Fjallraven Ovik Review

9.5
9.5 score
[Editors rating (9.5)] = (WalkJogRun) score (9.5)/10


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Fjällräven is the perfect example of creating something out of necessity. You’re not happy at how things are? Well, try and improve them. That’s the message from one of Sweden’s most beloved entrepreneurs. Åke Nordin.

He was just a 14-year-old boy when he was preparing to go for a summer hike in the northern part of the country. But he was left disappointed with the design and the lack of functionality of the backpacks in that day and age. So, after extensive research, he realized that the backpack should be designed better. Nordin then took his mother’s sewing machine and made one for himself. He used that very same pack for the hike, but it was years later that he founded the company.

But that does the name even mean? Fjallraven is the Swedish term for Arctic fox, and a red Arctic fox can be easily seen on the Company’s logo.

Norden officially founded and in Fjallraven in 1960, and the first months, he operated the manufacturing and selling of the merchandise from his basement. But over the years, the company grew. And today is one of the best retailers in Sweden that specialize in outdoor equipment.

However, let’s take a closer look at the very special Ovik jacket. What makes it special? Scroll down and see for yourself. Hope you'll like this review and this particular product. Enjoy.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros

Machine washable

Durable

Fixed style of hood

An inner jacket that’s detachable

Cons

Expensive

Comfort

A lot of factors contribute to the comfort of any type of jacket, let alone a fantastic winter jacket like this. Sure the materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester allow the comfort to peak during the harsh winter mounts, but the design is just as impressive as the materials that went into the creation. However, when we say that this is a fantastic jacket, we mean it. The biggest virtue is its functionality, and that’s saying a lot. The Ovik has an impressive 3 in 1 functionality and it’s not something that you’ll find in most of the other jackets on the markets. Sure most of them have the option for wearing on both sides, but to have a comfy jacket that you can make 3 separate jackets out of the one thick, sturdy and comfy jacket… That requires a lot of skill and ingenuity. But when it comes to the materials, well, each of the layers has a different set of materials that were used in the creation.

Materials

Speaking of the materials, there’s a lot to be mentioned here, so pay attention. Ok, first thing first. The first and outer layer is a blend of 65% polyester and 35% cotton. The nice blend of a synthetic and natural thread is called G-1000 eco style of material, and it allows you to breathe, but to be kept warm at the same time. The inner material is made entirely out of polyamide, while the filling is 100% made out of Polyester. The other name for that filling is G-Loft – Supreme in fact and it’s what gives the necessary insulation to the jacket.

Design

It’s always great when design and functionality meet and create something so practical yet stylish and versatile. But the design is reminiscent of the Swedish/Scandinavian minimalism. The high points are focused on the functionality, while the style albeit great is put on the second place. Monochromatic in color, the Ovik is Sweden’s finest. Graced with the simple (and also minimalistic) Swedish flag, the design is a technological marvel. Made out of three layers of fantastic and insulating thread, the designs also have a 3 in 1 type of functionality. The inner jacket is easily detachable from the outer jacket and can be worn separately. When both structures are attached, the Ovik is one very sturdy, durable and amazing winter jacket. But the inner section allows you to wear it in the warmer days as well. Versatility and stylish design all in one place, don’t you think?

This is a hip-length jacket that has an adjustable hood and a zipper that goes in two ways. The zipper is on the other hand hidden behind a protective panel (a flap if you will), and that panel not only acts protection for the zipper but for your body as well. And last but certainly not least, the two hand pockets on each of the sides, are designed at the lower point of the jacket, just to make things easier for the person that’s wearing the jacket.

Fit

Both the outer and inner jacket is designed to be true to the fit of the chosen size, and if you chose to wear both structures at the same time (in a 3 in 1 type of functionality), the fit won’t become bulky or unpleasant. The inner and outer jackets are connected nicely and the fit is perfect for both the female and the male and female version. The only 2 differences in the male and female version are the sizing charts and the length of the hem. The female version has a hem that’s longer on the bottom part, and that hem touches the bellow the hip area.

Size

Speaking of the size, the sizing chart for male and the female version of the Ovik is very different but inclusive of almost all sizes. The male version of the jacket starts from the extra small size and ends on the other side of the spectrum with an XXL size. The female version on the other hand also starts with an XXS size but ends with an XL. It sadly doesn’t go past the extra-large size. If you’re ordering the jackets from the official website of the Fjallraven Company, you’ll have to be extra careful about the availability of some of the models. Some of the sizes in the male department are out of stock without no further notice when they’ll be available for purchase.

