Practical test on the trail: The Daehlie cross-country jacket is impressive - with one weakness
13/2/2026
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Siri Schubert
The Daehlie cross-country jacket offers almost everything I expect from a cross-country jacket. There was just one thing that surprised me.
I want my cross-country jacket to be pleasantly warm. But not too hot. And it should protect against draughts. It should also be as breathable and stretchy as possible. I also want a sporty fit. No question: I'm demanding when it comes to cross-country skiing clothing.
One person who should know what makes good cross-country skiing clothing is Björn Daehlie. The Norwegian cross-country skiing legend with twelve Olympic medals founded his own brand 30 years ago - Daehlie. Since then, he has greatly expanded the collection. Daehlie clothing is available for very different needs - including for the professional team Aker Daehlie, for ambitious competitors and for recreational athletes like me.
Good fit and comfortable to wear
I choose the «North» cross-country jacket, which is supposed to be suitable for moderately intensive training. I'm hoping for the necessary warmth when I'm taking it easy and the right temperature management when I start to sweat on climbs.
The slightly tailored fit has an athletic look. The jacket is cut generously in the shoulder area and therefore offers the necessary freedom of movement for dynamic pole use. I particularly appreciate this, as I have muscular shoulders due to my many sporting hobbies. Some other jackets are simply too tight.
The stretch panels at the sides under the arms and at the back fulfil two functions. They increase freedom of movement and breathability. Moist, warm air can escape more easily at these points so that it doesn't get too stuffy inside the jacket.
Softshell jacket with beautiful and useful details
I particularly like the lined section in the chest area. According to the manufacturer, it is made from recycled «Thermore Ecodown» fibres.
The sleeves, lower body and back of the softshell jacket are made from wind and water-repellent material in three layers. Nice detail: When temperatures drop below freezing, a pattern appears on the jacket. It's not necessary, but it's kind of cool.
The collar is high-necked. I still wear a scarf, but I appreciate the extra protection the jacket offers around my neck. Although I haven't needed the hood, it's good to know that it's there in case the wind picks up and the headband isn't enough.
I'm a big fan of the pocket in the chest area. I generally find that sportswear usually doesn't have enough pockets for keys, a smartphone or snacks. That's why this jacket scores points with me for this detail alone.
A jacket that won't let you freeze
More important, however, is the question of how well the jacket protects you from the cold. Out onto the trail. I'm early and the thermometer reads six degrees below zero. After a few hundred metres, my heart rate slowly gets up to speed and I'm well warmed up. It can stay like this.
Incidentally, I'm wearing the X-Bionic Invent LT Singlet and the long-sleeved shirt from Merino & More. Plus the Daehlie Women's Challenge Pants.
As the sun shines down into the valley later in the morning, it gets much warmer. I'm still well dressed in my North jacket. Sure, I start to sweat a little on the climbs, but I don't get that clammy, damp feeling that sometimes occurs after exertion.
The test without the sun is still missing: the combination of warmth and breathability is also good at night.
I am completely satisfied with the temperature management of the Daehlie-North jacket when cross-country skiing. But there is a but ...
Lack of anti-odour treatment
Maybe I'm spoilt. Because almost all of my functional clothing for endurance sports is treated against odours. Be it with proprietary anti-odour fibres (sometimes with silver content) or with polygiene technology.
This doesn't mean that I don't wash my clothes after training, but I do expect a cross-country jacket to last a long weekend on the cross-country ski trail without me having to wrinkle my nose when putting it on and taking it off. I would like the jacket even better with anti-odour treatment.
In a nutshell
Cross-country skiing jacket with good temperature management and freedom of movement
There are many things I like about Daehlie's "North" jacket: the insulated surface in the chest area, the temperature management, the stretch panels under the arms and on the back and the chest pocket.
I'm also impressed by the fit. And in the practical test in different temperatures, the softshell jacket shows its strengths. In these aspects, it fully met my high expectations from the outset.
I would only have expected more in terms of odour management. For this, I have to deduct one point from an otherwise great jacket.
Pro
- athletic fit
- lined section in the chest area
- Breathable and warming
- Stretch panels for freedom of movement
- Breast pocket
- Wind and water-repellent softshell material
Contra
- No anti-odour treatment
Header image: Siri Schubert
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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