Simon from our Exeter store was lucky enough to test out the Fjallraven Abisko Trail Fleece! Let’s see what he thought!
Trying to find a fleece that maintains your body temperature without having to take it off every ten minutes, especially when ascending a hill, can be challenging. That is where the Fjallraven Abisko Trail Fleece becomes your perfect companion.
I have had my eyes on this fleece ever since it arrived in the store. A short time later, I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to test out this superior piece of clothing during a work training trip walking from the North to the South of Dartmoor.
The Fjallraven Abisko Trail Fleece is a high-performance mid-layer designed for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritise functionality, comfort, and style.
The fabric of the Fjallraven Abisko Trail Fleece is made up of two different polyester fabrics which are strategically placed to give the best possible warmth and ventilation. One of the fabrics is a partially recycled, soft-brushed, flat-knit polyester placed in the hood, shoulders, and chest area. The second fabric used is a grid-structured polyester which has been placed in the lower sleeves, lower chest and side panels. The flat knit is denser than the grid-structured fleece. This increases its warmth for areas that need it most. Whereas the grid structure is beneficial for essential ventilation and moisture wicking, especially during high-intensity activities.
In addition to these benefits, the use of the two different polyester fabrics helps to keep weight to a minimum which also helps to make the fleece extremely packable. Another feature is hidden in the cuff of the sleeves. Here you will find thumb loops which help a great deal in keeping the chill off the tops of the hands. There are also three zipped pockets with one on the chest and two hand pockets which offer ample storage for essentials such as electronics, snacks and maps.
During my time on Dartmoor, I basically lived in this fleece. The fabrics used are remarkably soft and there is no irritation from any of the stitched seams when worn against the skin. The use of two different fabric structures was noticeable both when stationary and when moving. There wasn’t a time when I became too hot or too cold (apart from the later night when the sun was going down and I needed to jump in my sleeping bag!). The fleece wicked the moisture effortlessly when we had small breakthroughs of sunlight whilst also keeping my body temperature stable when there was nothing but a dark cloud in sight.
One of my favourite features about this fleece has to be the fit. The Fjallraven Abisko Trail Fleece is a close-fitting mid-layer which fits true to size. Having a close-fitting mid-layer is vitally important to ensure that it works to its maximum potential which is to keep you warm. Having a baggy mid-layer only helps to let the warm air out and the cool air in which is not always ideal, especially in the UK’s current ‘summer’ climate.
The cut of the material along with the tough, structured main front zip is perfect when done up as it creates a high collar that holds strongly upright over the chin to not let any cold air in around the neck. This, paired with the snug-fitting hood, is the ultimate combination for holding the heat. Due to the snug hood, there is no worry of the hood flapping around or blowing off when in the harshest of winds. Although the fleece is close-fitting, there is still enough room underneath for additional layering during those particularly colder days without feeling too bulky.
Additionally, as the fleece is relatively thin there are also no worries about it not fitting underneath a waterproof jacket or an additional insulation layer and being uncomfortable.
The fleece’s durability is also noteworthy. Fjallraven is known for producing rugged outdoor gear, and the Abisko Trail Fleece is no exception. After a consecutive three-day walk on Dartmoor, I could find no snags or pulls on the fleece. The fabric shows minimal signs of wear even after heavy use of sitting and leaning on rocks and wearing a backpack during walks where the straps can constantly rub and cause abrasion.
I often also wear this fleece whilst photographing wildlife due to its dark green colours and there have been no signs of wear from the camera or binocular straps over the shoulders and across the chest which I am thoroughly impressed with as this can often be a problem for many of my items of clothing.
To conclude, the Fjallraven Abisko Trail Fleece is an outstanding mid-layer that combines comfort, functionality, and durability. The use of two different polyester fabrics ensures optimal warmth and ventilation, making it a great choice for various outdoor activities. Along with having a high collar, a snug-fitting hood and plenty of pocket space, the Fjallraven Abisko Trail Fleece is a highly recommended item of clothing perfect for them on cooler days out on the hills or even in the high street as a fashionable item of clothing.
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