Fjallraven Expedition X-Latt Hoodie Review

Fjallraven has become a well-recognized brand in the U.S, and for good reason. The X-Latt Hoodie is another example of the Swedish company's excellent design prowess, offering a uniquely stylish aesthetic while still boasting trustworthy performance in the field.

Warmth

The X-Latt Hoodie strikes a nice balance between warmth and versatility, at a midrange weight that retains heat well on chilly days. This ultimately came in towards the top of the charts in this metric.

Fjallraven uses a 60-gram fill weight for the X-Latt Hoodie that was similar to other top-performing models in the lineup. This isn't going to get you through the coldest days of winter, but it can be worn for several months of the year, ranging from cool summer nights in the mountains to spring and fall hikes. In more arctic temperatures, we simply layered larger jackets over the X-Latt, making this a garment we could use often. This jacket also features consistent insulation coverage throughout, and we couldn't pinpoint any cold spots. The hood adds warmth and fits easily over a hat, though it'll need to be squeezed underneath your helmet if climbing or biking.

Comfort

We greatly appreciated the no-frills design of the X-Latt Hoodie, with a timeless, relaxed cut. We were able to use other layers in a variety of configurations with the X-Latt, though its against-the-skin comfort was average when wearing only a t-shirt.

While we're in an era of technological advancement in jackets, sometimes it's best to keep it simple. The X-Latt Hoodie references designs from a simpler era, using a more relaxed cut to achieve mobility rather than fancy stretch fabrics. We could fit thinner layers underneath the X-Latt, depending on how it was sized, but fitting insulated or weatherproof jackets over it was a breeze. The two drawstring adjustment system at the hem was also a favorite feature, allowing us to really dial in how the X-Latt fit at the waist.

Weather Resistance

The X-Latt offers decent weather resistance. The face fabric and the well-dispersed insulation coverage were great for keeping the wind out, and in very light rains, we didn't get wet as long as the drizzle didn't last for more than a few minutes.

Traditional down can become useless when conditions get wet, but the X-Latt can keep its wearer warm, thanks to its synthetic construction. When things start blowing sideways, the hood can be tightened down to create a better seal with its drawstring pull on the back of the hood. Compared to other synthetic models we tested, the X-Latt ultimately came in above average.

Portability

As we've seen with numerous garments from Fjallraven, the X-Latt Hoodie isn't the lightest layer in the lineup. Its looks, fabric durability, and features make it a great jacket, but it ultimately lands on the bulkier side.

In a men's small, the X-Latt Hoodie was measured at 12.3 ounces — certainly not heavy, by any means, though there are some lighter options in our review. Where it took a harder hit in this metric was its packability, as it's more difficult to cram into a stuffed backpack than some of the competition. The interior chest pocket doubles as a stuff sack and can even be used as a pillow for camping.

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Breathability

The X-Latt Hoodie doesn't take home any awards for breathability. The polyamide material trapped our body heat a bit more during field testing and throughout our standardized cardio circuit, while some of its competition utilized a more breathable face fabric.

If you're wearing the X-Latt Hoodie for casual hikes or cold-weather adventures, its breathability shouldn't slow you down. However, in warmer weather, this was a layer we needed to take off during higher output adventures. For more middle-ground activities, such as lengthy strolls in the city, most of our testers were able to keep this layer on.

Should You Buy the Fjallraven Expedition X-Latt Hoodie?

This is a great layer if you're needing something that can exist in urban sprawls and can be enjoyed for multi-day adventures outdoors. This is an aesthetic jacket that we were able to wear traveling to a fancy dinner party, coffee dates, and alpine endeavors. This has some great adjustability in the hem and hood, and it even serves as a nice pillow for camping. Compared to jackets of similar builds, the Fjallraven Expedition X-Latt Hoodie is also slightly less expensive.

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