My latest review is of a wear-anywhere light jacket from one of my favourite brands – Fjallraven’s Räven jacket from Taunton Leisure, £99. First designed in the 1970s, this classic is still going strong.
Review Fjallraven Räven jacket
Product Description: “Timeless outdoor jacket whose durability and versatility are just as useful today as they were when it was first launched in the late 1970s. This new version is made from G-1000 Eco in recycled polyester and organic cotton, it is wind and water resistant and suitable for both everyday life and general outdoor use.”
Autumn hikes: The Räven looks and feels clean-lined and simple to wear, but don’t be fooled – it still packs in lots of techie knowhow. This is the Fjallraven way – they make outdoor kit that looks beautifully classic but still delivers the modern specs of other adventure brands. The Räven has a unisex, military feel to it, with roomy pockets, rather boxy shoulders, a hidden hood and adjustable sleeves. The lightweight cotton fabric (G-1000 Eco is recycled and organics) isn’t waterproof but can be rendered so with Fjallraven’s Greenland wax – a layer will make it repel water, but without it the jacket is more breathable.
The Räven isn’t a warm winter jacket – if you need something to see you though winter I’d pick something padded, such as the excellent Kiruna jacket (£250). The Räven is more of a shell, and works best worn alone on mild days or with a down jacket or a jumper underneath on nippy winter hikes. I especially like the roomy, longer cut and the quality feel to the fabric and hardwear. Treat this jacket will and it’ll last you a lifetime.
Verdict: There’s a reason the Räven jacket is still popular almost 50 years after launching – it’s a light, versatile outer layer perfect worn alone in autumn and spring or layered over a warm mid-layer in winter, and its simple lines look as at home on the mountain and on city streets. I love this classic navy bu there’s also a cherry-red version available if you’re after something colourful.
