Gear review: Pinewood Abisko 3L Jacket

Testing in Ticino

I tested the Abisko 3L during a hut-to-hut trek in Ticino, the Trekking dei Laghetti, where the weather shifted from bright sunshine to heavy rain within hours. The jacket’s waterproof membrane kept me dry during the sudden downpours, while the long underarm zippers helped with very necessary ventilation on the climbs. Its lightweight design made it easy to pack when I wasn’t using it.

One standout feature was the excellent fit. The stretch fabric moved with me on tricky sections of the trail, and the adjustable cuffs, hood, and hem helped keep wind and rain at bay. The high-set pockets were accessible even while wearing a fully loaded backpack. Something I didn’t know I needed until I had it!

The adjustable hood with a built-in brim shielded my face from the rain, while the water-repellent zippers kept my phone dry in the pocket. The arm pocket was great for quick access to small goodies and even after long days on the trail, the jacket kept its shape and comfort.

The built-in RECCO® reflector gave me peace of mind, especially when we were hiking in more remote areas. It’s not needed on the mountain trails in Switzerland, but for real wilderness trekking and avalanche danger, it’s quite a helpful feature.

Performance Highlights

The Pinewood Abisko 3L Jacket excels in balancing breathability and weather protection like a tough hardshell jacket should. The membrane has a soft feel while keeping water out. During my tests, I stayed dry in heavy downpours and felt comfortable even during intense uphill climbs thanks to the ventilation system.

Its mechanical stretch fabric allowed for a full range of motion, which made the steep ascents and rock scrambles easier. The jacket’s seams and fabric held up well during the scrambles, too.

The overall construction feels robust and well thought out. Every detail, from reinforced stitching to the precise placement of zippers, shows that Pinewood values durability and function.

Sustainability Features

One of the jacket’s biggest strengths is its environmental footprint. Made from biobased polyamides derived from plant-based oils and food waste, the jacket significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional synthetic materials.

The PFC-free water-repellent treatment means waterproofing without using harmful chemicals. This combination of eco-friendly materials and treatments sets the Abisko Pathfinders 3L Jacket apart from a lot of the other technical jackets on the market.