Not only that, they make outstandingly good outdoor kit if the Fjörm is anything to go by.
This is one of the nicest down jackets I’ve slipped into in years. It just feels right both from a purely tactile point of view and, perhaps more importantly, in terms of the articulated cut, which effectively moves with you and thus works really well when you’re indulging in strenuous activities.
The technical features of the Fjörm also make it stand out. Jöttnar don’t produce their gear in bulk and it’s also designed in close partnership with their team of sponsored athletes, so you end up with a garment that’s thoughtfully designed to work in the harshest mountain conditions rather than simply look good for one season.
The Fjörm is built from seriously warm eco-friendly 850-fill power 97/3 premium goose/duck down (the numbers are the ratio of goose to duck down) to provide great warmth for weight. In addition the down is treated with DOWN-TEK water repellent insulation which means that if it gets wet it dries more quickly than regular down and it also maintains its loft and insulation properties for longer.
Other techie info you may wish to take on board is the fact that the filling is ‘body mapped’ to provide maximum insulation where you need it most as well as having a box wall construction and oversized zipper baffle to minimise cold spots, and the cuffs, hem and collar, which are the most likely areas to absorb moisture, are reinforced with Duoregulation ADVANSA Thremo-cool which means no more to you than me but apparently gives great moisture protection.
But what’s it like to wear? Is ‘brilliant’ enough? No, I thought not. Basically the Fjörm just feels ‘right’. The fit is ‘streamlined’ but still loose enough to layer up underneath, and once you’re zipped up and have the super snug Rentex lined collar pulled up and the helmet compatible hood in place you really do feel as snug as a bug in a rug whilst at the same time being able to operate efficiently whether climbing, skiing or drinking a beer.
Little things like the oversized, insulated storm baffle on the main zip, the two zipped handwarmer pockets with front facing insulation, Rentex cuff liners and glove compatible zipper pulls all combine to make the Fjörm a jacket that’s a delight to wear.
The price isn’t even excessive for a top quality down jacket, so even if you’re not a serious backcountry skier or mountaineer this is a piece of kit well worth checking out.
