Arksen Idun Jacket & Arksen Polaris Softshell Trousers Reviews

 Article by Matt Kolat

Arksen Idun Jacket  (£495) & Arksen Polaris Softshell Trousers (£275)

Introduction

Should you’ve by no means heard of Arksen, fear not pricey buddies as I’m right here to get you acquainted! 

Arksen is a British model specialising in design and construct of marine and overground journey autos. Sure, that’s fancy communicate for constructing ships, yachts and tremendous cool jeeps. I imply it doesn’t get a lot cooler than this until possibly you’re constructing spaceships however that’s asking for a lot, isn’t it. 

I really feel like my phrases received’t do Arksen justice and subsequently I encourage everybody to have a peek at their beautiful web site describing all of the above talked about marvels of expertise. The positioning is stuffed with movies with Nationwide Geographic degree manufacturing content material, please discover a hyperlink right here

Calling themselves the “Emporium of Journey” they quickly shall be curating skilled led adventures and grasp lessons as properly. And as everyone knows there is no such thing as a such factor as dangerous climate for an journey, solely a foul set of garments. 

Enter Arksen Attire.  To match their groundbreaking, technologically superior autos Arksen determined to enter the gear market and despatched me a few gadgets to place by means of the paces within the Scottish Highlands, under are the outcomes. 

Arksen Idun Jacket – £495

Options

It goes with out saying that usually the designs of Arksen Attire are very eye-catching and courageous. They don’t seem to be attempting to comply with the market however relatively attempting to make the market comply with them or no less than that’s the impression that I get. Let’s have a better have a look at a number of the options of the Idun jacket.

First let’s take a look on the hood. When I’m choosing my subsequent hardshell jacket the very first thing I have a look at is the hood. Not solely does it shield you from the rain however most of all from the wind. Subsequently it is vital that it is sufficiently big to suit your head, with a hat, insulated hood and helmet on it. Nonetheless concurrently it must be sinchable sufficient to cut back itself tightly round your face to assist trapping of warmth. 

Secure to say that, as per the earlier image, Arksen ticked all these packing containers. The hood has two cables within the entrance and one within the again to provide you full management of its dimension relying on the state of affairs. 

Idun has two massive exterior pockets positioned fairly excessive on the physique which is nice as they don’t collide along with your backpacks hip belt. The pockets are very huge and comfy, becoming a map holder or just a few smaller gadgets, gloves or a hat. The sleeves have branded, rubberised cuff adjusters which not solely do their job very properly but additionally look actually cool. 

The fabric used all through the jacket is named C_Change and has been developed by an organization known as Schoeller Textiles of Switzerland. In keeping with my analysis it has a 20k/20k waterproof score. 

All of the zips are manufactured from YKK Aquaguard stopping water from coming into throughout heavy downpours and really importantly the entrance zip is 2 means – prime marks for that, particularly helpful in winter circumstances. 

Like most hardshells this jacket doesn’t include a stuff sack however rolling it up into its personal hood was a doddle. 

Match

I’ve opted for my regular dimension Giant and the Idun suits me very properly. I used to be in a position to comfortably put on it as a standalone piece on prime of a base layer in addition to with a single insulated jacket. I’ve even managed to briefly put on it with two insulated jackets beneath however that felt slightly tight. 

This jacket is nevertheless not supposed for terribly low temperatures (under -10C / 14 F) and I used to be not anticipating it to carry out with two insulated jackets beneath – no hurt achieved. The one factor I had as regards to the match that maybe the physique of the jacket could possibly be an inch, inch and a half longer, the sleeves nevertheless have been the proper size for me. 

Efficiency, Conclusions and any Comparisons 

Somewhat bit unfairly I’ve examined this jacket within the Scottish winter. 

Why unfair? As a result of this isn’t a jacket supposed particularly for winter circumstances. I’ve examined it on 3 separate hikes right here in Scotland. On one event it rained however in any respect three the ‘looks like’ circumstances have been between -5 and minus -12 levels Celsius (23-10 F).  On all events, the jacket carried out rather well by way of waterproofness and windproof ness. 

I’ve worn it in tandem with artificial and daybreak insulation and each labored as anticipated. The hood is great even in excessive wind and the large cuff adjusters have been very simple to make use of even in excessive winds whereas sporting mittens. 

It’s very refreshing to see that manufacturers are trying elsewhere on the subject of hardshells as prior to now I’ve solely worn Gore-tex or Pertex jackets, this material, the C-Change carried out simply as properly. 

The one factor I’d advocate, if Arksen makes an Idun 2.0, is to make the physique of the jacket barely longer. 

It’s in fact a luxurious merchandise given the value however you get a singular materials, nice efficiency and nice appears. So if the value isn’t an objection I’d extremely advocate the Idun Waterproof jacket if in case you have an Arksen yacht – it’s going to go very properly with it. 