Maintenance

Here’s the interesting part of this section. The Fjallraven Company offers two separate ways of maintenance, repair and constant care of its products. The first is easy breezy and very simple to follow. The Ovik is machine washable style of garment and that’s well. Just put it in the washing machine, while reading the instructions and boom. It’s good as new again, and ready to wear all over again. The instructions apply for both inner and outer section of the jacket.

But if you’re feeling very adventurous and highly protective of this particular garment you’ll definitely want to use Greenland Wax. What is a Greenland Wax you might ask? Well, it’s a special mixture of paraffin and beeswax.

If you’re looking for a way to make it more durable and even more wind-resistant you’ll apply a thin layer of the wax on the surface of the jacket. By adding the layer of wax, the jacket will become sturdier, firmer and a lot more wind/moisture resistant, but if you remove the wax it will make the garment breezy, light and airy.

However, don’t mistake the power of the wax and think that it will make the Ovik waterproof. No, it will make it water-resistant to a certain degree, but not completely waterproof. When you’ll actually purchase the jacket, it will be delivered already pre-waxed with the Greenland wax, but inevitably after multiple washes, the wax will disappear from the surface, and another coat needs to be applied.
Fjallraven will always advise you to use an additional layer of was to the areas that have the most friction, like the elbows for instance. They’re the areas that get the most contact with other surfaces, and you really should be quite generous in those particular areas.

Durability

The durability is always a reflection on the quality of the materials and the sheer craftsmanship that was put into the making of the garment. And over here, you’re in luck with both places and then some. The design, the style, the details and the care that’s invested in the jacket is unparalleled. It’s a truly amazing structure that’s versatile and simplistic at the same time. There’s great insulation built in the structure and the fact that it has a distinct 3 in 1 functionality, means that you’ll get 3 jackets all in one. It’s up to you to decide which one you’ll prefer and if you don’t decide then let the weather to decide. If it’s a bit warmer, choose one of the layers, and it’s a bit colder outside why not use both? You won’t feel bulky, you won’t feel restricted and the fit will always be great on both layers.

Color

An interesting fact about the color options of the Ovik is the fact that neither the male nor the female version has lighter tones. The female jacket has 5 separate color options (dark olive and dark navy, black, khaki and grey) while the female version has 4 (mountain grey, dark navy, frost green, and regular dark color). It’s hard to know which color is most sought after (according to the company’s data), but the dark navy and black, being neutral colors are always number one in demand by far in most of the producers of this type of garments.

Price

A fair warning! The Ovik Jacket is not a cheap purchase by any means. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive you’ll make, but if you decide to buy it, it’s going to be worth every penny. Seriously. Sometimes the price doesn’t justify the product’s quality, but in this case, it does. It’s one of the most expensive but so worth making type of investments. And you’ll be reaching for the dividends of that investment in the years to come. The price tag ranges from 250 and can go all the way up to 682 dollars. Yes, it’s a lot of money, even for a jacket that has a 3 in 1 type of functionality attributed to it, but still. If you’re adamant of getting it, you won’t be sorry. It’s really great.

Protection

The Ovik is a winter type of jacket in its original form. But since has a 3 in 1 type of functionality, you can actually separate (or detach) the inner lighter jacked wear it away from the big, outer jacket. The 3 in 1 type of functionality offers a great deal of versatility, but we’ll get to that later. The materials allow the protection for sure but the mere design is also responsible for the protection as well. This is a hip-length type of a jacket with a high collar and two warm pockets on both sides. The high collar eliminates the need of a scarf or a thick shall be used underneath the jacket, while fixed hood at the back and the strong zipper with the very protective flap at the center are just the finesses to this already fantastic design.

Bottom line

The Ovik Jacket by Fjallraven is truly an amazing piece of clothing. It’s versatile, durable, made from the best materials and offers functionality and style at the same time. It can become quite handy when you’re in need of a great winter jacket, and when the weather is a lot warmer. Then you can adjust the layering and wear only the inner layer. It’s a great purchase if you’re going for your next hiking adventure, on your next sightseeing trip or just on your camping trip. It’s a great piece of clothing to have for an emergency change of weather, and despite the hefty price, it’s a jacket to have in your closet.
it will be a lifesaver on so many occasions, and you'll find yourself always reaching for one or the two layers. It will become a must-have item fairly quickly.