Gary said:
I recently bought a Fjellraven Iceland jacket in G1000 and can safetly say it is the best jacket I have come across in a long long time.
Single layer poly/cot it is windproof but not waterproof (although you can do this with a parrafin wax sold by fjallraven) however this doesnt matter as even soaked it dries in very quickly. If you wear a good insulating layer underneath (wool) this isn't a problem anyway.
The features are good, big pockets, hood and re-enforced shoulders and elbows.
Saw your similar
Poly/cotton jackets thread over on British Blades Gary. Sounds like the Fjallraven really is what I was talking about over on the
Barbour Waxed Coats? thread
.
For more info on Fjallraven (correctly written 'Fjällräven' or Fjallraven for Google searches or try as 'Fjäll räven' or 'Fjall raven' also to search on eBay) check out:
Fjällräven English Home Page
Full details of products, materials etc. Also they have details of all retailers in Europe (UK only has two which is a shame. In France there are quite a few and Germany has loads).
More details on the G1000 poly/cotton material developed by them for 40 years and the 'Greenland Wax' here, in English:
Products - G 1000
Here is the 'Iceland Jacket' model which Gary picked up ( There are 3 colour way options) from 2004 Spring/Summer range. Not in Autumn/Winter 2004/2005 range):
Fjallraven - Iceland Jacket
Nice
This model caught my eye (also from 2004 Spring/Summer range. Not in Autumn/Winter 2004/2005 range):
Fjallraven - Knott Jacket
Interesting design:
and handy mossie net/ ninja mask feature
The outer fabric finish on the lower image looks just right to me.
They have a wide product range with two seasons currently included. I found it a bit frustrating as the products differ from spring/summer and autumn/winter. I understand the need for new products and different materials/ styles for the different climates but they seem to drop products and then bring them back or not the next year. But there is certainly a good choice. They have a lot with 'Hydratic' goretex type microporous layers for waterproof quality. But I guess what we are talking about here is the improved breathability of coly/ cotton plus the fact that these types of waterproof layers are vulnerable to the type of abuse ( thorns, scrub, hard wear) they get in bushcraft use. Just check in the product description for each product which is well presented.
For shopping options try eBay (check spelling alternatives above). A lot of Germans/ German ebay shops seem to sell Fjallraven gear and most ship to UK/ Europe. For example:
Outdoor und Trekking Store
They currently has the Fjäll Räven Telemark Jacket New, in Light Khaki for 149/ £102 ( I have not brought from there or recommend it just shown as an example!). That is poly/cotton. Product info (think it is the same jacket here
Telemark II Jacket. Also some trousers. Plenty more on eBay.
Another option is to order it direct from the online German shops. For example:
Daerr - Fjällräven Product List. On that search page simply select
Fjäll räven in the
'Hersteller' (manufacturer search) menu and start search. Lots of Fjallraven products stocked. It is all in German but I checked the
shipping info and they send to UK and Europe. (again I have not brought from there or recommend it just shown as an example!).
Apparently the largest online outdoor store in Germany is:
Globetrotter and they stock their own brand poly/cotton stuff apparently. Fjallraven stuff here:
Globetrotter Fjäll Räven Online-Shop
Of course the nicest option is to grab one of Ryanairs £1.99 flight offers going at the moment. £29.50 all in price get over there and for cost of shipping, shop around for a good price, try it out, check out the blondes, drink the beer and even do some trekking enjoying the freedom to roam and camp where you like (well pretty much) :biggthump
): :biggthump
):
A lot of my friends in Scandinavia wear this kit ( nearly all the students in the forestry/ landscape college wore it like a uniform!). They really rate the trousers too because they are pretty much thorn proof and tough. They have loads of pockets etc and additional protection to knees, backside etc on a lot of the models. Now I just have to find the money to buy some gear