Advnture Verdict
Warm, just about packable and with great looks and fit, Fjällräven’s Expedition Pack Down is a no-nonsense down jacket that also ticks the eco-friendly boxes.
Pros
- +
Warm
- +
Comfortable
- +
Smart retro-inspired looks
Cons
- -
Doesn’t pack down as small as other packable designs
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First impressions
Most of Fjällräven’s down jacket offerings are huge coats designed for Arctic conditions – the Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down model is far more slim, packable and versatile. Swedish brand Fjällräven’s motto is ‘functional, durable, timeless’, three adjectives that fit this jacket well.
There are also good eco credentials here – the down used is ethically sourced and the outer material is fully recycled. While the Expedition doesn’t pack as small as some other jackets on test, you can squash it to the size of a large pencil case, so it’s still easily transportable in your backpack.
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If weight and size are at an absolute premium for you, you might want to pick a more pocketable jacket, but otherwise we reckon the Expedition is a great middleweight but packable down. We also love the retro looks of the jacket, which are inspired by Fjällräven’s first down coats, designed in the 1970s. Colorways range from sunshine-bright yellow or red to more toned-down navy or black.
• RRP: £269 (UK) / $373 (US) / €310 (EU)
• Fill: 700 fill power goose down
• Sizes: XXS–XL
• Weight: 435g / 15.3oz
• Colors: Navy / Dandelion / True Red / UN Blue / Black
In the field
We tested out the Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down jacket while hiking in the Dolomites in both sun and snow, and really rated its reliable warmth and great fit, which makes it comfortable to wear mile after mile.
Many of the women’s down jackets we have tested out are cut far too slim to work well for layering, but the Expedition has a lovely boxy fit that allows for layers over and underneath, but doesn’t allow heat to escape – perfect.
The waistband is easy to adjust with a cord hidden inside the pocket, and we also like the adjustable hood, which is warm and flattering, and the handy inner pocket for stashing your phone.
