was surreal that all my life experiences, as trivial as they may have felt in the moment, led me to be in the Arctic with the best people. I felt deep gratitude for life and connection with others and nature.
What were the most challenging and rewarding aspects of Fjällräven Polar?
The biggest challenge was the long days. From the moment we woke up there were so many tasks before heading off. Then, after being on the sled for hours, we had to set up camp and care for the dogs before taking care of ourselves.
The most rewarding part was how we came together to complete tasks. The challenges helped us create strong bonds with each other and our dogs in a short amount of time. It wouldn’t have been possible without the team effort. I loved the simplicity of ignoring the noise of normal life and focusing on needs and connections.
What did you learn about yourself during the expedition? How has the experience impacted life?
I learned that I’m at my best when I can connect with nature and this has reignited a spark in me that I’d set aside. I need physical goals in nature to be a better person – physically, mentally, and emotionally – so I’m prioritising exercise and health. My goal is taking a mountaineer’s approach to summit Mount Washington. It feels great to work towards a goal. I’m also partnering with a travel company to host an Iceland adventure targeting mothers of all experience levels … especially those who aren’t comfortable exploring on their own or need support as they are engulfed in motherhood.
This self-care has helped me to be more patient and present with my daughters. We spend more time together and I’m carving out time for one-on-one hikes. I always have them say, ‘I am strong. I am brave. I can do hard things.’ The same applies to me and I should continue putting myself in challenging situations, because that’s where you find empowerment. I want my girls to dream big, to follow their hearts and curiosities, and find new ways of growing. If you can picture yourself doing something, don’t lose sight of it.
The biggest challenge was the long days. From the moment we woke up there were so many tasks before heading off. Then, after being on the sled for hours, we had to set up camp and care for the dogs before taking care of ourselves.
The most rewarding part was how we came together to complete tasks. The challenges helped us create strong bonds with each other and our dogs in a short amount of time. It wouldn’t have been possible without the team effort. I loved the simplicity of ignoring the noise of normal life and focusing on needs and connections.
What did you learn about yourself during the expedition? How has the experience impacted life?
I learned that I’m at my best when I can connect with nature and this has reignited a spark in me that I’d set aside. I need physical goals in nature to be a better person – physically, mentally, and emotionally – so I’m prioritising exercise and health. My goal is taking a mountaineer’s approach to summit Mount Washington. It feels great to work towards a goal. I’m also partnering with a travel company to host an Iceland adventure targeting mothers of all experience levels … especially those who aren’t comfortable exploring on their own or need support as they are engulfed in motherhood.
This self-care has helped me to be more patient and present with my daughters. We spend more time together and I’m carving out time for one-on-one hikes. I always have them say, ‘I am strong. I am brave. I can do hard things.’ The same applies to me and I should continue putting myself in challenging situations, because that’s where you find empowerment. I want my girls to dream big, to follow their hearts and curiosities, and find new ways of growing. If you can picture yourself doing something, don’t lose sight of it.
Published 2025
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