Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down Jacket M

£225 418g (M) ethically sourced down, recycled shell fabric, pockets, durability

quite expensive, not hydrophobic Shell: 100% recycled polyamide, fluorocarbon-free Insulation: 100g of 700 fill power traceable goose down, synthetic insulation over shoulders Sizes: men XS-XXL, women XXS-XL fjallraven.com/uk/en-gb

This jacket has a classic, minimalist design with old-fashioned good looks. Like many Fjällräven products, it gets the basics right and focuses more on durability and ethical manufacturing than being the lightest option. Fjällräven is amongst the very best brands for ethical down thanks to its Down Promise, guaranteeing that its products contain only ethically sourced down of the highest quality. With 100g of 700 fill power down, on the hill it’s warmer than the Rab but not as warm as the Berghaus.

The shell fabric is 100% recycled, but otherwise is nothing fancy – it doesn’t feel as soft to the touch as other garments and there is no ripstop pattern. However, the fabric feels thicker and more durable than every other jacket in this test.

The lack of hood on the version tested limits its usefulness as a do-everything jacket, although a hooded version is available for a modest increase in cost (£275) and weight (490g). The pockets are very good, especially the chest pocket, which is large – and the jacket can be stuffed down into it too. Cuffs and hem are elasticated, with an adjustable drawcord on the latter.

Overall, this is a solid down jacket, wellmade with good ethical credentials and a timeless design. The price is a bit high, but it should last well, and will be easy to repair.