Finnish design
High quality
For adventures
About Us
We are VAI-KO. Born in Finland, we are a a clothing and accessory brand built for those who love adventures and the outdoors.
At our core, we create high-quality gear designed to transition seamlessly From Urban to Wilderness. Whether you are navigating a bustling city commute or trekking along a rugged mountain trail, our products are made to keep you comfortable and looking good.
We believe in timeless design inspired by the beauty of nature and crafting products that are built to last.
The Beanie Epiphany & The Timberjack
VAI-KO's story begins with a beanie. Maria and Henri wore beanies year-round, but they noticed these everyday essentials were often treated as cheap side products in the clothing industry. They felt something so heavily used deserved more care, effort and high-quality materials.
In November 2014, we launched our first merino wool beanie collection at the Board Expo in Finland. The positive response from customers made it clear we were on the right path. Shortly after, seeing our products in the windows of our first retailers, Boardsport and Secret Spot in Helsinki, made the project feel real. VAI-KO was officially a brand.
By 2015, we introduced the Timberjack Beanie. Made locally in Finland from 100% organic merino wool and finished with a wooden logo button carved from Finnish birch, it quickly resonated with people. For nearly a decade, it has been our best-seller, representing exactly what we aim for: timeless and functional design made from certified organic materials.
Behind the Wheel: The Camper Van Chronicles
To truly live the alternative lifestyle VAI-KO represents, Maria and Henri decided to break free from standard urban routines. Inspired by a life-changing road trip Henri took in New Zealand, they purchased an old 1995 German Mercedes 308D post van. With the help of friends, family, and Maria’s design skills, they spent half a year transforming the yellow van into a pale blue mobile home and our official VAI-KO headquarters.
They named the van Urho, a tribute to their 91-year-old former flatmate in Helsinki who had traveled to over 50 countries.
Living and working from Urho allowed our founders to stay intimately connected with the nature that inspires our designs. Vanlife wasn't always the perfect, sun-drenched Instagram picture. There were rainy days, damp clothes, and unexpected break-ins, but the freedom to wake up by a quiet lake or at the base of a climbing route was worth every compromise.
VAI-KO Today & The Birth of Woolly Wolf
Over the years, our vision has grown beyond those first beanies. Today, VAI-KO can be found through multiple retailers, and we have expanded our collection to outfit your everyday adventures. Our range now includes organic cotton t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts, as well as linen and organic cotton caps and bucket hats. We continue to offer our signature merino wool and recycled wool beanies, along with headbands, scarves, and bags made from recycled polyester.
Our love for the outdoors also naturally extends to the companions who share our journeys. In 2016, Maria hand-tied a leash for her dog, Yoda, using a retired piece of rope from her local climbing gym. Soon after, while driving across Europe in the van, she began sketching ideas for what would become our sister brand, Woolly Wolf. Today, Woolly Wolf creates durable dog gear from recycled materials.
"From the streets of Helsinki to the deepest wilderness, our story is woven into every stitch of our clothing. We invite you to join us, ask for an alternative, and bring a piece of nature with you wherever you go."
See what's new
Rugby Shirt Men
Rugby Shirt Men
Autumn Aster Boxy T-shirt Women
Autumn Aster Sweatshirt Women
Bear With The View Hoodie Men
Bear With The View T-shirt Men
Cafe a la Nature Boxy T-shirt Women
Crew Merino Wool Sock
Crew Merino Wool Sock
Crew Merino Wool Sock
Crew Merino Wool Sock
