There are jackets that are made to look good. And then there are those that are made because someone needs them. We believe our clothes belong in the latter category.
In February 2021, when Roman was adventuring along the Arctic Circle Trail in Greenland, he came across a guy who guides hunters there. He asked Roman why we weren't selling in Greenland. That he had a friend who could help us with that. And so our Gore-Tex clothing is worn primarily by scientists in the field.
But, logically, the Ventile® cotton ended up with the hunters.
After the first season, a request came in. "We need the jacket to be longer, made of heavier material, ideally such that doesn't show dried up blood. We need a big front pocket for gloves or binoculars. There needs to be fur on the hood, which we need here 8 months of the year. And it needs to be detachable so we can wash the jacket."
And so Odin Arctic was born..
WHAT MARTIN (LOCAL HUNTER GUIDE) SAYS
Roman and I share a love of the Arctic, which was a very good basis for our collaboration. As well as the already existing Odin model, the existing Ventile® cotton anorak. So we took it and upgraded it with a few Arctic tweaks that, in our experience, make it even better for use in the north. And therefore in icy conditions everywhere in the world.
OVERALL EXTENSION
In adverse conditions, where it's windy most of the year, it's important that the back in particular reaches below the buttocks. So that, for example, when sitting on a sled, wind does not blow under the jacket, which greatly improves thermal comfort.
In size L, the Odin Arctic is 9 cm longer in the back than the classic Odin.
STRONGER MATERIAL
Heavier Ventile® offers better resistance to wind and mechanical damage. This is important when moving around a pack of dogs that don't get regular pedicures. Even on expeditions without a dog, it's a big advantage when moving around equipment, skis, tools and the like.
A CURIOUS WINDOW: WHAT IS VENTILE® ?
The first predecessor of today's waterproof textiles. Its secret lies in the use of very long cotton fibres (only 2% of the world's cotton production meets the requirements for Ventile®) for the yarn, which are woven into a very tight weave. Ventile® has a 30% denser weave than conventional fabric. When exposed to water, the fibres absorb it and increase their volume. This completely closes the gaps in the warp and the needle punctures and prevents further water penetration.
Ventile® is highly water resistant, but is not 100% waterproof by current standards and is not a replacement for modern membrane materials with taped seams. Like any natural material, it is not colourfast and will fade and acquire the right patina with use and washing. Ventile® does not rust and its high level of water and fire resistance makes it a sought after and time-tested alternative to synthetic materials. It has a loyal following amongst Bush Craft enthusiasts, nature lovers and photographers.
In our collection you will find the Odin anorak for men, the Loke full-zip jacket and the Frigg anorak for women. We've also had great feedback on the Lofoten trousers.
The heavier Ventile® cotton waiting to be cut
On the left, you can see the heavier Ventile® used for production of Odin Arctic. On the right is the Ventile® used for the making of the classic Odin.
So what is the difference in grammage? Twenty percent. Specifically, a square metre of Odin Arctic weighs 240 g and a square metre of Odin weighs 200 g. You can't see the difference with your eyes or a lens. But the durability and weight of the finished jacket speaks for itself. The Odin Arctic in size L weighs 870 g, the classic Odin 640 g.
LOOSE FIT
Just like in the classic Odin. It allows you to get a bunch of layers under the jacket. Even a standard hunter with plenty of self-fat insulation can comfortably wear a thick wool sweater under the jacket without having to reach for a larger size and deal with long sleeves.
EXTENDED KANGAROO POCKET WITH SIDE ENTRY
This is absolutely a blast, not just for hunters who have somewhere to hide their binoculars so they don't swing around on their necks when they hike. Anyone who needs to store their gloves on a hike while stopping for photos, adjusting gear, or just you know..needing to go, will appreciate the convenience. Even seal mittens will fit comfortably. The side entry makes everything clear and accessible. The top entry with a sewn-in organizer for your phone, wallet or documents is just right for binoculars or a map.
There are plenty of smaller ond bigger pockets.
Upper entry to kangaroo pocket with organizer. There is also a side entrance to this pocket.
QUALITY ZIPPERS WITH STURDY PULLS
Thanks to this feature, all pockets can be operated with gloves and there is no need to worry about zipper snagging or damage even due to severe frost.
YKK zippers and buttons, sturdy pulls
THE FUR
In our conditions synthetic fur simply does not work, it cannot be used. Natural fur offers better insulation against frost and wind due to the nature and density of the fur. It traps less frost on it, making it more comfortable in contact with the skin. In addition, it is far more durable when handled properly. Synthetics may be more ethical (unless they're made by 5 year olds in China), but their durability and insulating abilities don't compare to natural fur.
So much from Martin. But we'll take a look at some more details from the development.
THE HOOD
The essential element on the hood is obviously the fur. At the same time, it was important to keep all the hood controls as we are used to them.
There is a classic face piece drawcord, as well as depth and circumference adjustment of the hood at the back of the head.
The fur is detachable, with a zipper. Thanks to this, the jacket can be washed. The whole face part is very modular thanks to the reinforcement of the hood and the "movable" fur, so you can work with it depending on how bad the weather is. Judge for yourself:
1. It's nice out, I want to see the world!
2. I don't need to see everything..
3. Let's get to the igloo fast. This is where the fur hides under the hood.
VENTILATION & DRESSING
Thanks to the fact that we used a long zipper with two sliders on the left side, the opening works as a ventilation and dressing opening at the same time. Similar to what you might see in a pair of full-zip trousers.
Both sliders down - ventilation mode. At the same time, you can thread the waist belt, either from the pack or the sled, through the vent on the other side.
Both sliders on top - this way you can get in and out of the anorak comfortably.
SLEEVES & CUFFS
The sleeves are anatomically cut, as you are used to from all our models.
There is an extra pocket on the left shoulder - just in case there are not enough on the kangaroo pocket in the front.
At the end of the sleeves you will find a standard cuff adjustment flap, but underneath there is also a nylon reinforcement that is pulled outwards so that the cuff edge does not rub off.
The cuff is also shaped to cover the back of the hand.
IN CONCLUSION
We had a lot of fun developing the new Odin Arctic. The Greenland hunters know exactly what they want, how they want it and why they want it. Thanks to this, we now have experience working not only with fur, but especially with the thicker weight of Ventile® cotton and we are already thinking about where else to use it. Odin Arctic is the first jacket we made for the natives of the Arctic Circle and we are very happy that they are now wearing Czech Tilak!
