When we originally reviewed the Arktis back in 2018 we applauded it for this warmth and welcomed the great fit, and really nothing much has changed.
The latest version is true to size, in fact for everyday wear we would say the Arktis is one of the best fitting down jackets we've worn. It has a closeish-fitting torso - great for maximum thermal efficiency - but still with a wedge of space for movement. The arms are perfectly judged, both in cut and length, with a bit of wriggle room up top reducing to closer fitting forearms and elasticated sleeves to keep draughts out. It's a similar story on the hem which is longer than most insulated mid layers and has a slight drop at the rear for maximum coverage over the bum. Unusually for a mid layer you also get hem adjusters which solidifies the Arktis II as more of a jacket than an outright layering piece.
But what of the warmth and overall performance? Well the Arktis, as with the original is filled with 750 fill power goose down. You won't find this kind of fill power in a cheapie jacket but of course there's always room for improvement, and this number can go as high as 950+ in super high-end down jackets. The higher the number the more insulating ability, so you can theoretically use less of the stuff for the same levels of warmth, and of course, less often equals more in the world of outdoor gear. The down is a distinctly premium 95/5 though, which simply means that most of it is the useful fluffy stuff rather than the useless feathery stuff.
Tech jargon aside, zip the Arktis II's high, fleece backed collar up and you'll quickly be enveloped in a satisfying layer of warmth that stays with you right down to seriously frigid temperatures, or in Fjern's words 'brutal alpine conditions'.
The outside of the Arktis is nylon ripstop, we've snagged it a few times without any damage so it's clearly as durable as they intended. There are two cosy fleece lined hand pockets and no less than three internal dump pockets - quite luxurious for a mid layer!
Fjern have added drawcord hood adjusters to the Arktis II so you can cinch it in against your head, combined with the high collar you can really batten down the hatches against the elements.
Weighing in at 465g and with the levels of warmth it produces the Arktis isn't really a jacket for fast and light pursuits where you're working up a sweat and carrying the jacket in a pack as much as wearing it. But for day hiking, skiing, as a belay jacket or just a warm winter coat it works really well.
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