Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie Review

I’ve spent a good amount of time wearing various down, and synthetic down jackets recently, from brands including Black Diamond, Adidas, Outdoor Vitals, and Ibex, but one that’s been on my radar for a while is the Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie.

Fjällräven is known for its practical designs and eco-friendly approach, so I wanted to see how the Expedition Pack Down Hoodie fares in regular winter conditions. It’s designed for mild to moderately cold climates rather than deep backcountry adventures, but it’s marketed as a reliable all-rounder. Let’s take a look at its main features and see if it lived up to my expectations.

Key Specifications

• Price: $280 at fjallraven.com / REI.com
• Insulation: 700-fill power ethically sourced down, with synthetic insulation in the shoulders. 90% goose down, 10% feather.
• Weight: 17oz / 490g
• Shell Fabric: Recycled Nylon with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish
• Fit: Slightly roomy, longer in the back, easy to layer underneath
• Packability: Compresses into an internal pocket

Fjällräven Brand Background

Based in Sweden, Fjällräven is recognized for producing gear that lasts a long time and has a minimal environmental footprint. Over the years, the company has leaned heavily into sustainable practices—using traceable down, recycled fabrics, and fluorocarbon-free treatments.

Their apparel generally merges functionality with a casual, understated design, which suits both outdoor use and everyday wear.

Unique Qualities Of The Expedition Pack Down Hoodie

One thing that sets this hoodie apart is its blend of durability and sustainability; the shell is thicker than many ultralight competitors, so it stands up to everyday scuffs and scrapes very well.

Reinforced synthetic insulation in the shoulders also helps if you’re caught in damp weather, preventing the jacket from losing its insulating ability too quickly. Fjällräven’s emphasis on eco-friendly materials is another selling point, and the fact that it packs into its own pocket makes it convenient for traveling or short hikes.

What’s Good

I’ve found the Fjällräven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie to be comfortable in a variety of settings, whether I’m walking my son to day care in the cold winter mornings, or taking my dog, Kepler for walks.

The roomy cut gives me enough space for extra layers, and the longer back helps keep out cold drafts when I’m sitting or bending down. It has adjustment cords that allow you to seal off the bottom of the jacket too.

There’s also thoughtful use of synthetic insulation in the shoulders, which is a smart design choice for anyone who carries a backpack or often deals with damp conditions.

The collar and hood are lined with a soft material that feels good against my skin, and the high collar design does a decent job of blocking wind.

I also appreciate the adjustable waist and hood, which add another layer of customization to manage changing weather. For light snow or drizzle, the DWR finish has been effective, and the thicker shell offers a bit more wind resistance than you’d find with some ultralight jackets but this jacket isn’t waterproof, so any prolonged periods in wet weather and you will start to take on water.

Another plus is the jacket’s storage layout – the hand pockets are spacious, making it easy to warm up my hands or store small gear.

The internal chest pocket doubles as a stuff sack, which is handy if I need to pack the hoodie away when I’m traveling. On top of that, Fjällräven’s use of recycled materials and ethically sourced down aligns with what a lot of us look for nowadays—being eco-conscious without sacrificing performance.

Finally, I like that it transitions nicely from an outdoor setting to everyday city wear, and the clean, minimal styling fits most casual outfits.

Areas for Improvement

Although 700-fill down is decently warm, it isn’t going to rival jackets using higher fill power if you’re aiming for ultra-light packing or warmth in extreme cold. That means it’s fine for casual outings around freezing temperatures but may not be the go-to for longer, colder expeditions – despite the name!

The jacket’s thicker shell also means it’s heavier and bulkier than some competitors, which will be noticeable for those who pay close attention to pack weight. The roomy cut won’t suit everyone, especially if you prefer a more athletic silhouette – in which case maybe size down.

Finally, the price may feel a bit steep for a jacket that’s neither ultralight nor exceptionally warm, BUT you have to remember, you’re also paying for Fjällräven’s reputation for quality materials, high build quality, and sustainability.

My Verdict

At $280, Fjällräven’s Expedition Pack Down Hoodie is a versatile option for people who want a well-built jacket for day-to-day winter use and shorter outdoor adventures.

It’s comfortable, stands up to regular wear, and lines up with modern sustainability goals that I have come to expect from outdoor brands.

If you need something extremely lightweight or highly technical, there are better choices out there. But if you prefer a reliable down hoodie that blends durability, environmental awareness, and a casual style that you like, this one is well worth considering.

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Let me know what you think! Have you tried this jacket, or are you considering it? Drop a comment below. If you enjoyed this review, subscribe to my newsletter and check out my YouTube channel for more gear insights!