We’re out and about in the Norwegian outdoors all year round and in all kinds of weather. And after too many perfect moments ruined by base wear that got sweaty, wet and cold, and failing to find anything better, we decided to do something about it - we just made it ourselves.
This is how
With the help of an old sewing machine and a few YouTube sewing courses the first Zipbody™ and Ziplongs® were more than just a dream. Zipwear™ was born! At last, we had some functional clothing that let us enjoy the outdoors to the fullest.
The following weekend we tried it out in the backcountry. Our friends got interested and wanted to get their hands on this new creation too. Once friends were enjoying the new freedom of Zipwear™, it was clear that others would too - something had to be done! We simply had to start our own company. Since then Zipwear™ has helped thousands of people enjoy the outdoors to the fullest.
Looking back we realise today that we have challenged a few conventions in the industry. We are proud of that and want to continue to do that. Since day one, we have imposed an environmental tax on ourselves. For every sale on our webpage we send money to plant trees in Ethiopia. Launching our second concept - The Organic Collection - is another small step to try do do thing our own way. Today we have also finally launched a third project we are very proud of - Made in Tøyen, Oslo. With this project we have been able to start production of certain products in our homebase of Oslo.
Why the name Northern Playground?
Northern Playground is a tribute and commitment to nature. Being from Norway, nature is where we live and play. It’s where it all makes sense. A fragile place we need to protect.
What we believe in - Be the change
If you see something that needs to be fixed, don’t wait to see what others do. Take charge, put your neck on the line and do something about it. Everything begins and ends with our very own behavior and attitude. It’s up to everyone of us to be the change we want to see around us.
2011 - From Idea to Protoype
Jo is sick of sweaty boxers and sows the first Zipbody with his mom
2011 - The World's First Ziplongs®
A bottle of whisky, a sowing-machine and a youtube-class - and the first Ziplongs is born in Magnus' hands a bright winter night.
2012 - First Sale
A small production arrives and a homemade website leads to the first sale of a pair of Ziplongs to a guy planing to cross the Greenland glacier
2013 - The First Collection Made of Wool is Launched
Up until then it had consisted of two kinds of technical fabric.
2014 - The Company Northern Playground AS is Founded
After a successful visit on prime-time television, Jo realises the potential of the business and decides to quit his job and go all in
2015 - Finalist ISPO Brand New and Winner of German Design Awards
The Ziplongs wins it's first prizes
2016 - Ziplongs 2.0
Product development takes time, and the 2016/17 season is when we were truly happy with the outcome
2016 - Crowdfunding a New Product - Zipshorts™ Padded
We use Kickstarter.com to launch what has become one of our best sellers
2016 - Equity-Crowdfunding The Company
We choose to raise equity from the lay-man with a genuine interest for Northern Playground, our products and our future.
2016 - Launching The Zipbra™
Jo observes that many women choose to change their shirts when sweaty, but keep trekking with a wet bra. He decides to do something about it, and today this is also one of our best sellers
2017 - "Best Winter Gear Guide" in Outside Magazine
In the category "The Best Winter Gear for 2017" in Outside Magazine
2017 - "The Organic Collection" is Launced
Functional, classic design made with organic wool and silk. Read more
2018 - Our "Made in Tøyen, Oslo" is Launced
Together with the Somali women of the Kulmis network, we have started production of certain products locally in our homebase of Tøyen, Oslo. Read more here.