My Husband Has Had This Beloved Swedish Winter Jacket for Over a Decade

When I met my husband, he ate Coco Puffs for dinner multiple nights a week, his professional email address had the word palmtree in it and he was still figuring out which color wine he liked.

Which is why it was so shocking when my then-20-something boyfriend saved up for months (even though it was on sale!) to buy a real-deal, high-quality winter jacket from the Swedish outdoor brand Fjällräven.

Thirteen years later, that jacket is still going strong—and it’s been tested to the max. The Övik padded jacket has kept him warm while gazing at the Northern Lights in Iceland, strolling through snowy Christmas mornings in Sweden and braving New York City’s infamous polar vortexes. Here’s why it’s absolutely worth the splurge.

My husband has worn this jacket in –10°F weather and been seriously toasty. In fact, signature G-1000 fabric is so efficient that he often complains it’s too warm. And when temps do drop below freezing, you can forget about taking the subway—he’ll overheat immediately. I’ve also spent many chilly winter nights with my hands shoved into his jacket pockets (they’re warmer than any glove I’ve ever owned). It is both wind- and water-resistant. This jacket really lives up to the Swedish motto, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.”

Swedes know a thing or two about design, and this jacket proves it. It somehow manages to be both rugged and stylish, and considering that the model has been around since 1974, it’s definitely stood the test of time.

My husband’s version is laurel green (and with more stitching than the current design), but it also comes in dark navy and wood brown. The silhouette is classic yet comfortable, and works just as well trekking through a snowstorm as it does running weekend errands.

The jacket features five generously sized deep pockets that can easily fit the usual suspects (wallet, keys, sunglasses), as well as extras like hats and gloves. It also has a hood and is long enough to cover your bottom (helpful when sitting down on a freezing cold bench!). Even cooler? The jacket can be waxed (Fjällräven sells tubs of Greenland Wax) for enhanced weather resistance or increased breathability. Truthfully, my husband bought the wax years ago but never got around to actually using it, so even without the add-on this jacket is durable. It can also be machine-washed on a normal cycle and tumble dried on low. 

Fjällräven doesn’t just make great jackets, they’re also one of the good guys. The Swedish brand is known for its sustainable, eco-conscious practices and high-quality outdoor gear (their kids’ backpacks are adorable).

As the company puts it, “We make every effort to act responsibly towards people, wildlife and the environment—and to encourage people to take an interest in outdoor life.”

“Any jacket that lasts more than five years is special, let alone one that has lasted 13 years,” my husband says. And he’s right. Yes, it’s pricey, but considering it’s lasted well over a decade with zero signs of wear and tear, it’s the definition of an investment piece. In fact, it’s the longest-lasting item of clothing he owns.

I was so impressed by the quality that I eventually bought a Fjällräven coat for myself (the Nuuk Parka, $500) and I’m just as obsessed.