A Guide’s Review of the Fjällräven High Coast Wind Jacket
Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. It’s a rare day that you are in the mountains and there is no wind. That means at a minimum you should be carrying a wind jacket anytime you head into the hills. The lightweight, quick-drying, and stylish Fjällräven High Coast Wind jacket may be the answer you are looking for.
Overview
- Material: HC-Lite®: 54% polyamide, 46% cotton
- Weight: 345g
- Country of Origin: China
What is the Fjällräven High Coast Jacket?
The Fjällräven High Coast jacket is a stylish jacket that incorporates a waxed poly/cotton blend that provides windproofing and very mild water resistance. It looks just as good on the trail as it does around town. Two hand pockets, a chest pocket, elasticated waist and sleeve endings, and a large hood keep this jacket as a mild-weather staple.
What is HC Lite?
HC Lite stands for High Coast Lite. It is Fjällrävens proprietary material only found in the High Coast Line. It is made of 54% polyamide and 46% cotton. Much like Fjällräven’s G-1000 material, it can be waxed to improve water resistance. That said, this jacket is intended as a wind jacket, not a rain jacket.
The Fit
The Fjällräven High Coast Jacket fits quite loosely. I normally wear an XL but wonder if I could have gotten away with a large in the High Coast. The length of the body is about perfect and the sleeves reach down to my wrists just right. I do find the arms, especially where they are attached to the body, to be quite baggy. If you are on the smaller end of your normal sizing I would consider sizing down.
Windproof and Waterproof?
The Fjällräven High Coast Jacket is definitely windproof. I can attest that by having worn it on quite a few high mountain passes in the Alps last summer. It is also lightly water resistant but definitely not waterproof. It can be waxed to maintain its water resistance but I would not rely on it in a downpour. As an aside, it does dry quite quickly after it does get wet. Don’t ask me how I know.
Durability
Like all Fjällräven products, I expect this jacket to withstand the test of time. After quite a few hikes and being worn under a heavy backpack, it shows no signs of wear. It does however show a few wrinkles so if you are looking at this piece as a wind jacket for the city, don’t stuff it in the top of a backpack.
Overview
The Fjallraven High Coast wind jacket is a stylish piece of gear. It looks great both on and off the trail and I’d expect nothing less from Fjällräven. I found it most useful on days when I was going over high mountain passes that were going to be cool, possibly even misty, and the valley bottom warm. It stood up to the wind easily and could survive a very light sprinkle of rain. Anything more in the forecast and I’d look for a more appropriate rain jacket.
The Fjällräven High Coast jacket is an incredibly windproof jacket that uses traditional materials and has classic looks that are just as good about town as they are on the trail. I particularly like the color-blocked look of the PAtina Green-NAvy version. It adds to the classic flair that a lot of Fjällrävens pieces embrace.
Who is the Fjällräven High Coast jacket for?
The Fjällräven High Coast jacket stands out on day trips in the shoulder season where you will likely meet wind, cooler temperatures and perhaps a few drops of liquid sunshine.
Who is the Fjällräven High Coast jacket not for?
The High Coast jacket is not for folks looking to have an exclusive wind and rain jacket that is high on tech materials and fit.
If you are looking at the Fjällräven High Coast Wind jacket head on over to their site and check one out! Looking for more Fjällräven reviews? Head on over to our Search Bar and read on.
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Black Sheep Adventure sports was provided with a free sample of the Fjällräven High Coast Jacket. This in no way affected our opinion and review.