90 years of dedication
In 1933, Björn, Alvar and Arvid Kjellström together with Gunnar Tillander invented the first liquid-filled compass, that was the starting point for our business. Not only was it the first compass with that technology, it also set a global standard for how navigation equipment works. That's when Silva as a brand was born. A few years later, more precisely in 1935, we broadened our business area with a new invention, namely the Zeiler headlamp.
Today we focus on three main areas for our products; sports, adventure and professional use. Our products are developed and improved on an ongoing basis, all so that you can enjoy quality products and experience tomorrow's adventures together with us at Silva.
2023
SILVA CELEBRATES 90 YEARS
In 2023, we break new ground once again with a global innovation. Coming soon...
2022
TERRA & SPECTRA
This was the year of exciting innovations and initiatives. We presented Silva Terra: a step in the journey towards a brighter and more sustainable future. The first product in the Terra initiative, the Terra Scout headlamp, was awarded the ISPO Award and Scandinavian Outdoor Sustainability, even before launch.
After many years and countless hours of development and product testing, we were incredibly excited about the launch of our most powerful headlamp ever. Spectra from Silva: 10,000 lumens that turn night into day. Spectra is innovative engineering with an elegant and intuitive design that gives you as much light as several cars. A powerful headlamp for action sports and orienteering.
2021
ARC JET & SPIKE JET
The compasses in the Arc Jet and Spike Jet series are developed together with Tove Alexandersson, multiple world champion in orienteering. The compasses have several unique features, including previously unsurpassed needle stability. We are proud to set a new standard for orienteers!
2020
FREE TECHNOLOGY
Trail Runner Free are designed for running and are based on a brand new technology where all cables have been woven into the headband. This, in combination with soft textile details and perfect weight distribution, provides a unique comfort experience. The ground-breaking innovation was awarded in the industry competition ISPO Awards 2020.
2016
THE FIRST GLOBAL COMPASS
We launched two unique compass models, Ranger and Expedition, with a global needle. Thanks to the unique needle, the compass can be used regardless of where you are in the world.
2015
INTRODUCING FLOW LIGHT
We continued to develop the light image of the headlamps and in 2015 introduced the Flow Light technology. It is a function that allows you to easily and seamlessly adjust the light image according to your activity by tilting the lamp up or down.
2008
INTELLIGENT LIGHT TECHNOLOGY
We launched our unique technology with dual light sources that adapts to the dark - just like our eyes do, providing a pleasant light image. We call it Intelligent Light and the technology is still used today in all our headlamps.
1982
GPS WITH DIGITAL COMPASS
We launched the world's first handheld GPS with an integrated digital compass. It had several different functions such as ``find my position'', navigate in a specific direction, save landmarks, etc. The built-in antenna and the sensitive receiver ensured that the GPS could be used even in tough and challenging conditions.
1981
FIRST MARINE COMPASS
We launched our first marine range of navigation equipment.
1971
ORIENTEERING IN THE USA
Björn Kjellström helped start the American Orienteering Association. He became an important factor in promoting orienteering by map and compass in the United States.
1960
THE FIRST WRIST COMPASS
With ``The Globe Trotter'' we introduced the wrist compasses. It had an aluminum housing and red/white needle with a marking towards north. The leather strap that came with it was extra long so that you could wear the watch over the winter jacket.
1955
MANUFACTURE OF WASHERS
We are not only known for our outdoor products. Until 2012, we also manufactured trays in our own factory in Sollentuna. During the 1950s and 1960s, we manufactured trays in teak.
1955
ORIENTEERING HANDBOOK
Björn Kjellström launches an orientation manual in the USA - "Be Expert With Map and Compass". It sold more than 500,000 copies and is still available.
1939
FIRST COMPASS WITH MIRROR
We introduced the first mirror-view compass on a liquid-filled standard plate. It made it possible for the user to look in one direction while the direction of the compass was visible - so you didn't have to look down at the compass to be able to navigate correctly. By being able to see the reference point and the compass at the same time, you can achieve both faster and more accurate navigation.
1935
OUR FIRST HEADLAMP
We broadened our business areas with a new invention when we introduced our first headlamp.
Although headlamps had been on the market since the early 1900s (mainly used by miners), they were not very powerful. After 12 hours of burning time, the lamps produced a brightness of less than 5 lumens and they also had to be checked and maintained on a daily basis.
Our first headlamp was called Zeiler and cost SEK 8.
1933
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Björn, Alvar and Arvid Kjellström together with Gunnar Tillander invented the first liquid-filled compass. When they began work, compasses had no built-in resistance to prevent the needle from spinning further after a direction was taken. Their invention made it faster and easier to use and read a compass.
Thanks to a protractor in the base plate and the fluid that slowed down the needle, their invention enabled faster map reading with a compass. In just 4 seconds you had your direction ready, unlike the 30 seconds it took on older models.
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