Thanks for a great review. I have had the Skogsö and although I loved it, it let me down within just one year, by forming a tear on a seam under the arm. Kaipak with its stretch fabric under the arm, and it's G-1000 fabric (vs G-1000 lite) might be worth considering as replacement. The only thing that I consider less than ideal, is the Velcro wrist adjustment which is a pain to use wearing woolen gloves, I much prefer the press buttons of the Skogsö.
The Kaipak is a lovely thing to wear. I've been using it for everyday/light outdoor use for a few weeks and it's far more comfortable than the Skogso. Harry
This is the exact same thing that has happened to my Skogsö jacket! Absolutely love the fit and style, but it has a tear on seam under both arms. So very disappointing for such an expensive jacket. Especially as they say on the Fjallraven website "We believe the gear you buy from us should last a lifetime (or longer)”. I wonder if this is a common fault and is why they have added the stretch fabric with the Kaipak. Unfortunately the Kaipak has shorter arms and, as you say, no press studs on cuffs, which are much nicer.
The velcro also has advantages over the buttons on the Skogsö: it gives you more gradual adjustment options and it is safer in combination with a (smart)watch, especially when wearing a t-shirt. (The part of the buttons inside the sleeves of the Skogsö is not covered by fabric and has pretty sharp edges.)
@@patrickreuvekamp Yes absolutely, as is the case with my gear from Arcteryx, Rab, and Mountain Equipment, but velcro adjustment aside I'm much more concerned with Fjällräven jackets splitting at the seams with only light use. I have asked about and this seems to happen quite a bit with their G-1000 Lite material. Not very impressive for such an expensive jacket that promises to 'last a lifetime'.
sorry in language I can understand what does it mean the layering system? I was hoping to see in what weather conditions this jacket should be worn. Uk spring/summer/autum? or maybe some mild winter days even? Thanks!
The layering system just refers to the clothes you are wearing as layers underneath your jacket. So sometimes you might just have a baselayer on underneath the Kaipak, other times when it's colder you may have a fleece or insulation on as well. The Kaipak is a pretty adaptable jacket to the time of year, just have to think about what layers you'll wear underneath it and it can be worn pretty much year round.
You're right Rich, it is very similar to the Skogso. However, the addition of the stretch panels do make a big difference to comfort and breathability.
Skogso is slimmer and uses G-1000 Lite and G-1000 (no stretch fabrics). Kaipak uses G-1000 Eco and stretchy softshell fabrics under the arms and around the back.
can you guys review fjallravens barents parka? i've used one for several years now and its a great jacket for actually working outdoors. However, theres not many reviews on it
Great review as usual Paul. Could you kindly help me out with something? I'm confused between Skogsö padded and Kaipak jackets. My requirement is for everyday use that protects me from rain and snow from autumn and winter. I understand that the padded jacket adds the element of extra warmth and is obviously heavier. But how much of a difference will it make? Also Kaipak is their new product with the eco material which is kinda nice I guess. Difficult choice. Would appreciate your opinion on this one.
The Kaipak is completely uninsulated and therefore will provide little warmth; it's primarily designed to keep the wind and light rain off and is slightly bigger than the Skogso to allow you to stick extra layers on in cold conditions. The Skogso Padded, in most circumstances, will be more than warm enough for UK winter/autumn use with just a t-shirt underneath. As an everyday jacket, I'd go for the Skogso Padded unless you'd prefer to layer up. Kind regards, Harry.
Hey Lee, it'll withstand a little rain but I wouldn't choose it over a proper hardshell. It's got similar weather-resistance to a traditional softshell. Waxing will help and generally needs topping up every 6 months or so. Harry
@@trekitt Hi Harry. Thanks for the reply! I'm looking to replace a Berghaus goretex jacket I've had for a few years its been pretty much bomb proof. Done loads of trekking, scrambling, woodland and its not had a mark on it other than its faded and waterproofing is almost shot. Can you recommend a Fjallraven thats a good all rounder? I like the idea of the stretch panels under the arms. I have a pair of the Vidda Pro Vented, been really impressed so far!
@Lee Jones If you're looking to replace your old Gore-Tex jacket with another fully waterproof & windproof hardshell, you'll want something a bit like this: www.trekitt.co.uk/clothing/jackets/mountain-equipment-mens-saltoro-jacket-black__38073 Unfortunately we don't stock anything from Fjallraven that'll suit your requirements and it doesn't have stretchy panels (as these wouldn't be waterproof), but it's a brilliant Gore-Tex equipped all-rounder that'll be perfectly at home while trekking/backpacking. Harry
@@trekitt Thanks P; do you find the CHEST the same between the Skagso and Kaipak, I have a Skogso, and the medium is too tight in the chest (sleeves are long). I sized up to a Large in the Skogso and it's a bit big but doable. I am wondering if it feels similar with the Kaipak. Thoughts? I'm usually in between M and L with all FJ products.
Poor review. You did not zip up the jacket and check out the two way zips. Nor did you put on a backpack to see how that felt when twisting arms around to adjust the backpack.
I have had my Fjällräven Kaipak Jacket for about two years and I wear it every day. The back of the jacket is tearing and holes appearing. When it rain's I am soaked. I have never waxed this jacket, which is something I should have done. I will need to buy another one soon. Medium, olive.
Just bought this from your website. I am so impressed with it!! The fit is amazing, the quality is incredible, it feels like it will last forever, and I went out in the rain for a couple of hours and the water just beaded right off. Amazing!
Best Fjallraven jacket reviews! May I ask the colour? Black or Dark grey? Do you find Stretch material more breathable than the g-1000 lite/ mesh pockets of the Skogso? Thanks you guys!
We used the Dark Grey/Black colour. The stretch fabric will be more breathable than G-1000 Lite, but in actual use there will be very little difference between the two jackets. Kind regards, Harry.
Sorry if it’s a silly question but when waxing this jacket, I assume you don’t wax the stretch panels as well? If you don’t wax the stretch panels, does this compromise the weatherproofing over these areas? Lovely looking jacket - debating a purchase!
You can only wax the G-1000 parts of the jacket, not the softshell sections, but in the Kaipak the softshell is only placed under the arms, so there's very little decrease in weather-resistance. Harry
