Fjern Aktiv Down Jacket vs. Fjern Arktis II Down Jacket

Aktiv vs. Arktis II Down Jacket Comparison

When it comes to braving the elements in unfavourable conditions, a reliable down jacket is a must have. Both our Aktiv and Arktis II down jackets are strong contenders, but how do they stack up against each other? In this comparison, we’ll break down their features, performance, and ultimately help you decide which jacket suits your use case.

Both jackets are lightweight, packable, and designed for tough conditions, but the devil is in the details. Let’s explore the specifics and see which jacket fits your next adventure best!

Key Differences at a Glance

Before we dig deep into each feature, here’s a quick comparison of the Aktiv and Arktis II jackets in terms of fill power, down weight, total weight, and other core features.

Feature Aktiv Arktis II
Fill Power (FP) 700FP Goose Down 750FP Teflon-treated Goose Down
Down-to-Feather Ratio 90/10 95/5
Water Resistance DWR (Durable Water Repellent) Finish Teflon-treated, water-resistant down
Weight (Size M) 395g 483g
Down Weight (Size M) 138g 170g
Packability Stuffable into a pocket Stuffable into a mesh pocket
Best Use Dry, cold alpine pursuits Cold, damp conditions
Price (04/10/24) £200 £250

Warmth: Fill Power & Down-to-Feather Ratio

The Aktiv features a solid 700 Fill Power (FP) down, offering excellent insulation for cold weather while remaining lightweight and compressible. It uses a 90/10 down-to-feather ratio, meaning 90% of the insulation is premium down and 10% is feathers, giving you a nice balance between warmth and packability.

On the other hand, the Arktis II ups the ante with a 750FP Teflon-treated down, which not only provides better insulation but also makes the down water-resistant. This is a big advantage in cold, damp environments where moisture can significantly reduce warmth. The 95/5 down-to-feather ratio also means you're getting even more high-quality down for superior warmth and loft.

Winner for Warmth 🏆

The Arktis II takes the crown here due to the higher fill power and a better down-to-feather ratio. Its Teflon-treated down is a game-changer for damp conditions.

Weather Resistance: Water Repellency & Fabric Durability

Both jackets are constructed with Nylon ripstop outer fabric and a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish, making them resistant to light rain or snow. However, the Arktis II goes one step further by using Teflon-treated goose down. This means the actual insulation is water-resistant, offering additional protection if you find yourself in damp conditions.

The Aktiv, while treated with DWR, does not have water-resistant down. This makes it better suited for dry, cold conditions, where moisture isn’t much of a concern.

When it comes to durability, both jackets feature mini-stitch through baffle construction to keep the down in place, preventing cold spots. The Nylon ripstop fabric in both jackets is durable and resistant to wear, but if you're looking to face unpredictable weather, the Arktis II’s added moisture resistance is hard to ignore.

Winner for Weather Resistance 🏆

The Arktis II is the clear choice for damp or unpredictable conditions thanks to its Teflon-treated down and superior water resistance.

Weight & Packability

The Aktiv weighs in at 395g (size M), making it incredibly light for a down jacket with this level of warmth. It’s designed to be compact and packable, making it an excellent layering piece for high-energy activities like climbing or trekking. One of the hand pockets even doubles as a stuff sack, which is a handy feature for packing it down quickly on the go.

The Arktis II, on the other hand, is a bit heavier at 483g (size M), due to the higher down fill and added features. However, it’s still packable, stuffing into its internal mesh pocket, though it will take up slightly more space in your pack.

Winner for Weight & Packability 🏆

The Aktiv wins here with its lighter overall weight and similar packability. If you’re aiming to keep your pack light, this jacket is a great choice.

Hood & Fit Adjustments

Both jackets feature adjustable hoods, making it easier to achieve a snug fit around your head. The Aktiv offers an insulated hood with internal adjusters, but it’s slightly less refined in terms of dialing in the perfect fit.

Both jackets are designed with no-lift gusseted underarms to ensure full range of motion, whether you’re climbing or trekking. They also share elastic-bound cuffs and adjustable hems for sealing in warmth, but the Arktis II adds a drawcord hem adjustment, which could give you a more tailored fit when needed.

Winner for Hood & Fit Adjustments 🏆

The Arktis II takes this round with more hood adjustability options and the additional drawcord hem adjustment for a snug, windproof fit.

Extra Features

  • The Aktiv has reflective logos and zipped hand pockets, one of which doubles as a stuff sack..
  • The Arktis II adds a Tricot-lined hand warmer pockets for extra cosiness and an internal mesh pocket that doubles as a stuff sack.

Both jackets are RDS (Responsible Down Standard) certified, ensuring that the down is ethically sourced, and feature corded zipper pulls that are easy to grab even when wearing gloves

Which Jacket Should You Choose?

It all boils down to where you’re heading and what kind of conditions you expect. Here’s a quick guide:

  • Choose the Aktiv if:

    You’re tackling dry, cold alpine conditions, and you need something lightweight and versatile that can be packed easily. If you’re looking to layer or want a jacket that’s more focused on portability and ease of use, the Aktiv is your go-to option.

  • Choose the Arktis II if:

    You’re dealing with cold, potentially damp conditions and need the added security of water-resistant down. The Arktis II’s higher fill power and enhanced hood adjustment make it a top choice for extreme conditions where warmth and weather resistance are critical.

FAQs

  • What is the difference between 700FP and 750FP?

    Fill Power (FP) refers to how much loft or fluffiness the down has. The higher the number, the more insulating air it can trap, making the jacket warmer. 750FP offers slightly more warmth and loft than 700FP.

  • Is the Arktis II heavier because of the higher down fill?

    Yes, the Arktis II has more down and additional water-resistant treatments, which adds to the weight but also enhances its performance in cold and wet conditions.

  • Can both jackets be layered?

    Absolutely! Both the Aktiv and Arktis II are designed to be layered under shells or worn over base layers, depending on your needs.

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