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Fjallraven Nuuk - Women's Review

A beast of a winter parka that took on arctic blasts and trips around town with ease
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Fjallraven Nuuk - Women's Review
Credit: Clark Tate
Price:  $500 List
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Manufacturer:   Fjallraven
By Clark Tate ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Feb 26, 2024
85
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 15
  • Warmth - 30% 9.0
  • Weather Resistance - 25% 8.0
  • Comfort - 25% 8.0
  • Versatility and Style - 10% 9.0
  • Construction Quality - 10% 9.0

Our Verdict

The Fjallraven Nuuk Parka is comfortable, practical, and warm. Fjallraven uses synthetic insulation that kept us comfortable in temps as low as -30°F. The jacket's high collar, fleece-lined hood, and fur ruff protect your head and face from dangerous wind chills as well. The Nuuk is waterproof, but it also breathes exceptionally well, allowing sweat to escape. This means the Nuuk works in conditions ranging from light rain to deadly wind chills. Subtly updated in late 2022, this longtime favorite got a little better this year. It's a great option if you deal with serious winter weather yet also works well enough in warmer, wetter weather to replace other jackets in your closet. Check out our article on the best women's winter jacket to see how it ranks versus competitors.
REASONS TO BUY
Incredibly warm and weather-protective
Deep hood
Amazing pockets
REASONS TO AVOID
On the bulky side
Face fabric holds onto water
Editor's Note: We updated this review on February 26, 2024, to reflect our latest round of testing.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Women's Winter Jacket
Top Pick Award
Best for Passive Cold Weather Activities
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
 Best Buy Award
Best Winter Jacket on a Tight Budget
Price $499.95 at Backcountry
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$149.99 at Amazon$152 List
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Bottom Line Durable and nearly weatherproof, this jacket is a great option for frigid winter weatherThis soft down jacket is the next best thing to staying in your sleeping bag, wrapping you up from your head to your mid-calvesA highly protective winter jacket that won't break the bankThis is a wonderfully warm and comfortable option for those looking for a shorter parka or one that is water risistantAn excellent option as long as you can handle flashy silver zippers and ribbons
Rating Categories Fjallraven Nuuk - W... Outdoor Research Co... The North Face Arct... Marmot Montreal Orolay Thickened Down
Warmth (30%)
9.0
9.5
8.0
7.0
8.0
Weather Resistance (25%)
8.0
7.0
8.5
6.0
5.0
Comfort (25%)
8.0
10.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
Versatility and Style (10%)
9.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
4.0
Construction Quality (10%)
9.0
6.0
8.0
5.0
6.0
Specs Fjallraven Nuuk - W... Outdoor Research Co... The North Face Arct... Marmot Montreal Orolay Thickened Down
Measured Internal Temperature 76.0 °F 70.6 °F 68.7 °F 68.1 °F 68.8 °F
Insulation and Fill Power Supreme Microloft (100% polyester) 700-fill down 600-fill recycled down 700-fill power water-resistant down 700-fill power (90% white duck down, 10% feathers)
Fill Weight 250 g 240 g Not specified Not specified Not specified
Hood Insulated with detachable faux fur trim Adjustable Adjustable, insulated with removable faux fur trim Detachable, insulated hood, adjustable, with removable faux fur trim Insulated
Pockets 6 external - 2 chest, 2 hand warmer, 2 catchall. 5 internal - 2 zippered, 1 button, 2 mesh catchall. 2 zippered hand warmer, 1 internal zippered security, 1 internal pouch 2 zippered hand warmer, 1 drop-in interior 2 zippered hand warmer, 2 internal - 1 zippered chest, 1 drop-in 2 hand warmer, 2 zippered straight pockets, 2 zippered chest external, 1 zippered chest internal
Weight (size small) 3.7 lb 2.0 lb 2.6 lb 2.0 lb 2.9 lb
2-Way Zipper Yes Yes Yes Yes N0
Weather Resistant Features Waterproof, windproof Water and wind resistant Waterproof, windproof, breathable (DryVent), non-PFC DWR Water resistant fabric and down Wind resistant fabric
Sizes Available XXS - 2XL XS - 2XL XS - 2XL XS - XL XXS - 5XL
Social or Environmental Certifications Fluorocarbon-free impregnation Responsible Down Standard (RDS), Bluesign approved, 100% recycled nylon shell 100% recycled down, 100% recycled polyester lining None found Certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS)

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Nuuk shares several great elements with some of the warmest jackets on the market, and it's quite comfortable and works in a broad range of conditions — partially because it's exceptionally breathable. We didn't find the lower temperature limit of this jacket's 250 grams of synthetic insulation, despite trying it out in temps dropping into the negative double digits with bitter wind chills. The hood and collar protect almost all of your face, and it's also relatively light for being so protective — ours weighed 3.7 pounds.

One of the best features of this jacket is the awesome pockets. We're talking five inside and four outside that are all useful. We're especially fond of the handwarmer pockets that tuck your hands into a pillow of microfleece at rib level. Their well-placed location helps keep your hands warmer than having to drop them down to your waist.

