Incoming: Fjällräven Keb Eco-Shell Jackets
Hot Swedish outdoor brand Fjällräven is about to plug a waterproof-shaped hole in its clothing range with the launch of a new collection of sustainable Keb Eco-Shell jackets and anoraks this winter using recyclable fabrics and fluorocarbon-free water repellent treatments.
We’ve already carried a detailed launch report on the new waterproofs and our man Nik Cook has had a pre-production sample on long-term test since late April with promising results, but in a nut-shell, the new jackets are fully waterproof and windproof shells aimed at mountain walkers.
Sustainable Credentials
The fabric is polyester with a polyester hydrophilic membrane sandwiched between two layers of erm, more polyester.
All of which means it’s technically fully recyclable, though we’re not quite sure how you’d go about recycling it. The other eco-friendly stand-out is that the DWR treatment – the water-repellent finish that makes water bead on the surface of the fabric – is fluorocarbon-free.
Impressions from the launch were that the fabric felt beautifully soft and was breathable enough that various selfless journos managed to wear it on a warm spring Snowdonian day without evaporating. The jackets look beautifully made and thoroughly detailed.
All-round Mountain Use
The Keb range is as technical as Fjällräven gets, though still designed for all-round mountain use rather than extreme climbing, so it’s a decent length rather than harness short, has proper, big pockets, full adjustment all round, storm-flaps and comes in muted colours rather than in your face fluoro. There’s a fully adjustable hood with a stiffened peak too.
They are genuinely rather lovely jackets, but the price reflects that with the Keb Eco-Shell Jacket set to sell for £390 with the Anorak version £370 once they’re available in September 2015.
More Information
You’ll be able to find the jackets in Cotswold Outdoor and other retailers. More from fjallraven.co.uk