Fabrics were tested and a search was launched for the highest quality down. Unfortunately, the early prototypes were not as warm as Åke had hoped. But then he was struck by an unusually good idea - if one jacket was not warm enough, why not make two jackets? And, as simple as that, two warm jackets were sewn together into one. Tests soon showed that warm air was trapped between the two layers, making the new jacket warmer. In addition, its seams were staggered to stop cold winds from cooling the body.

The hood was designed to be large and roomy and had a drawstring opening so only the eyes were visible when pulled tight. Push buttons were added to the zipper for better safety, but also to increase ventilation when only using the buttons. Extra pockets to keep hands warm were sewn behind the regular pockets and the shoulders were filled with extra padding to ensure that this area maintained its warmth and shape even when carrying a backpack or heavy items in the pockets. To provide room for layering, the jacket was given a roomy fit.

Before the jacket could be shipped to the stores, it naturally needed to be tested. The first test was carried out at high elevation as a group of Swedes used the jacket during an expedition to the Himalayas in 1973. Fjällräven's own tests in the Norrland region of Sweden also gave positive feedback. In 1974, Expedition Dun was ready to be released to the public..

There have been many attempts to imitate this optimal winter jacket. At the beginning of 2000s, the imitations went so far that the Supreme Court and the Svea Court of Appeal passed down a verdict that the construction of Expedition Dun was so original it deserved to be protected by copyright laws and should be classified as artwork.

Today we continue our proud tradition of making jackets for expeditions and cold winters. Forty years after Expedition Dun saw its first winter in Örnsköldsvik it is still our most popular jacket. When the ice freezes over and the wind turns bitter cold, many people wrap around themselves the warm arms of an old friend.

Visit our product page: Expedition Down.