I have been testing Jöttnar ’s new Fenrir goose down jacket, which includes what the brand calls a “more sustainable world-first” fabric. Pertex Quantum Pro – a water-resistant, breathable fabric – has been created with the use of sustainably sourced NetPlus material, itself made from post-consumer recycled fishing nets.
As well as the Fenrir jacket, the fabric is also used in the Asta gilet. The addition of NetPlus fabrics to these two Jöttnar hero products aims to reduce the overall environmental impact of the jacket, compared to using virgin nylon.
The new Fenrir is in the men’s collection only. I have a size small men’s Fenrir to test.
Claimed benefits of NetPlus
- 20% more efficient at reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Uses 70% less water
- Uses 67% less fossil fuel
- Takes 68% less energy overall to produce.
Pertex Quantum Pro also aims to “embrace circularity”, which follows Jöttnar’s belief that we should keep limited resources in circulation for longer, using and reusing them in a joined-up process that consumes as little energy as possible.
More features of the Jöttnar Fenrir
850 fill power hydrophobic goose down in a 93/7 down/feather ratio
Responsible Down Standard “Downtek” down
Environmentally responsible DWR
Synthetic fill in the neck and cuff zones to resist moisture
No loop, anti-snag hem draw cords
Improved fit and new sleeve design for ease of motion
Concealed hood adjustment
Technical stretch cuffs allow bulky gloves to be worn
2 x zipped hand pockets
Zipped internal chest pocket
Self-stuff sack
Weight: 435g (men’s size small)
Colours: black, forest, eclipse
Price: £385 (on sale at £285)
Visit: Jottnar.
My thoughts: Jöttnar Fenrir goose down jacket
Of course, I would have liked to be testing a women’s version of this jacket. Surely, women will be as interested as men in owning a jacket that is made with a “more sustainable world-first” fabric.
This aside, I do like the jacket. I can’t comment on the fit because the men’s small is quite large on me and a more boxy male shape but it does offer good warmth for weight. It feels lightweight when the jacket is on yet still provides excellent warmth.
This is not the sort of jacket I would wear in heavy rain but it does have some water-resisting properties, including hydrophobic goose down and DWR.
The outer fabric feels light and silky, yet it also appears to be hard wearing.
I like the attention to to detail with stretch cuffs for coping with larger gloves and the synthetic insulated fill at the neck and cuffs. The synthetic cuff fill has been added in areas of the jacket are more prone to wet and dampness, even when wearing a waterproof jacket over the top, because synthetic fill is better than down for insulating properties when wet.
There is also stuff sack, which is attached to the inside of the zipped chest pocket so you don’t lose it. I don’t consider the size of the packed jacket to be that small. A compression bag would achieve a smaller size.
The zip pulls are easy to use, even when wearing gloves. However, it would be great if there was a two-way zip at the front of the jacket. When a jacket costs almost £400, I think a two-way zip should be included.
Jöttnar was founded by two former Royal Marines to create technical clothing for mountaineering, winter climbing and all-mountain skiing. They have continued to create what I would class as high-end products. In my experience, the products are expensive but very good quality and durable.
It’s always great to see brands taking their environmental responsibilities seriously and NetPlus is a positive step. They also use environmentally responsible DWR (Durable Water Repellent). There is always more to be done, of course, and one of the best ways to reduce the environmental impact of clothing is to buy second hand or try to wear the same item until it is no longer useable. “Repair and keep using” is the right mantra. I think the Fenrir jacket is likely to stand the test of time and plenty of use.
Jottnar products do what they say they will and the new Jöttnar Fenrir goose down jacket has kept me warm and cosy when temperatures drop below zero.
The full price is quite eye watering at £385 but I see it’s reduced to £285 just now.