What is Fjallraven's EcoShell Material?

Question

Is Fjallraven’s EcoShell any better than Gore-Tex?

Answer 1

Fjallraven has figured out the EcoShell, which is crafted using recycled polyester fabric and Wowick DWR, a PFC-free, durable waterproofing treatment that does not impede airflow. Such materials could be argued to be less durable and oil resistant in comparison to PFCs infused DWRs; however, Fjallraven believes it is a compromise worth making to eliminate the usage of dangerous forever chemicals.

Comments

I worked at Fjallraven during college and had a great time. Your content brought back good memories! I have the Keb eco-shell. It’s pretty expensive, but is still holding up after almost 8 years!

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As a Fjällräven fan and owner of several Fjällräven items a few years ago I purchased a jacket and bib pants in Eco-shell quality. Fjällräven promised these items would keep me dry when it’s raining for a whole day. However, after a few hours of skiing in heavy snowfall I was wet all the way into my base layer. I documented this, returned the items and got my money back.
After that I decided to stick to Goretex-based shells. The jackets and pants from Norrona seems to be very durable and versatile. So for various outdoor activities I get away with less different pieces of clothing which last for many years.
Thanks for an interesting content.

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Was planning in buying myself a “proper” arc teryx rain jacket this year, but you might have just changed my mind here. The fjallraven sounds some much better in every way possible, durability and sustainability. Thanks!

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I got a fjallraven outer layer about a decade ago. Basically just a half-zip orange hooded windbreaker. I use it for x-c skiing, snowshoeing, fat-biking, canoe camping, and I'll even throw it into the golf bag if it looks like rain. On one occasion, it soaked through, because it's not waterproof.

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I`ve had a keb eco-shell for years. Worn it through storms and all kinds of weather. Works great and is highly water repellent, almost waterproof.

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I have loved and used Gore-Tex and Eco-Shell. Eco-Shell has replaced all my Gore-Tex because I simply liked the jackets better. I wasn't aware of many of the details you covered here but I find that you match the gear to the environment. Sometimes that means you need a couple layers of wool and just know it will get heavy as it gets wet but will still perform versus a puffy and a shell that fails you when the down gets wet. I carry an umbrella for example because I don't need a shell to walk to the mailbox or coffee shop. If it's hammering rain and coming in sideways, that changes. In extreme cold, I wear wool and maybe a puffy with a cotton outer shell so I can dump out perspiration as quick as possible. All this to say, I love my Eco-Shell and it's a very effective tool in the arsenal.

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Fjällräven Ecoshell is used also by Houdini shell jackets and pants. The mix of cotton/polyester is common in many other fabrics. Swedish battle uniform M90 for example. Lundhags, Haglöfs, Norröna also uses same blend in some of there garments…

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I have the bergtagen and Keb eco-shell jackets and trousers and they are both magnificent. Always keeps me dry in horrendous conditions. It also doesn’t feel like you are wearing plastic covered cardboard. Their fabrics are great. They are expensive but generally speaking you get what you pay for. I buy many brands and in my humble opinion Fjallraven are the best at clothing. The slick slightly retro design and choices of colour also mean you don’t look like your school geography teacher when you wear it in an urban environment.

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I have used coretex jackets in the past but recently bought fjällravens eco-shell jacket. I have taken it to heaviest of rains and windiest winds. I can say from experience that it at least as good as coretex. Maybe better because it seems to be lighter.

The negative side. Its really expensive. The keb eco-shell costs almost 600 euros.. which is nuts.