I have been testing the new Salewa Fanes Wool Powertex Jacket. To start with I have a great fondness for the brand. I really like the fit and the products in my experience are durable, hard working and technically brilliant.
Salewa describe the Salewa Fanes Wool Powertex Jacket as: “A versatile, stylish women’s alpine trekking and hiking jacket in a distinctive, technical Powertex Wool 3-layer shell fabric.”
The jacket is meant for both mountain hiking and urban use. It is made with Powertex polyester-wool yarn blend in a three-layer laminate construction. It’s looks good and is also highly waterproof and breathable.
Features include:
- Versatile uses: Mountain hiking and urban
- Athletic fit
- Powertex Wool 3-layer shell fabric (Shell 3L/2.5L/2L)
- Waterproof and breathable: Waterproofing hydrostatic head of 15,000 and excellent breathability (10,000 g/m²/24h).
- Inside, brushed soft lining inserts for increased comfort
- Tailored rear-adjustable hood with a high integrated storm collar for maximum protection
- One-hand elastic hem adjustment
- Full Velcro cuff adjustments
- Waterproof front zip
- Waterproof pocket zips
- Welded main seams
- Eco-friendly PFC-free finish
- Two front pockets
- Stretch mesh inner pocket
- Ergonomically shaped sleeves
- Male and female fit weight: UK 10 440g. (Weighed by me.)
- RRP: £380
- See: Salewa women’s Fanes Wool Powertex jacket and men’s Fanes jacket for stockists.
My thoughts: Salewa Fanes Wool Powertex Jacket
As I have said above, I like Salewa products. I find the clothing fits me well. I have the UK10 and it is a flattering fit but not too tight, nor too roomy. I can fit a couple of baselayers and an insulated jacket underneath with ease. Yet, the jacket still doesn’t look shapeless or baggy.
The fabric of the Salewa Fanes Wool Powertex Jacket is unusual. It is fully waterproof and breathable and has been excellent for winter walking. I have stayed dry and warm even in harsh conditions.
The look of the jacket is quite casual-urban, while also being technical. It has a denim colour and is nicely soft to touch on the outside. The inside is also softer than I would normally expect from a mountain walking jacket. The soft feel isn’t detrimental to performance, so when Salewa says the jacket is versatile they are correct.
I am as happy wearing this jacket on the hills and mountains, as I am to the pub.
My likes:
- Fit
- Length (both torso and arms)
- Colour
- Feel of fabric inside and out
- Technical performance – great in the wet and pretty breathable for a winter mountain jacket, too
- Weight of fabric makes it feel durable and robust
- Length
- Pockets above rucksack waistbelt height for access
- Stretch inside pockets (…to an extent. See below.)
- Versatility of use. I can see myself wearing this to a work meeting, just as much as I would choose to wear in the mountains.
- The hood and hem are easy to adjust.
A few annoyances:
- The stretch inside pockets seem like a good idea, but I’d rather one of them had a zip for security and it would be good if they were waterproof.
- The front zip gets a bit stuck when you pull it up. You need to focus on making sure it zips smoothly and this isn’t always possible in tricky conditions in the mountains
- Only one colour. I like the denim look but it would be good to have more choice.
- Denim colour isn’t the best for winter safety. Mountain rescue teams prefer people to wear bright colours in case of an emergency, although you could ensure you have a brightly coloured emergency blanket with you instead.
- Price: £380 is a big outlay.
Conclusion on Salewa Fanes Wool Powertex Jacket
Salewa make great and good quality outdoors products and this is another favourite for me. I like the versatility of use, the fit, technical performance and look. I’d prefer a better choice of colours and a front zip that wasn’t so sticky. Shop around to find the jacket at a less eye-watering price.