Fjällräven

Abisko Trail Fleece

£135 390g (size M)

versatility, comfort nothing

Insulation: zoned polyester Outer: none Sizes: XS to XXL Women’s version: yes fjallraven.com

The Abisko is a smart-looking fleece hoody made with modern materials. The polyester is mapped for warmth and breathability where it’s needed. The hood, shoulders and chest get a part-recycled, low-loft brushed fleece, whilst the sides, lower torso and lower arms are finished with a grid pattern to improve ventilation. There are two deep torso pockets (low enough to interfere with a hipbelt) and one chest pocket that easily swallows a smartphone. Overall, the fit is relaxed; but when fully zipped up to the nose, the hood becomes closerfitting and gives ample protection. There’s room for a baselayer and thinner mid-layer underneath.

The Abisko has a casual look combined with a very high-quality finish. The zoning of the fabrics has been thought out really well – the chest pocket is backed with the grid fabric, for example – and what’s resulted is a really practical mid-layer that is at home on the hill as it is in the beer garden. In use in the mountains, it’s a ‘Goldilocks’ item; not too warm, not too cool, with the brushed fleece providing just the right amount of protection most of the time. The materials used promise to be durable in the longer term too, with the smooth-faced materials prone to less shedding and pilling than others here. There’s much to commend in this simple, midweight and walking-focused jacket.