Jokes apart it carried out very properly on some windy and chilly hikes – nice product I’d give it a score of 9.5/10 solely a small discount for the ever so barely too quick physique protection, however I’m splitting hairs right here.

Arksen Polaris Softshell Trouse £275

Options

Aside from the beautiful hardshell jacket, Arksen despatched me a pair of their softshell trousers, which I used to be very eager to check as usually I put on summer time trousers within the winter with lengthy underwear beneath. The Polaris trousers regarded heat sufficient to deal with Scottish winter climate solo, with out one other layer beneath. 

Arksen describes the material and trousers as follows: 

“Polaris is a mountain trouser exactly engineered to boost journey. Wind and water repellent, our recycled polyester fibres use superior cooling expertise to regulate temperature and completely wick moisture away out of your pores and skin, making each step in your journey as snug as your first.  Blended with recycled Lycra® in a relaxed match with darted knees, “

The Polaris is manufactured from is Coolmax OEKO-tex which I’ve by no means heard of, however have since grow to be a fan of. On the skin the OEKO-tex feels easy and on the within has texture which feels very cozy and comfy. 

Polaris has two hand hotter pockets, one cargo pocket and one again pocket. They’re sufficiently big to retailer a telephone, compass, pockets. I discovered the cargo pocket very useful, I’ve stored my compass in it and I might seize it with out lifting my jacket as is the case with hand hotter pockets on any pair of trousers  and never simply in Polaris.

The decrease legs are totally cinchable making the trousers relevant to totally different sports activities, not simply mountain climbing or just for informal put on within the winter. As an illustration the form of your mountain climbing boots won’t have an effect on the applicability of those trousers as a result of you possibly can cinch the leg down or loosen it relying on the necessity.

The waist has an built-in belt with a Fidlock. 

This is a wonderful design alternative as a result of not solely did I not should fiddle with a third celebration belt to get the correct match but additionally the Fidlock is totally magnetized. It clips into place which makes a giant distinction if you must make changes whereas sporting gloves and your dexterity is decreased. 

Match

Polaris suits lengthy, until you want more room than common within the waist I’d recommend sizing down. The match within the decrease leg may be very beneficiant nevertheless it  will be cinched down. This makes me assume that Polaris could possibly be an excellent possibility for snowboarding however I’ve not examined them in such a state of affairs. 

Waist sensible they’re about common however as a result of they embody the built-in belt you could have a big leeway there and when choosing the right dimension I’d concentrate on the size. 

Regardless of the additional size, the trousers sit on the proper place, on prime of the boot due to the synching – no issues to report so far as the match is anxious.

Efficiency, Conclusions, Suggestions

Regardless of not sporting gaiters I’ve someway managed to maintain the trousers comparatively clear to a degree, the place I’ve managed to fall right into a lavatory (that’s Scottish for a swamp to my US readers). 

Sadly, I’ve not taken any footage submit the lavatory incident however it was a fantastic take a look at for one in every of my private favorite measures on the subject of mountain climbing trousers – how rapidly do they dry? I religiously don’t put on waterproof trousers – for a easy purpose – they nearly all the time run too sizzling for me. If the rain will get actually dangerous I placed on a pair of overtrousers. Blissful to report that regardless of their relative heft the Polaris dried in a short time and I didn’t really feel sizzling in them, which was a mighty aid.

When it comes to temperature applicability, I’d take into account them a winter trouser maybe relevant to a number of the shoulder seasons if temperatures drop. I’d put on them standalone for temperatures between 5 and -10C (41F – 14F) and with an additional layer for something under. I’m fairly a heat individual and felt actually at house within the Polaris. 

The match, as I discussed, is comparatively relaxed and I used to be a bit apprehensive if that might have an effect on me in windy circumstances however I’m glad to report that it hasn’t. 

Additionally essential to notice that the relaxed match permits sporting a number of layers beneath the Polaris which is nice information for when the temperatures drop or for individuals who get chilly simply – they’ll have the ability to layer up with out a problem. 

I don’t have any suggestions as regards to any adjustments, this can be a excellent and dependable winter piece of equipment and tremendous trendy as are all Arksen Attire gadgets. 

Store for all of Arksen 

Maciej ‘Matt’ Kolat– 38 years previous, hailing from Poland however pounding Scottish pavements and trails on the run and mountain climbing since 2007. Primarily runs shorter distances on pavement 5-10 km and reserves longer runs for stunning Scottish Glens. Matt’s opinion typically might differ from different RTR testers as he’s the slowest of the bunch (5k at 25:38). Matt additionally makes use of working as a method to keep wholesome having shed 100 lbs to this point (and counting).