Performance Comparison


fjallraven nuuk for women - among the warmest jackets in the review, the nuuk has the best mix...
Among the warmest jackets in the review, the Nuuk has the best mix of a wearable style and warm and protective features.
Credit: Clark Tate

Warmth


During our last round of testing, New England experienced the coldest temperatures ever recorded on Earth, and the Nuuk offered plenty of protection on a windy -10°F walk and when playing around in the yard in -30°F wind chills.


We even got a little warm wearing the Nuuk on a brisk downhill stroll wearing fleece-lined pants on a 25°F day. Unzipping the coat and holding it shut with just a few snaps helped. Our base layers stayed nice and dry, suggesting that the jacket breathes fairly well even when working up a sweat. Fjallraven claims the Nuuk breathes well enough to support light aerobic activity (10,000 g/m²/24h), and we don't see any evidence to the contrary. Staying dry is crucial to staying warm, so this impeccable balance is much appreciated.


The collar of the Nuuk zips up to the nose, which is important to keep you safe in truly cold temperatures, especially if there is a wind chill. The newest (as of late 2022) version of this jacket also seems to have a roomier cut in the collar. The collar used to feel tight around the face when fully zipped, but now it's much more comfortable. A fleece liner protecting the chin helps.

Low-tech snowmaking recipe: toss one bowl of boiling water into -30 F air temps. We recommend that you wear the super cozy and wind-protective Fjallraven Nuuk when you try it.
Credit: Clark Tate

The insulated hood is lined with soft microfleece and ringed with a faux-fur ruff that you can roll back out of your way or flip down to form a fur-lined tunnel to protect your face. The hood is oversized and deep, big enough to wear a hat underneath. It has a wire rim to help shape it and keep it out of view. A velcro tab in the back pulls it up and out of the eye line, and cinches allow you to batten it down around your face.

fjallraven nuuk for women - this jacket is so warm and cozy that it allows us to stay outside...
This jacket is so warm and cozy that it allows us to stay outside longer in the coldest months.
Credit: Clark Tate

The ruff is easily removable via a set of buttons. Putting it back on the jacket is a bit more of a pain, but you'll get the hang of it. The hood itself is not removable, but we always want a hood in bitter weather anyway. A generous cut with plenty of shoulder room provides plenty of space to layer underneath. A cinch at the waist holds warm air in on the coldest days. There are no wrist gaskets, but you can cinch the openings with a hook-and-loop strap.

The Fjallraven Nuuk's well-designed hood works wonders to protect your face from winter's brutal clutches.
Credit: Clark Tate

The two hand-warming pockets are placed higher than on many other jackets, up by the ribs. We like this because it holds your hands closer to your core, keeping them warmer. Even though these pockets are fleece-lined, they are outside the jacket's main insulation, so you'll still want to have your favorite pair of gloves in frigid temps.

fjallraven nuuk for women - to test each jacket's temperature, we stand outside in the cold and...
To test each jacket's temperature, we stand outside in the cold and monitor the internal temperature with a small thermometer. The Nuuk kept us at a cozy 75 degrees Fahrenheit on a 20-degree day.
Credit: Clark Tate

Weather Resistance


The Nuuk has no problem cutting the wind, and we love that it's waterproof. It kept us dry and comfortable in both late fall drizzle and during nuking snowstorms.


This jacket's incredibly protective hood and collar are ideal for dangerously cold temperatures with whipping winds where frostbite is a real possibility. Being able to zip the jacket up to your nose, cinch the hood down, and have the extendable fur ruff slow cross and head winds is crucial.

There is also a zipper-protecting flap to keep wind and wet weather out. The previous Nuuk used a combination of snaps and hook-and-loop closures to hold its outer flap in place. In this version, the system has been streamlined with seven sturdy snaps.

fjallraven nuuk for women - the nuuk's large hood and faux fur ruff protect your face from...
The Nuuk's large hood and faux fur ruff protect your face from dangerous windchills.
Credit: Clark Tate

What we do worry about is how much water the face fabric absorbs in our shower tests. Not a drop snuck inside the jacket, but this leaves you carrying water weight that doesn't dry quickly. We tested the washing instructions, which call for a hang-dry, and the Nuuk was still damp the following day. If you're hanging out in wet weather around the freezing point, you may end up icy. Luckily, when the weather merits a winter jacket, it's rare to end up standing in a shower-like downpour for minutes on end.

The t-shirt worn during the 2.5-minute shower test stayed bone dry.
The t-shirt worn during the 2.5-minute shower test stayed bone dry.
Fjallraven's washing instructions call for you to hang dry the...
Fjallraven's washing instructions call for you to hang dry the jacket. That takes a while.

