Jottnar Asmund

Jöttnar Asmund Jacket review

Sticking with companies who have me searching the keyboard for umlauts, it’s time to get a bit more technical. I’ve been a fan of Jöttnar from their inception, it’s a small range of kit designed by mountaineers, for mountaineers. They’ve given some of the bigger brands something to think about, with competitively priced, proper techy gear. Just what we need, frankly. This is the Jöttnar Asmund jacket.

Jottnar Asmund

Jottnar Asmund

That photo tells you all you need to know about the conditions I’ve been testing the jacket in. I was desperately trying to get a bluebird sun/snow combination to show it off to it’s best, but the Scottish weather gods were not so keen. Every trip I’ve worn this jacket on has been hammered with rain, sleet, snow and gale force winds, more often than not all at the same time. Weather so the crappy that the camera just gave up and so did I. Proper gear testing weather.

The Asmund is a hard shell jacket, made with 3-layer Polartec Neoshell. It’s designed to strike the balance between lightweight and weather resistance. It’s a simple design with a slim athletic cut, a drop hem at the rear and two high pockets. It’s all about keeping the faff to a minimum but giving you what you need. It’s harness and rucksack friendly, the pockets are easily accessible regardless and are spacious. The hem adjustment is simple and can be done one-handed. The arms are reach-high length and the velcro adjustment is simple but effective.

Jottnar Asmund

The hood is helmet compatible and downright excellent. It cinches in nicely for the small headed or those who don’t wear a helmet.  It moves well with your head and offers good elemental protection. Rab generally have set the hood standard for me over the years, but it seems Jöttnar have been paying attention.

Jottnar Asmund

Jottnar Asmund

Jottnar Asmund

Jottnar Asmund

Weather protection is excellent, as I said earlier this one has taken a beating over the last couple of months. Breathability of Neoshell is good, and comes second only to the new Gore Pro for me. The weight is excellent for a winter hard shell, my size large weighs in just under 380g which you wouldn’t notice too much when it’s in your pack. Not that I’ve had it in my pack for long this winter, it’s been on almost immediately on every hill.

In terms of downsides, there aren’t many. The cut is a little roomy around the abdomen, which might be a good thing if you like the pies or your real ale. Likewise the upper arms are spacious and can be a little flappy in very strong winds, but if you’re flexing big guns it’s likely to be a welcome feature. I’m just too weedy, I’d probably have got away with a medium I think. Best to try before you buy if at all possible.

Unlike me, the Asmund is both light and tough. Highly recommended.

Jottnar Asmund

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3 Comments

  1. Im really keen in Jottnar gear but finding somewhere to buy it is a nightmare!

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