Fjällräven
Vardag Hydratic Anorak W
£270 420g (size L)
✓ comfortable to wear, relaxed style
x limited hood adjustment, expensive
Materials: 73% recycled polyester/27% polyurethane
Hood: volume adjuster but no stiffener in peak
Front closure: pullover with zip and press studs
Underarm/side zips: yes, zips
Pockets: large, zipped kangaroo pocket (doubles as jacket storage), large internal
Hem: drawcord adjuster
Cuffs: elasticated Sizes: XXS-XL
Men’s version: yes fjallraven.com
There’s a pleasing simplicity to the design of the Fjällräven Vardag Hydratic Anorak W. It’s a sleek pullover anorak with a large zipped front pocket into which it can be packed away, side zips that do double duty as ventilation but also make getting the jacket on and off easier, and a half zip at the front with press studs. It may seem simple, but there’s a wealth of technical detail behind the low-key looks.
The jacket is made from 2.5 layer Hydratic fabric with PU membrane and PFC-free water-repellent treatment, which is soft, stretchy and pleasingly rustle-free. It’s tough too, as I discovered when greeting a rocky trail rather more enthusiastically than intended.
The fit and cut are spot on for layering, or not, depending on the conditions, with no flapping about if only wearing a light layer underneath. Sleeves are a decent length for the average arm and there’s good length in the body too. It’s pleasantly breathable and protects well in rain. The half zip at the neck can be opened with the press studs fastened to keep the rain out whilst allowing for more air flow, as can the side zips, helping to keep everything a good stable temperature.
Where I feel this jacket really comes into its own is as a do-it-all outer shell layer for all seasons. It’s the sort of jacket you can wear or take along in your pack for any weather, as it does just as good a job as a comfortable wind-resistant jacket too; and, being quiet and soft, it’s a pleasure to wear rather than a nuisance. It also looks sufficiently good that I’d happily pop it on for a wander around the shops, adding to the value for money. The only niggles – aside from the high price – are that the hood is quite minimalist, with a soft peak and single drawcord adjustment, and the cuffs are a simple halfelasticated design. Not deal-breakers, but they are details that might not suit more demanding conditions.