The Bergtagen takes many of the features already associated with Fjallraven jackets and adapts them for use in the mountains and while in technical environments. Using Fjallraven's own G-1000 Eco Lite fabric, the Bergtagen is one of the most eco-friendly, reliable and durable jackets available. G-1000 Eco Lite is made from recycled polyester and organic cotton, then coated with a layer of Greenland wax to ensure a high level of weather protection, whether you're in the mountains or strolling through the woods. This method is not only reliable and easy to re-apply, but adaptable. Let's say you're at your campsite and the forecast takes a turn for the worst, you're able to add a layer of wax to the jacket with nothing but a camp stove to add more water resistance for the next day. The slightly thicker G-1000 Eco is then added to the shoulders for extra protection when wearing a heavy rucksack, while an even thicker and tougher Corylon fabric is used on the elbows and lower back for further durability.
G-1000 is highly breathable as it is, however zipped ventilation openings down the sides of the jackets allow you to quickly dump heat and to allow extra air-flow when you're working hard. These are cleverly placed where hand pockets are usually present; this isn't just to be different, they're placed there so you can reach through the vents into midlayer pockets and to avoid getting in the way while using a climbing harness or thick rucksack hipbelt. If you're wondering where the pockets are, there are two huge zipped pockets on the chest which will easily fit a folded map, GPS or snacks you want quick to hand.
Moving up to the hood, Fjallraven have equipped the Bergtagen with a helmet-compatible hood with three points of adjustment to bring it closer to your head when not wearing a helmet. Other clever features are present higher up the jacket too, such as seams which are placed on the chest rather than the shoulders to avoid chafing when carrying heavy loads. A two-way zip provides further convinenence when wearing a harness or doing your business, while a long, thick zip pull is easy to adjust when wearing gloves or mitts.
Fjallraven's seam taping is another aspect worth mentioning. The Bergtagen is not a waterproof jacket, however the seams are taped; this is not only to provide a little more weather protection (after all, stitch points are essentially thousands of little holes), but to allow the jacket to glide seamlessly over additional layers. Seams which aren't taped stick out slightly and will make it more difficult to layer over a fleece or insulated jacket.
The Bergtagen takes a completely different approach when it comes to a techy mountain jacket, but it's one of the most well-rounded options available, suiting just about everything from mountain trekking, climbing and scrambling, to countryside walking and everyday use thanks to the subtle Swedish styling.
-
Two large chest pockets
-
Two side vents
-
Breathable
-
Water and wind resistant
-
Eco-friendly fabrics
-
Thick zip pulls
-
Helmet compatible hood
-
Reinforcements for rucksacks
-
Velcro adjusted cuffs