Fjällräven Expedition Lätt Hoodie

£200

Fjällräven is renowned for turning out well-made, stylish and high-quality kit with a sustainable ethos. This jacket is no exception. It looks great, with a retro arched yoke and an embroidered logo patch that references the brand’s expedition heritage. The fit is true to size, with generous length in the torso for improved coverage. It is close enough to offer good thermal efficiency while allowing room for layering underneath, though it also easily slides under a shell for use as a mid layer.

The hood is simple but effective, and though it lacks adjustment it hugs the face nicely. Bound cuffs and a drawcord hem also help to lock in heat. There are two snug zipped handwarmer pockets, plus an inside left-hand chest pocket that doubles up as a stuffsack. The chunky main zip is backed with a small stormflap.

Both the inner lining and the face fabric are made of 100% recycled nylon, and the latter has been treated with a PFC-free durable waterrepellent coating. The synthetic fill is also made from 100% recycled polyester. It’s a loose fill that is blown into stitch-through baffles just like a lightweight down jacket. It lofts almost as well as real down, and offers excellent warmth for weight too, equivalent to 600 fill power down, with the added wet-weather benefits that synthetics bring to the party.

IF WE’RE BEING FUSSY

That 30-denier recycled nylon face fabric feels pretty tough but isn’t a ripstop construction, which might be an issue if you snagged it.

■ FABRIC 100% recycled nylon face fabric with PFC-free DWR, 100% recycled nylon lining

■ FILL 100% recycled polyester short-staple insulation

■ MEN’S SIZES XS-XXL

■ WOMEN’S SIZES XXS-XL

■ WEIGHT 520g (men’s L)

Verdict

Don’t be fooled by the simple retro look: there’s serious design behind this jacket. The result is a warm, functional and very versatile layer.

“Lofts almost as well as down, with added wet-weather benefits”