Review: Fjallraven Kaipak Jacket
Sometimes you get something that just feels 100% right. It fits, it looks good, it works…
Fjallraven have always been a brand of choice for me. It is important to me that the ethos of a brand fits with mine and Fjallraven tick all the boxes.
“Hailing from the small town of Örnsköldsvik in Sweden, a place where mountains and forest meet the sea, Fjällräven is an outdoor clothing and equipment company that’s committed to making nature more accessible. In true Swedish style, we focus on simplicity and practicality, and we have the utmost respect for the environment. This is what we do: Develop functional, durable and timeless outdoor gear Act responsibly towards nature, animals and people Inspire and develop interest in outdoor life.”
“We’ve been trekking for more than 50 years; I hope we never get there.”
When I am asked to work with a brand I always check a few things before I say yes. I ask for their environmental and sustainability policy, I ask what they do for their community and I ask what they do for their staff. Fjallraven don’t follow trends, they don’t compromise on quality and they focus on providing superb quality products that are thoughtfully designed by valued staff, they look for more innovative and sustainable solutions. This includes using recycled and organic materials, PFC-free impregnation and developing products that can be worn and loved for generations. Nature is at the core of everything they do and that ticks every box for me.
Oh but I didn’t mention the social purpose element of my tick list did I? Oops…. Well…
The Fjallraven Arctic Fox Initiative which is a collaboration between them and the community. They support any non-profit organisation in the world that is working to protect our environment and/or inspire more people to spend time in nature can. For more information visit HERE
So - let’s crack on with the review shall we. I think you can probably guess what I am going to say, but read on as you may be surprised..
The Kaipak Jacket is designed as a Trekking or Hiking Jacket. It designed to work just as well on the trail as for everyday use. Fjällräven’s hardwearing G-1000 Eco resists wind and brief showers and underarm stretch panels give you excellent freedom of movement. The jacket also ventilates out moisture efficiently, which makes for a drier experience during intense treks. I tested it on the South West Coast Path in torrential rain and storm winds and it kept me dry and cosy, a huge bonus is 3 large zip pockets - women’s outdoor gear is notoriously bad for pockets. The hood is a particular strength on this jacket, I also have the Greenland Jacket and the hood makes me look like I have a cone head. This however fits extremely well with a wired peak. When the jacket is done up all the way it comes forward enough over the face to not end up battered my rain.
The greatest thing about the jacket for me though is not only can I wear it in the hills but I can wear it every day too, I chose the Dark Garnet/Grey and it a stunning rich colour that goes with everything. The piste de resistance however is that it is organic, recycled and made from flurocarbon-free impregnation technology. Boom. Perfect.
Honestly however, if I was off for a long day in the mountains this would not be my jacket of choice, it is far too heavy and bulky to pack down small, I like to travel light on long days after all. But for every other type of walking, strolling, pub visiting, Wye Valley wanders it is just perfect. I kinda wish I got it in the Ochre now!
For more information click HERE
PRODUCT FEATURES
Wind- and water-resistant G-1000 Eco with stretch panels.
Designed for versatile functionality in the mountains and for everyday use.
Adjustable hood with protective brim.
Chest pocket and hand pockets, all with zippers.
Weather protection can be adapted with Greenland Wax.