Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, editor of Outdoors Magic

“I’ve used this over the course of some pretty demanding hiking and it’s held up very well. I can tell it’s going to be a very long-lasting jacket – no matter what I manage to throw at it.

“The G-1000 Eco fabric used here certainly has a good amount of durability. I don’t think the build is quite as tough as the somewhat similar Vidda Pro Jacket from Fjällräven, but it’s not far off it. I’ve run the sleeves over plenty of rough rock while scrambling in it and there are no marks or scuffs.

“The jacket offered impressive water resistance right away. I managed to wear it through a couple of medium-heavy showers without anything soaking through but had to call upon a waterproof layer for the really heavy stuff. Since my last trip, I’ve applied a thick coat of Greenland Wax at home and I reckon I’ve made this even more wind and water resistant than it was when I first got my hands on it.”

“One thing I particularly liked about this is how easily and comfortably an insulated layer fits underneath. With a down jacket under it it’s supremely warm but without that clammy climate that you tend to get when you wear a waterproof shell over a layer.

“It’s a good hood as well. It’s not quite as cavernous as the one on the Keb, or the Vidda Pro (if my memory serves me right) but it’s still very protective, thanks in particular to the stiffened peak.

“I’d be happy wearing this to the pub, on my way to work, to the summit of Scafell Pike…”

“I’m 5 foot 10, have a fairly normal build and usually wear a size M, which is the size I tried this in. I liked the fit, though I would say it felt ever so slightly on the long side for me. That said, I was glad to have that extra length when I was wearing a backpack as it meant the fabric didn’t ever ride up my back or over the hipbelt.

“As for the look, I’d certainly agree that this is versatile. I’d be happy wearing this to the pub, on my way to work, to the summit of Scafell Pike or on my way across the Brecon Beacons.

“One final thing I’d say is that it’s not just the carefully sourced fabrics that make this an eco-friendly jacket. There’s also the fact that it’s the kind of thing that really is going to last and last and potentially stay with you for a long time.”

Trade Secrets

Shufei Wang, Product Developer at Fjällräven

“We are extremely proud of our high-end trekking gear, such as the Keb Jacket/Trousers, but we also appreciate that there is a need for entry-level trekking products. These products should have all the features required for comfortable trekking, delivering freedom of movement, functionality and durability, but also need to be usable for everyday outdoor life. The Kaipak Jacket was created with these things in mind and is priced so it is attainable for customers who want to begin spending more time in the nature.

“Lab and field testing are essential for a successful launch. For this jacket we have used tried and tested materials, including G-1000 (our traditional trekking fabric which has been used since the ‘60s) and a stretch material that also features in styles from our Abisko family. We then put this product to the test in real life situations using various testers, from outdoor experts to everyday active colleagues.”