A super lightweight, ultra packable GORE-TEX waterproof shell.
The Norrona Falketind GTX Paclite Jacket is built for mountaineering but as I have found out over the last few months, it is a great multi-functional piece of kit that you can literally roll up and fit in your back pocket.
Norrona Falketind GTX Paclite Jacket: The stats
| Best for: | Lightweight hiking, mountaineering and biking in wet and changeable conditions |
| Weight: | 258g |
| Waterproof: | Yes, Gore-Tex paclite 4 |
| Eco-conscious: | Oeko-Tex Certified Fabric, Bluesign Certified Fabric, more than 50% recycled materials used |
| Overall rating: |
Features of the Norrona Falketind GTX Paclite Jacket
Fabric
Norrona have crafted the Falketind GTX Paclite from its premium GORE-TEX PACLITE PLUS fabric, a ripstop fabric with a 20D recycled nylon face that weighs in at a ridiculous 75g m2 making it so good for packing away.
Hood
This jacket has a huge hood that works really well over both my climbing helmet and bike helmet. On the back of the hood there is a toggle which allows you to tighten and then release it using one hand. This comes in really handy while hands are full with maps and also when cruising along on my bike.
Even though the hood is massive, the toggle means you can find a good snug fit when you aren’t using a helmet too.
Chest vents
On the right side of the chest there is a large, water resistant zippered chest vent. The jacket is a very minimalist design and doesn’t have underarm vents so this is your only option to get some fresh breeze in when you start to build up a head of steam. It is easily accessed even when carrying a backpack and also allows me to get to zippers and pockets of other layers I have on underneath.
The left side of the chest houses a large water resistant zipper pocket. Inside you will find a small loop whichh I have been using to attach my compass, but it could be used for other items. It is big enough for me to store my map inside while I am hiking and still has room for my phone, a buff or a lightweight pair of gloves.
Hem
Sizing jackets can sometimes be tricky for me. I think I am a standard large but because I have a broad chest and shoulders I sometimes find that the bottom of the jacket rides up – something that really frustrates me. This sometimes leads me to buying a larger jacket which is then just too roomy for me.
The asymmetric longer back cut of the Falketind helps to solve this problem. I love having the extra length of a longer back. It also means when using a harness or a backpack, I stay protected and dont have the jacket riding up and getting swallowed by the hip belt. I love the feature and all outdoor jackets should have it, in my view.
<img class="alignleft"
Norrona Falketind GTX Paclite Jacket review
I have been using this jacket through the months of May, June and July, so I was hoping that I wouldn’t have too much rain. Not so good for the review but I was just thinking more about my lovely warm summer! Luckily for you, it hasn’t stopped raining here in the Welsh Valleys for months!
Last weekend I spent training with Mountain Rescue in the Brecon National Park. We had two full hill days in horrible weather. Heavy rain, cold winds and river crossings. I was so impressed with how the GORE-TEX PACLITE PLUS fabric held up. The main bulk of the jacket was beading even in sustained heavy rain. Only after 5+ hours of heavy downpours did I start to see some penetration around the very ends of the cuffs; a difficult area as all the water from my top half eventually runs off here.
A quick note on the cuffs. They are big and spacious, plenty of room to get over gloves or mitts and a great velcro strap to get that fit nice and tight.
The 20D nylon is super lightweight and feels great to slip on over my down mid layer, as well as feeling light and comfy under my backpack. Norrona have designed the jacket to have no seams on the shoulders to reduce any rubbing from backpack shoulder straps. After a full 7 hours of wet hiking I hung the Falketind next to my camp bed to dry out and by the time I went to bed it was fully dry and ready to be put through its paces again.
The other benefit of this fabric is just how packable it is. It takes up so little space in my backpack and is super easy to whip it out, sling it on and stuff it away when the rain stops, briefly.
I have also used the jacket on a bike tour to the Hay Book Festival. I packed as light as possible as there are a few tasty hills on the route and wanted to keep weight down. We were staying for a few nights and had packed our tent and sleeping bags onto the bikes. I decided to take the Falketind as my one jacket, for rain, wind and to wear into town in the evening. It had no problems stuffing into the back pockets of my cycle jersey and when we reached the top of the climb I pulled it out to have on for the descent. It was a chilly afternoon but the Falketind kept me nice and warm on the long, cold run into town. After setting up camp and a shower we headed into town for a look around, still donning my jacket as I felt it looked smart enough for some casual evening wear.
Materials
I am really impressed, so far, by the fabric used on this jacket. It has stood up to everything I have thrown at it and the lightweight, packable aspect has made it a go-to piece of kit for nearly all of my outdoor activities.
Comfort
As I mentioned earlier, even after full hill days carrying a heavy back and dealing with heavy rain and wind, the Falketind always feels so comfortable you wouldn’t even know you have it on.
Versatility
From windy dog walks, cold bike descents, full hill days and chilly belay duties this jacket has come up trumps every time. I am sure I will continue to find further uses for it over the next few months and years.
Pros of the Norrona Falketind GTX Paclite Jacket
Its packabilty is insanely good. It really makes it a ‘why leave home without out’ piece of kit.
Cons of the Norrona Falketind GTX Paclite Jacket
At first I was a bit frustrated at there being no side pockets but now after realising the benefits from it being so minimal I can get by with just the one chest pocket.
Verdict
I am going to throw down big fat 5 stars. It really is now an essential piece of my kit stores. Maybe the price tag means that it isn’t for everyone as this jacket firmly sits in the premium range. But I genuinely feel OK about the price after spending the last few months together.
Find the latest price at:
Trekitt
Disclaimer: Cool of the Wild received this product free in return for an honest review. We only recommend gear that we love from companies we trust and we are under no obligation to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are that of the reviewer and we are in no way influenced by the brand or company.
The post Review: Norrona Falketind GTX Paclite Jacket appeared first on Cool of the Wild.
