Fjällräven Anorak No.8

Coming back from months of field work in Greenland, I noticed the new Anorak No.8 by Fjällräven. It is the 8th anorak they make and it is part of their so-called "numbers series".

I really like anoraks and this new model is very nice. Fjällräven is using a new heavy duty version of the G-1000 material on parts taking more abbrasion. Also, it has a very spacious hood with a closed foam filled rim - looks like they got some inspiration from the also Swedish outdoor clothing company Klättermusen on that one. The very long pit zips could also be inspired from Klättermusen. They go all the way from the pits to the lower rim of the anorak like on the Klattermusen Froste jacket. The side zippers seem to be very easy to replace should the need arise - it often does with zippers!

Another very nice detail is the big front pocket with side zippers. Fjällräven had a similar design on the Mårma Anorak (now seemingly only available in the US in some colours and sizes). Having side access to this main pocket, I find so great that I modified my latest Fjälräven Gutulia Anorak (see photo).

I was not satisfied with having the lower pocket (with side access) on the original design obstructed by the hip belt of my big backpack. After all I am carrying some sort of a backpack most of the time when in the field and very rarely a small one without a proper hip belt. Therefore, I was very disappointed to see how low the big front pocket was placed on the new Anorak No.8. If you look at the video bellow, you can see how part of the pocket fall under the hip belt after Johan Skullman takes off his backpack. Notice the marks of the belt above the lower seam of the pocket.

Another big criticism of this anorak is it's prize tag. It is clear that a lot of effort has been put into the design and details of this anorak but 3499,- DKK is a lot of money! Although I really like this anorak, I will probably not buy it.

Barents Pro - Fjällräven's weird mistake

Today I went to have look at the trousers from Fjällräven: Barents Pro. I have used Fjällräven's trousers made of the wonderful material Original G-1000 since 1998 and worn up models like Greenland, Iceland, Vidda and Barents. All of them variations on the Greenland model. Barents has become my favorite in recent years. It has a roomy fit. The leg ending is raw length (check it out here). It has double layer on the rear (like Vidda) and the so-called knife pocket (mysteriously placed at the knee joint!) of Greenland and Vidda is left out.
This year Fjällräven came out with a revised model: Barents Pro (they also makes a Vidda Pro)! The main difference being that the reinforcement of the knees is now actually the length it should always have had, so it is also useful when you are kneeling! In addition you can put knee pads in pockets under this reinforcement! Some nerdy people customized the previous models to cater for this but the pads were placed too high. If this was all but no, Fjällräven seems to have wanted to "improve" even more! The fit is changed. The Pro version has narrower legs and a lower waist. Last thing is that the joint down the rear is no longer a simple one stitch that made it really easy to modify the fit!! All in all they are a totally new design and in my opinion they should have come up with another name. They (or Vidda Pro) may become a new favorite like Vidda is for many but to me there are too many steps back.
Luckily, the regular Barents is still available…

Gear talk

I am still totally for G-1000 - the wonderful 35% cotton 65% polyester mosquito proof blend by Fjällräven, and I would not like to miss my field trousers model Barents. The models Greenland and the slightly reenforced Vidda are also good, but I have lately come to prefer Barents with its slightly tighter legs with no irritating "rubber bands" at the ankles - which I always detached. The Keb shirt made of the slightly lighter but still mozzy proof G-1000 SC is great when it is warm. If Greenlæand/Vidda/Barents is the ultimate field trouser this is the ultimate field shirt. OK - one thing: the chest pockets are too small! It always looks like it has just been ironed and is therefore good for those occasions where you need to be casual chic ... The Gutuila anorak is also still in service but after 3 1/2 seasons it is getting pretty worn. The front pocket zipper gave up last year and the hood misses a few ways of adjusting by design. I recently discovered another Swedish outdoor wear company; Klättermusen and this season I brought two jackets from them. The waterproof shell Froste with the world's longest pit zips. They go from the elbows to the hips! I am a fond user of pit zips but did not think I would use the option of rolling up the full back. This was however quite useful as I went skiing by Scoresbysund. You get protection from the "motion wind" in the front while excess heat and moisture can get out on the back (in high mosquito density places it is less useful...). Klättermusen also has many other well thought out details like built-in safety devises as a recco transponder, a compas and a whistle. Also, the super lightweight down anorak Loke is great to bring for the short breaks. Only criticism is that the arms are angled so as to raise the hole jacket if you lift the arms. I guess the designers thought that it would not be used much in activity and they are probably right. I am considering getting a few more items from those guys for future adventures. Also, I totally dig the woolen underwear from Norwegian Aclima. The warmwool hood sweater is just great with the belly pocket and the hood always available and pre warmed on your back when you need it. In Scoresbysund while skiing I also used the woolnet versions of long-sleeved shirt and trousers with great success. They are lightweight, have a nice snug fit but give amble insulation under another garment. When not wearing the hooded sweater I always bring a balaclava 200 from Swedish Woolpower and this year I have also enjoyed their socks 200 as a liner within a pair of thick HMAK socks. Last year I had the Swedish company Lundhags make a custom version of the Professional High boot with a somewhat wider base for me. It is not as expensive as you would think. I have used Lundhags boots since 1997 and have always been happy. There seems to be a problem with their new way of attaching the soles though as they come loose after some rough use. They are normally very good at repairing but sometimes your cannot wait for that. Lastly, my OR sun runner cap may look funny but it is excellent at keeping those ears out of the sun! I better buy an extra one before it is taken out of production! Anyone said I was a gear head?