Another weather-resistant factor we consider is how well the pockets keep our gadgets out of the cold by holding them by our body heat. The Nuuk excels at this, offering four large pockets inside the insulation where your body heat can keep batteries warm and working. A sneaky zipped pocket by the zipper is outside the insulation but is a great place for your wallet. The external chest and catchall pockets give you spots to keep your gloves and glasses safe and dry.

fjallraven nuuk for women - the nuuk keeps you dry, but the fabric gets pretty soaked and...
The Nuuk keeps you dry, but the fabric gets pretty soaked and doesn't dry as quickly as we'd like it to.
Credit: Clark Tate

Comfort


Comfort is a standout feature for the Nuuk. Its relaxed fit and soft fabric never feel restrictive, even when you're bundled up in layers underneath. Though our test jacket weighs 3.7 pounds, the material moves so well that it doesn't feel heavy. There's no crinkling or bunching to fight with, and our shoulders and hips never feel restricted. Even sitting down with the jacket zipped feels fine.


A big improvement in the newest version of the Nuuk is that it has a roomier collar. That means when you zip the parka up to protect your face, you still have enough room to move and breathe. It's even better when the hood is up and supported by your head. This is a rare achievement in the winter parka realm, and we are very appreciative.

And, again, those pockets. We find that tucking our hands into the warming pockets by our ribs is far more comfortable than the more common waist placement. The sleeves are too long though. You can roll them once to fix the issue, but it's less than ideal.

fjallraven nuuk for women - this photo shows this year's redesigned jacket in front and the...
This photo shows this year's redesigned jacket in front and the original version tested behind. Aside from replacing patches of hook-and-loop closure with easier-to-use snaps, the collar also has more fabric, which you can see in the fold. This makes for a much more comfortable cut when you have the coat zipped to the top.
Credit: Clark Tate

Versatility and Style


The loose-fitting cut that keeps the Nuuk so comfortable also defines its style, which is laid-back and feels classic. It is not trim or figure-flattering, though a cinch in the waist provides a bit more shape while also holding in more heat. We used it about half of the time.


Ultimately, the exceptional quality of the Nuuk does the most to define its style. From the lofty faux fur ruff to the leather zipper pull tab, this jacket feels considered. The sturdy and supple fabric, sophisticated color palettes, consistent and tightly stitched seams, and flawlessly executed construction combine to look pretty great. Function leads form here, but we think the jacket strikes a nice balance.

There are a few style updates in the newest version of the Nuuk. The fabric feels softer, and the elbows have more specific articulation. The back of the jacket no longer has a horizontal seam across the middle, and other panels are also simplified. The many pockets are still impressively streamlined, tucking away nicely to keep the jacket from looking cluttered.

fjallraven nuuk for women - the nuuk is large and can feel bulky, but we feel like its quality...
The Nuuk is large and can feel bulky, but we feel like its quality really shines through, elevating its otherwise casual style.
Credit: Clark Tate

Construction Quality


We expect this jacket to last a very long time. The exterior fabric showed no signs of wear after two seasons of heavy use. And though the lining fabric is thinner, it still seems burly. Both materials and their seams showed no wear and tear when we pulled the pointed end of a paperclip across them with pressure.



When we think about durability, we always think of zippers. The main zipper on the Nuuk is a two-way and usually works flawlessly. It can be hard to get started, but we haven't had any other issues so far. The other snaps, zippers, and pockets seem built to last. Fjallraven also offers a lifetime of repairs. We have yet to test this claim, but it seems promising.

fjallraven nuuk for women - sturdy features like these easy to use snaps make us think that this...
Sturdy features like these easy to use snaps make us think that this jacket is likely to last.
Credit: Clark Tate

Should You Buy the Fjallraven Nuuk Parka?


The Nuuk is one of our favorite winter jackets. It's a reliable adventure partner that will keep you covered from cold drizzles to temperatures well below zero. We feel comfortable and stylish when wearing it, and the impeccably designed pockets will keep all your sundries safe and secure. We have no hesitation recommending this jacket to anyone who can afford the investment, which is no small feat.

The face fabric and liner are made of 100% recycled polyamide, and Fjallraven has a general sustainability statement as well.

fjallraven nuuk for women - we loved the last version of this winter jacket and appreciate it...
We loved the last version of this winter jacket and appreciate it even more with Fjallraven's thoughtful updates.
Credit: Clark Tate

What Other Winter Jackets Should You Consider?


Presuming the Nuuk lasts as long as we think it will, we consider it a good investment. It's waterproof, windproof, breathable, warm, protective, comfortable, and stylish. That said, it is on the heavy side and isn't super fun to cart around a store. If you are looking for a light, warm, and cloud-like puffy jacket to wrap up in, we don't blame you. The Outdoor Research Coze Down Parka or Patagonia Down With It Parka both earn high scores for comfort, warmth, and weather resistance.

All of these these options cost many, many pretty pennies. If you are pinching yours, we recommend the Orolay Thickened Down parka. It's super warm and comfy but is a bit of a style statement. If it's not right for you, try the REI Co-op Norseland Insulated Parka 2.0. It's light, warm, and considerably more budget-friendly, though the collar and hood don't do much to protect your face from the cold.

fjallraven nuuk for women - we don't always hang out on park benches in the winter, but when we...
We don't always hang out on park benches in the winter, but when we do, it's usually in this parka.
Credit: Clark Tate

Clark Tate