The Fjällräven Keb shirt is easily the most technical garment here, and the best. But it is also the most expensive by some distance. This shirt is made partly from a four-way stretch fabric and partly from Fjällräven’s proprietary polycotton blend, G-1000 Lite (which can be waxed for waterproofing) around the shoulders, elbows, under the lower sleeves, around the cuffs and hem. It feels quite a hefty shirt – not one for hot summer days, but great for the rest of the time.
I found that wearing a backpack I sweated and it took longer for the G-1000 to dry than other synthetic materials, and it also made it cold once I’d taken the backpack off. One of the reasons it feels a bit heavy is the very large zip chest pockets that open vertically on both sides – the stretch material here is doubled up. It’s not a problem though – in fact the large pockets are an excellent addition. Fjällräven use press studs up the front and cuffs, and they fasten well but are easy to pop open for ventilation.
It also fastens lower than the others here – a nice touch. Overall, this is the choice of shirts, but it comes at a price.
First published: Spring 2014
