Why We Chose It: Responsibly sourced down, recycled fabrics, PFC-free
When it comes to functional materials, nature usually knows best. And down is nature’s best insulator. Down is the fluffy under-plumage beneath the feathers of ducks and geese that keeps them warm even in extreme cold. And it does so without adding bulk or weight.
That’s why, even today, premium down is used to make the warmest, expedition-grade insulated jackets. Fjällräven’s modern Expedition Series is a little different though. Don’t get us wrong, this is technical outerwear, but it is actually based on heritage styles from the Swedish brand’s archives.
Specifically, the inspiration was the 1974 Expedition Down Jacket, originally developed by founder Åke Nordin to survive Swedish winters on the barren plateau of Abisko in the far north of the country. His idea was to make a jacket that would ensure the wearer ‘never felt cold again’. A lofty ambition indeed, if you’ll pardon the pun. He turned, naturally, to down – and nearly half a century later, that’s still the insulation Fjällräven are using in the Expedition Pack Down series, including this retro anorak.
What Is The Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down Anorak Best Suited To?
This is a light and packable down layer specifically designed for women. It offers excellent warmth for weight, thanks to its high-quality 700FP down fill, so it is suitable for multi-activity cold weather use. It works well as a standalone outer layer in cold, dry conditions, with a fit that will accommodate layers underneath. Having said that, it’s not so bulky that you couldn’t also wear it underneath a shell if required too.
Related: Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down Jacket review
On top of all that, the classic anorak silhouette also brings a fair bit of on-trend retro style. All in all, it’s a versatile piece whether you use it as technical insulation or just as a cosy addition to your winter wardrobe.
Eco Credentials
Though the Expedition Series is inspired by its 1970s forebears, and still uses a tried and tested down fill, in other respects the materials have been brought bang up to date. The shell material and inner lining in the new series are both made of 100% recycled nylon, and the face fabric is also finished with a PFC-free water repellent treatment. This ensures added resistance to moisture without the need to resort to environmentally harmful chemical compounds.
