Fjallraven have poured their entire heritage of Swedish outdoor engineering into this classic-looking jacket; it's the epitome of their far-north woodsman-styled approach. But is it a trekking jacket?
We normally review outdoor gear in relation to its intended use, but we have to make an exception here. For most UK hikers there is one factor that probably precludes the Singi from being an all-round trekking jacket - it is too bulky to be easily stashed in a pack. Why Fjallraven felt the need to prescribe 'trekking' in the jacket's name is a mystery, but there's so much more to the Singi.
For winter hiking (and probably for most of the year in parts of Sweden) this jacket will perform superbly; it's surprisingly light for such a robust construction, it's hugely breathable thanks to the G1000 fabric (Greenland Wax can be applied to suit, in order to boost the water resistance), and offers great coverage from the weather with a longer cut and a storm hood - a revelation - which forms a tunnel around your face to keep out driving wind and rain. It's also very generously sized for layering underneath.
Bulk is really the only down side in trekking terms, but the breathability compared to membrane-based waterproofs should allow you to keep it on even when the mercury rises. Or carry a larger pack just in case!
Where the Singi really excels though, is in a more general 'outdoorsy' context: bushcraft, foraging, fishing etc.. It is built to withstand the abrasive rigours of woodland work, has copious pockets for the various tools and accessories and will offer superb protection from the elements.
Like most Fjallraven products, it also just feels more natural. It's softer and quieter than a plasticky membraned jacket, moves like natural fibres do, and more importantly, it has less environmental impact than most.
This is a very good trekking jacket which performs brilliantly, but is let down on packability. As a more general outdoor jacket, for less aerobically demanding pursuits, it is simply superb.
