In September, Lucy and I were lucky enough to be invited to the Outdoor Academy of Scandinavia 2023 by Haglöfs. The academy took place in beautiful Jämtland, Sweden. It featured five days worth of brand clinics, trekking, camping and testing gear in a breathtaking mountain landscape, socialising and meeting a great, new group of people from various brands and retailers across Europe.
Meet Haglöfs Front Proof Products
Two of the stand-out products I got assigned to test during the trip were from Haglöfs’ Front Proof Range. My kit list included the Haglöfs Front Proof Jacket and a pair of the Haglöfs Front Proof Trousers. Below, you can check out my thoughts, opinions and experiences using these non-Gore-Tex® waterproofs during our trek.
Do Non-Gore-Tex® Waterproofs Really Work?
The Front Proof Jacket is a waterproof, breathable shell jacket. It features Haglöfs’ own waterproof membrane (also known as a proprietary membrane), PROOF™, instead of the usual Gore-Tex®.
Huh? Waterproof? No Gore? Sounds a little ominous, right? Don’t let this fool you. Non-Gore-Tex® membranes are just as reliable regarding waterproof protection. Anyway, all shell jackets usually require some consideration before you buy them, to ensure they work for you and your chosen activities. However, I won’t steer too far off the mark. I’ll save the waterproof shopping tips for another blog.
A Brief Review of Haglöfs Front Proof Jacket and Trousers
To give you a brief overview of the features, the Front Proof has a fully adjustable hood, pit zips, two zippered hand pockets, adjustable cuffs and a drawcord hem. All the zips featured on the jacket are water repellent, maximising protection against the elements.
Overview done. So, how did the Front Proof perform in the real world?
We had a mixed bag of weather, which proved ideal for testing. Luckily (for me), we only had light rain, showers and drizzle throughout our trek, with milder temperatures that could easily leave you feeling sticky in the wrong kit. However, the Front Proof held up really well. It gave me the perfect amount of protection, with breathability to match. Not once did I feel clammy or sweaty, even on steep mountain ascents with little wind. When working harder on these steeper inclines, or at a faster pace, I didn’t feel like the jacket was clinging uncomfortably when my skin became damp. Paired with just a Merino baselayer underneath, this felt like the elite combination.
The benefits of good material
The material itself felt soft next to the skin, so wearing short sleeves underneath wasn’t a problem. A highlight for me was also how quiet this material was. It had none of those overpowering rustly noises like your classic waterproof. This lack of noise weirdly helped me to really embrace the magnificent Swedish scenery.
It might sound a little odd, but hearing the nature around me, instead of listening to that aggravating crinkly noise for hours on end, was a strange little luxury I’d never thought of before (or appreciated). I realised this on the last day of our trek, as we returned down the mountain and walked through the forest in the rain. Personally, I love a good woodland walk, especially in wet weather. So, hearing the pitter-patter of water droplets on the tree leaves and the noise of them gently swaying in the breeze made that part of our walk even more spectacular and incredibly relaxing.
Tackling the windy mountain weather
Even when the weather was dry, this jacket still came in useful and provided excellent shelter against the cold mountain wind. Day two consisted of pitching our tents on the side of Getryggen. Here, we encountered a storm overnight with heavy rain and wind. The remains of the storm were felt in the morning, as the wind still felt strong and cold. However, this is where the Front Proof, once again, saved my bacon. Paired with a Merino long-sleeve, a gridded fleece midlayer and a lightweight down jacket, I felt toasty, warm and protected. I didn’t once feel the breeze through my jacket during breakfast – win!
Fit and feel of the Haglöfs Front Proof Jacket
I’d also like to touch on the fact that, even with all these layers underneath, the Front Proof didn’t make me feel like a waterproof version of Mr Stay Puft. It was comfortable, lightweight and not restrictive, even when handling kit, pitching tents or mounting a big 12kg backpack onto my back. The length was also ideal for giving me plenty of coverage around my waist and bum, helping to prevent it from riding up as I walked with my backpack.
Overall, the Front Proof is a fantastic jacket for hiking and multi-day trekking. It had everything I needed without being too technical or lightweight. For those counting every gram of kit or looking for something that packs tiny, there may be a better option for you. Alternatively, for those who enjoy getting out into the hills for a good stomp, no matter the weather, or those seeking something durable, protective and comfy, I’d highly recommend the Haglöfs Front Proof Jacket.
Comfortable waterproof trousers
As you may have already guessed, the Front Proof Trousers have a lot of similar qualities to the jacket, including the same PROOF™ membrane and equivalent softness with minimum noise. They also feature an elasticated waistband, front button closure, one zipped leg pocket, and adjustable leg ends with calf zips.
Again, these trousers really performed for me. They were super comfy and light, to the point where I barely noticed wearing them. Like the jacket, these trousers felt soft to the touch and were quiet when walking. During the trip, I wore a pair of Merino long johns underneath, which provided ample warmth and temperature regulation when I needed it. This pairing worked well, as the breathability of the trousers was amplified by the Merino to create an effective, moisture-wicking system for mild but wet conditions.
Durability of the Haglöfs Front Proof in rocky terrain
In terms of durability, these trousers withstood the terrain exceptionally well. Whether moving through tight, overgrown woodland or heading up a rocky mountain trail, I had no issues with the strength of the fabric. These pants were clearly highly abrasion resistant, combining (for me) some of the most essential factors waterproof trousers should have to offer – longevity, comfort and protection.
The challenge of finding well-fitted, ladies waterproof trousers
As a woman, I find trousers can be tricky to buy. Sometimes, the fit can be completely wrong, and they can feel tight in all the wrong places – yes, even shell trousers! Whereas these felt fantastic, they had plenty of room around the hips and bum without being baggy or falling down. The waistband was elasticated and made with a low-bulk construction, so I didn’t feel restricted or like I was being sucked in too much, even after a large quantity of snacks…
All in all, the combination of the Front Proof Jacket and Trousers served me well in Sweden. When I’m due some new waterproofs, these will surely be at the top of my list. I’d also like to thank Haglöfs for sending us on this fantastic trip and OAS for organising it. It was a unique experience, and I couldn’t be more grateful to be a part of it.
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