The eco-friendly Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down Jacket M came recommended in Alex Roddie’s review of the best down jackets for 2022. Here’s what happened when he tested it on the hill.
The Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down Jacket M has a classic, minimalist design with old-fashioned good looks. Like many Fjällräven products, it gets the basics right and focuses more on durability and ethical manufacturing than being the very lightest option. Fjällräven is among the very best brands for ethical down thanks to their Down Promise, guaranteeing that their products contain only ethically sourced down of the highest quality. With 100g of 700fp down, on the hill it’s warmer than the Rab but not as warm as the Berghaus. There’s no hood, though.
The shell fabric is 100% recycled, but otherwise is nothing fancy – it doesn’t feel as soft to the touch as other garments and there is no ripstop pattern. However, the fabric feels thicker and more durable than every other jacket in this test.
The lack of hood on the version tested limits its usefulness as a do-everything jacket, although a hooded version is available for a modest increase in cost (£275) and weight (490g). The pockets are very good, especially the chest pocket, which is large – and the jacket can be stuffed down into the chest pocket too. As with others here, cuffs and hem are elasticated, with an adjustable drawcord on the latter.
Overall, the Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down Jacket M is a solid down jacket, well made with good ethical credentials, and with a classic, timeless design. The price is a little high, but it should last well, and will be easy to repair thanks to its simple construction.
Read more: 10 of the best down jackets for 2022
