Jöttnar

There appears to be a trend developing or should I say, continuing to develop, for technical-wear but with style- think Arc’teryx and Patagonia. These two brands are technical brands who have earned such a strong reputation for their founding application (of outdoor pursuits) that they have become ‘cool’ and in turn, stylish. I think it’s fair to say though, that these two brands could perhaps be doing more when it comes to the style-stakes. Admittedly the high-end section of Canadian brand Arc’teryx’s arsenal known as Veilance, is a success but it’s expensive. Where is the middle ground? Enter Jöttnar.

Tommy and Steve

Jöttnar was founded in 2013 by two former Royal Marine commandos and lifelong mountaineers, climbers and skiers; Tommy and Steve who created Jöttnar after a moment of inspiration whilst facing a fierce Arctic winter together in the Norwegian mountains. The formula; technical clothing to protect against such weather conditions married with the purity and elegance of the Scandinavian landscape.

Jöttnar’s tagline is apt; ‘conquering giants’ – a reference to Norse myth and Thor’s hammer (also their logo), Mjölnir, which provided protection against brutal mountain giants. Jöttnar are setting out to provide, “modern day suits of mountain armour, designed to protect you against your most formidable opponents”. Hallmarks across the range include; clean lines, disciplined designs, craftsmanship, technology and attention to detail.

We managed to get hold of a Jöttnar Alfar Mid Layer Mountaineering Jacket £180- a versatile and lightweight wind and water resistant hooded mountaineering jacket hybrid, featuring Polartec® Powerstretch Pro®. It’s designed for multi-condition mountain work but it also looks super-stylish dressed up with some casual wear in the city or on a Sunday afternoon stroll in the countryside.

Crucially though, your core is insulated with a breathable 120g/m² synthetic fill wrapped in a windproof, Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treated, micro rip-stop nylon, with Polartec® Powerstretch Pro® sleeves and side panels for stretch and breathability.

We opted for the Alfar in Oxidised Red, with a blue zip and side-panel with hood in grey. Paired with black jeans and a snug fit (you might call it slim fit), the combination was a perfect one of style but with technical warmth and a standard of quality which we can’t commend enough.

Hats (or hoods) off to Jöttnar, for perfectly marrying that technical-wear but with style, and at an affordable price point. We expect this trend to continue for obvious reasons- being able to look good and feel the same. No more wearing uncomfortable, impractical pieces in the name of fashion. And as for Jöttnar, we expect them to conquer giants.

jottnar.com

Chris Beastall

Chris is the Founder and Editor of Ape to Gentleman. His interests lie in men's style, male grooming and leading a better lifestyle - through minimalist, basic and clean design.