The First 10 Years of Our Beloved Kulkuri; When One Is Never Enough

Although the Kulkuri down throw was not created overnight, it was loved from the very first moment.

Joutsen’s story with travel and outdoor throws goes back surprisingly far. As early as the 1950s, we were already producing blankets designed for outdoor use, a time when fabrics were made of cotton, and their purpose was clearly rooted in outdoor life.

Over the decades, our outdoor collection expanded. Alongside sleeping bags, we developed various travel sacks and outdoor throws made from the same fabrics used in sleeping bags. These materials were strong, durable, and highly water-repellent, designed to withstand northern conditions and outdoor life.

And even if the production of sleeping bags came to an end in 2007, the story of outdoor throws did not.

An Idea Takes Shape

A few years later, the first lightweight down jackets began to appear in Joutsen’s outerwear collections. Ultralight microfiber fabrics combined with high-quality, pure down created a pairing that quickly impressed with its comfort and performance.

That was when the idea emerged:

What if these same beautiful fabrics could be used to create something entirely new?

A product that would feel just as natural at home as it would outdoors.

The prototypes were thick and exceptionally warm. They worked well indoors but were not easy to carry along. Something lighter was needed. More versatile. Easier to take with you.

The Birth of Kulkuri

The decisive insight was found in lightness. The fabrics had already proven their suitability for outdoor use: they repelled water and dirt, were durable, and felt wonderfully soft to the touch. Combined with 100% down, they formed the perfect foundation for a product that would be both easy to care for and easy to carry.

Inspiration also came from Japan, where we manufactured extremely thin, small-quilted summer blankets—sometimes referred to as “cracker-thin” blankets—made from fine cotton fabrics. The production technique, however, had to be adapted for completely new materials. This required testing, finding the right needles, and learning new ways of working.

The result was Kulkuri.

When One Is Not Enough

The first Kulkuri throws resembling today’s models arrived on the market around ten years ago. Kulkuri quickly became a success in online stores as well: a product whose idea and purpose became clear at a glance.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kulkuri brought comfort and joy to many as time spent at home and excursions into nearby nature surged in popularity. It found its place on sofas and terraces, in summer cottages and forests alike.

Customer reviews spoke of Kulkuri’s irresistibly comforting warmth. And soon, the same pattern repeated itself in more and more households: one Kulkuri was no longer enough. Perfectly warm, light and breathable, it became part of a gentler everyday life—one that people were reluctant to share.

Kulkuri Today

Over the years, Kulkuri has evolved, yet its essence has remained the sameWe have now transitioned to using recycled fabrics that meet our high standards, allowing us to further increase the share of responsible materials.

Kulkuri remains a true all-rounder.

A blanket that goes with you.

A product that finds its place at home, and effortlessly brings its comforting warmth along, wherever life takes you.

Our most beloved product.

And for a very good reason.