Here’s my review of the fern Arktis II down jacket. I thought that the Fjern Arktis II down jacket would be very similar to the Aktiv down jacket by Fjern Outdoors.
In this review of the Fjern Arktis II down jacket we’ll take a look at its technical features, warmth and is it worth the money.
In a way it is, but does the Fjern Outdoors Arktis 2 has a few differences that make this jacket a great jacket to stand on its own in frigid, dry conditions but compact enough to layer in cold & damp weather.
Initial Thoughts on the Fjern Arktis II Down Jacket.
Taking the jacket out of the bag (and I love the bags Fjern gear comes in) it seems well insulated and more puffier than the Aktiv.
The Arktis 2 has and increased 750 fill power giving it a 95/5 Down/Feather ratio.
The down is also Teflon treated making it water resistant and quick drying.
Compared to the Aktiv which has a 700 fill power of ethical sources Goose down giving it a 90/10 Down/Feather ratio.
Made with nylon ripstop outer fabric, a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) & down proofing finish the jacket can handle light rain showers without moisture impairing the insulating properties of the down.
The Fit of the Fjern Arktis II Down Jacket.
Off the shelf I normally wear an XL apart from a rain layer like the Skjold which is an XXL as I required an rain layer that I could wear with a insulated jacket like the Arktis II or the Aktiv.
Initial thoughts when putting on this jacket is that it fits snug.
The arms of the jacket completely envelope all the way down to your wrist and seem a slightly longer.
This helps when tucking the jacket into gloves.
The length of the arms feel longer and more form fitting than the Aktiv.
With the added fill power, this jacket feels really warm and will be a great insulating layer no matter what conditions you are in.
The Arktis II is an updated version of the Arktis Down Jacket.
Fjern have listened to criticism from feedback and constructively developed the Arktis II to be a fantastic forerunner in a down jacket.
Layering.
The Arktis II works well when layering up for cold weather. Underneath the jacket I am wearing a T-Shirt, and a Fjern Vandring Fleece.
So wearing XL T-shirt, XL Vandring Fleece, XL Arktis II and a XXL Fjern Skjold packable waterproof i’m ready for most environments.
Hood Adjusters.
The best update on this jacket compared to the Aktiv is the hood adjusters on the Arktis II.
The hood adjusters on the Aktiv are really fiddly.
If your wearing gloves or mitts it makes it harder as the elastic that you need to pull is on the inside of the jacket.
With fiddly clips, I wouldn’t say its hardwork but it isn’t as easy as the hood adjusters on the Arktis II.
The Hood
The Down-filled hood has an extended collar for extra face protection warmth.
With the hood adjusted and the extended collar you can really hunker down in it and hide away from the elements.
Pockets.
Two hip pockets with YKK zips and pulls to make it easy opening if wearing gloves.
Another difference with the Arktis II compared to the Aktiv is that the Aktiv’s righthand pocket also doubled up as the stuff sack for the jacket.
The Arktis II doesn’t have a chest pocket like the Aktiv.
The Arktis II has its own stuff sack built into the internal L side of the jacket. When stored like this it makes an excellent pillow for camping (please note don’t store your jacket in the stuff pouch for too long).
I honestly didn’t think you could get a better down jacket than the Fjern Aktiv but as soon as I put the Artis II on I realised you could.
The jacket is fully adjustable to your shape and weather conditions.
With the drawcord hem you can pull the jacket snuggly in, adjust the hood so you can keep as much warmth in as possible.
Features of the Fjern Arktis II Down Jacket.
- 750FP Teflon treated Goose Down – water resistant, quick drying and ethically produced
- Premium 95/5 Down/Feather ratio
- RDS Certified
- Nylon ripstop outer fabric with DWR (Durable Water Repellent) & down proofing finish
- Mini-stitch through baffle construction
- Down-filled hood with extended collar for extra face protection & warmth
- Hood adjusters for the perfect fit
- No-lift gusseted underarms
- YKK front zip & internal insulated zip baffle with Tricot chin guard
- YKK zipped hand pockets with warm Tricot lining
- Corded zipper pulls are easy to grab, even whilst wearing gloves
Colours / Designs.
The Arktis II comes in Mens and Women’s cut, sizes from Small to XXL and 7 different colours.
Price.
Currently at time of writing the price of the Arktis II is £220 which you may think is quite expensive. When you look at what you get: quality of materials, design and functionality this jacket will last along time.
Overview of the Fjern Arktis II Down Jacket.
A great fitting down jacket that can repel light rain, act as part of a layering system, warm, loads of features. Whether you want a jacket for dog walking, wild camping, climbing or hiking the Fjern Arktis II Down Jacket is perfect.
If your are looking for a down jacket then maybe take a look at the Revolution Race Flex down jacket as well.
I hope this review of the fjern down jacket has been helpful. Please take a look at another review of a down jacket, the Fjern Aktiv.
Don’t forget the 30% discount on any products at fjern.equipment Use code: VILDMARK30
Fjern Arktis 2 review
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