The Keb Jacket has won a lot of fans since it was launched last year, and I’m one of them. This is a jacket that is designed with breathability and ventilation in mind, but also one that will hold up against the elements should they turn, including a Swedish winter. The jacket is constructed from two materials. The wind and water resistant G-1000 Eco, which is made from recycled polyester and organic cotton. It’s a material Fjällräven use on most products. In the Keb it is used in the hood, shoulders, front, elbows and lower sleeves, and over the bum. The back, sleeves and pockets use a four-way Polymide stretch material. It is supremely comfortable and well-tailored.
There are two large breast pockets, both with a small inner pocket for something compass-sized. They are perfectly placed for backpacking and swallowed most things I needed – map, snacks, etc. The stretch on the pockets adds to the ease of use. There’s also a small pocket high on the left sleeve. There are two large ventilation openings down the side with good zips and large toggles – easily accessible under a rucksack strap.
The hood is quite astonishing. When down, the front zip comes up to the chin and the stiffened hood provides superb protection against the wind around the neck. When up it has two positions. There’s a very wide, stiffened and wired peak – the most substantial I’ve seen on a jacket. The 6cm peak can be folded back and has about as much coverage as a regular jacket with a good wired peak. But folded forward it forms a cone that completely covers the face – it looks something like Kenny from South Park. As someone who wears glasses, I find it brilliant – it’s unlike any other jacket. Drawstrings around the hood and Velcro tabs on the cuffs help you adjust the comfort of fit. I’ve worn this jacket a lot for backpacking and it has been superb. As with all Fjällräven products using G-1000, it requires waxing to become waterproof, which would be needed. The stretch part can’t be waxed, meaning this is not a fully waterproof jacket. The Keb is water-resistant, especially when waxed, but I’d wear it for those days when a complete drenching isn’t so likely. That said, when all my companions were complaining about the condensation in their waterproof jackets, I had absolutely none – plus it kept the showers off. It is heavier than many jackets at 795g and that will put some people off, but its build, quality, tailoring and durability outweigh this.
Before the Keb Jacket was the Keb Trousers for trekking. Again, these are made from G-1000 Eco around the knees and lower legs, and rear, and a stretchy Polymide behind the knees and thighs, and the crotch. There’s further protection on the knees, rear and lower legs. Again, ventilation is a priority, with long zipped vents on the lower leg and thigh. There are five pockets: two leg pockets (one with a zip, the other with an inner pocket) and two large hand pockets designed to hold stuff when you’re sat down. There’s a strap adjustment around the ankle and a buckle that can be attached to a pair of boots. Again, the G-1000 material needs waxing to waterproof it. I tend to do the knees and around the lower legs instead of wearing gaiters. The details and thought that have gone into the Keb Trousers is impressive indeed… and there are other colours than bright yellow!
