The Fjällräven Abisko Trail Fleece is a smart looking fleece hoody made with modern materials and has previously featured in our guide to the best fleeces. The polyester is mapped for warmth and breathability where it’s needed – hood, shoulders and chest get a part recycled, low loft brushed fleece, and the sides, lower torso and lower arms are finished with a grid pattern to improve ventilation.
Weight: 390g | Insulation: Zoned polyester | Outer: None | Sizes: Various | Women’s version: Yes
There are two deep torso pockets (low enough to interfere with a hip belt) and one chest pocket that easily swallows a smartphone. Overall, the fit is relaxed, but when fully zipped up to the nose, the hood becomes closer fitting and gives ample protection. There’s room for a baselayer and thinner mid underneath.
The Fjällräven Abisko Trail Fleece has a casual look combined with a very high quality finish. The zoning of the fabrics has been thought out really well – the chest pocket is backed with the grid fabric, for example – and what’s resulted is a really practical mid layer that is at home on the hill as it is in the beer garden. In use in the mountains, it’s a goldilocks item; not too warm, not too cool, the brushed fleece provides just the right amount of protection, most of the time. The materials used promise to be durable longer term, too, with the smooth faced materials prone to less shedding and piling than others here. Much to commend in this simple, mid weight and walking focused jacket.
