Wearable and with excellent pocket solutions, Peter Macfarlane says the Fjallraven Abisko Lite Fleece is a good fleece for traditionalists.
The Fjallraven Abisko Lite Fleece Jacket features in our guide to the best fleeces layout feels the most like a traditional fleece jacket in my selection, with its slightly relaxed fit and multiple pockets. The pockets are all zipped and the lower two are set above a pack hipbelt although the internal mesh pocket ‘bags’ do extend below the hipbelt. These pockets are huge – I can fill them with stuff and still have room to get my hands in to warm them. There’s a single high set napoleon pocket for right-handed people, also a very usable size.
Price: $130 | £135.00 (available from Fjallraven) | Weight: 348g (size L) | Materials: recycled polyester grid backed fleece | Hood: No | Front Closure: two way full zip | Pockets: zipped handwarmers, zipped chest | Hem: plain | Cuffs: plain with thumb loops | Sizes: XS to XXL | Women’s version: Yes
The fit is slightly relaxed with a long body and arms which is very comfortable to wear. The lower half of the torso is slightly more relaxed which along with the nonadjustable hem makes this whole lower area a little loose, and the fabric bunches up at my pack hipbelt. A fuller figure might not have the same issues so worth trying it on to see. Arm articulation is good with only a little hem lift with both arms raised over my head. It layers well and on winter ascents with an ice axe I had minimal upwards creep from the hem.
The fabric is a 100% recycled polyester grid backed fleece which has good warmth for milder winter days, and I’ve found it wearable into summer on cooler days over a base layer. Moisture management is good, and it dries fast when working hard.
The fabric is showing some sign of abrasions from regular use, with pilling at pack contact areas and there a few fabric catches here and there.
The cuffs have an excellent thumb loop design, but they are a little too tight to roll up to my elbows. The collar stands up well if needed and fits well with no restriction when fully zipped. The zip is prevented from coming in contact with your chin by an inner full-length placket.
