The model reviewed in this article is the very first Essens model and is difficult to find in stock anywhere as Haglöfs has released several newer models, so the specs and features mentioned may differ from the newer models. Haglöfs described this jacket as following: “The L.I.M Essens Jacket is our premier down jacket when each gram counts. Every detail is attended to: the shell is extremely lightweight and tough, with articulated sleeves for movement. 800-fill goose down offers a warm embrace.” I fell in love with the Haglöfs LIM Essens jacket the very minute I laid my hands on it and I´ve loved it ever since.
SPECS
- Small size weighs 172g
- Medium size weighs 182g
- Large size weighs 196g
- XLarge size weighs 208g
- Fabric: 100% Polyamide, ultra light down proof 7D mini ripstop fabric, 19 g/m²
90/10 Goose down, traceable and bluesign® approved, 800 cuin fill power (European origin) - Down weight: 71g (Medium size)
FEATURES
- Extreme lightweight face fabric and lining in a 7 Denier construction PFOA free DWR treated surface
- Mini box quilted construction stabilizes premium 800 fill power goose down
- Full length main zipper, with wind baffle behind and integrated chin guard
Two handwarmer pockets - Elasticated sleeve and bottom hems to give comfortable closure without adding weight
- Articulated sleeves
- Rear hanging loop
COMFORT & FIT
L.I.M. stands for ‘Less Is More’ and is a concept from Haglöfs which focuses on creating minimalistic clothing where anything that is not absolutely essential is removed. This jacket is truly a gram shaver. Although the L.I.M Essens is stripped of a lot of features it is still an extremely comfortable jacket. The elasticated sleeves feels very nice and taut without feeling too tight while they keep the wind out perfectly. The waist is elasticated as well instead of a drawcord which saves weight without compromising on its ability to keep the draught out. Another great feature about the waist is that it doesn´t feel restrictive, allowing for great movement even while scrambling up hillsides. The 100% Polyamide and 7D mini rip stop fabric feels incredibly comfortable against the skin to the point where I don´t feel like taking it off, ever. The same goes for the pockets, in true L.I.M. mindset these pockets do not have fleece-lining, only a thin nylon fabric which still feels highly comfortable. The jacket has a bit of a slim fit but still feels spacious while completely zipped up.
WARMTH AND DURABILITY
This is an extremely warm jacket for its weight! I purchased it to use it as a mid-layer in Lapland where I was working as a musher, however, I found that it worked brilliantly as an outer jacket on its own even in -30C wearing nothing but a woollen T-Shirt underneath. The quilted mini box construction works exceptionally well at keeping the down inside of its constructed boxes, resulting in a very warm jacket. During my expedition through Nepal on the Great Himalaya Trail I brought this jacket along to serve as my warm outer layer. Seeing that I was in the Himalayas in the middle of winter its fair to say it got rather cold, however, while wearing the Haglöfs L.I.M. Essens jacket I was never cold.
The durability this jacket has is extraordinary. The 7D mini rip stop fabric has surpassed all of my expectations. It has survived a full winter season amongst 35-40 huskies plus being dragged along through some of the toughst terrain in the world in the Himalaya and still came back alive with only minor battle wounds. After such intense and everyday use this is remarkable. The fabric is so thin that it almost appears see thru, yet it handles abrasions without any problems. The only damages that this jacket has sustained is minor holes around my right hand wrist which was easily stitched up. Due note though that it will not withstand sharp objects such as dog or cat claws scratching at the fabric, nonetheless, for such a lightweight fabric it is astoundingly durable.
CONCLUSION
I absolutely love this jacket as it is exceptionally warm, highly packable and remarkably durable. With this jacket Haglöfs has definitely proven that Less Is More and I cannot wait to bring it along on my next cold weather adventure.
Lost in the Hills 