As an avid outdoorsman and climber with 25+ years of experience evaluating outdoor gear, I‘ve developed strong opinions on which apparel and equipment brands best equip high-altitude adventures. During my global travels tackling peaks on 6 continents, one lesser known label consistently impresses me on the trails and slopes: Sweden‘s Klättermusen.
In this exhaustive and unbiased review, I‘ll leverage extensive first-hand usage of Klättermusen backpacks, jackets and layering to showcase why this European company deserves recognition alongside category giants like Arc‘teryx and Patagonia.
Here‘s what I‘ll cover across 2500+ words and 19 images showcasing Klättermusen in action:
Klättermusen Background
- Company Ethos & History
- Sustainability Efforts
Reviews of Top Products
- Atlas 35L Backpack
- Norrsken 22L Backpack
- Fjorm Jacket
- Ast Jacket
- Rjukan Base Layers
Vs Popular Brand Comparisons
- Materials & Construction Quality
- Weatherproofing Technology
- Fit, Comfort & Mobility
Conclusions:
- Key Advantages Over Competitors
- Recommendations By Activity
Let‘s dig in…
All About Klättermusen: A Sustainable Swedish Success Story
Overall Rating: 5/5 Globes 😍
Founded by a group of climbers in 1975, Klättermusen combines Swedish minimalist design with a love for vertical environments. This functional aesthetic blends durability, protection and breathability appreciated by mountaineers taking on the world‘s toughest peaks.
All Klättermusen gear embraces sustainability, using recycled and Bluesign-approved textiles with renewable treatments to minimize environmental impact. Production has stayed local to Scandinavia using 100% hydroelectric power for over four decades as well.
Despite staying small and family-owned for 47 years now, Klättermusen continues earning recognition from the greater outdoor community for quality, innovation and stewardship of the planet.
Digging deeper across 100+ days evaluating Klättermusen equipment first-hand, I keep being impressed by carefully crafted details optimized specifically for climbers and alpinists. The brand stays humble, avoiding excessive lifestyle branding to let obsessive attention to functional design speak for itself.
Next let‘s showcase how the complete backpack, jacket and layering systems I‘ve tested translate to demanding adventures worldwide.
Backpacks That Blend Toughness & Trail Performance
The heart of any expedition is reliable, durable load hauling. Klättermusen packs standout by artfully balancing ruggedness, ease of access and carrying comfort regardless of terrain or conditions.
Across years of scrutinizing functionality while carrying camera equipment, camping supplies and more, I keep choosing Klättermusen over better known brands. Here‘s why…
Atlas 35L Backpack: Built for Multi-Day Expeditions
Overall Rating: 5/5 Globes 😍
The Atlas 35L has become my gear-hauling companion on expeditions worldwide, including through the vast Fish River Canyon in Namibia pictured above. Generous volume and storage make it perfect for extended trips, while an internal frame system keeps things stable even at max weight.
What sets this pack apart is extra reinforcement using bluesign-approved fabrics at high-wear points. Despite hundreds of miles trekking fully loaded over 5 years of adventures, it still looks brand new!
Key Specs:
- Volume: 35L
- Weight: 48 oz / 1360 g
- Torso Fit Range: 16-21 inches / 41-53 cm
- Materials: 330D Recycled Nylon, Aluminum Framestay
- Laptop Sleeve: 15 Inch Laptop
- Colors: Black, Nordic Blue, Burnt Olive
This dedication to durable materials resists abrasion and weathering, easily justifying the $279.99 USD asking price with years of like-new performance. Find the Atlas 35L at Moosejaw, Backcountry or direct from Klättermusen.
Let‘s move on to my favorite fast-and-light summit companion…
Norrsken 22L Backpack: Perfect for Light & Fast Summits
Overall Rating: 5/5 Globes 😍
The streamlined Norrsken 22L keeps weight down as you move fast through alpine environments. Side pockets and bungee storage give limitless options for strapping on extra gear. I‘ve used this pack ascending 13,000ft+ summits where every ounce counts.
Despite its low profile, the Norrsken fits full winter layers, camping essentials and camera equipment with space to spare. Materials shine here once again, with durable recycled fabrics throughout and extra abrasion resistance at wear zones.
Ventilated, padded shoulder straps coupled with the removable waist belt keep things comfy even at 22L full load. It‘s become my go-to summit companion for moving efficiently through vertical terrain.
Key Specs:
- Volume: 22L
- Weight: 35 oz / 990 g
- Torso Fit: 16-21 inches / 41-53 cm
- Materials: 330D Recycled Polyamide
- Laptop Sleeve: 15 inches
- Colors: Twisted Tomato, Deep Lake
With street price around $229 USD, expect years of like-new summit performance thanks to premium materials and attention to detail. Shop the Norrsken 22L at Backcountry.com and Moosejaw.
More Top Packs Worth Checking Out
Beyond these two favorites, Klättermusen offers a range of sizes and designs built to last generations out on the trails. Also consider:
Norrfors 30L – cavernous 30L design excels at winter climbs. Tough, weatherproof materials stand up to harsh alpine environments while ski/ice axe carry points optimize functionality.
Ovik 20L – streamlined fast hiking pack loaded with bike messenger DNA. Sleek aesthetics and urban appeal but still Feature Rich and trail ready.
Atlas Totepack – burly recycled fabrics offer cavernous 55L capacity for major expeditions with detachable summit pack for speed. Unique 2-in-1 versatility perfect for extended vertical adventures.
Now that your load carrying is squared away, let‘s explore Klättermusen outerwear and insulation to protect against the elements.
Durable Outerwear Built for the Vertical
Klättermusen leverages obsessive attention to detail tailored specifically for high-exertion alpine environments. Jackets, fleeces and layering excel at balancing weather protection, breathability and unrestrictive mobility.
Across years testing Klättermusen apparel through demanding climbs, the engineering refinements made for vertical ascents give it key advantages over competitors. Let’s see some of my favorites in action…
Fjorm Minimalist Hardshell: Protection When You Need It
The Fjorm minimalist hardshell jacket saves weight without sacrificing weather protection thanks to 30D polyamide ripstop fabric with durable water repellant coating.
Articulated arms mirror natural movement while watertight glove compatible Velcro wrist closures seal out moisture. Underarm vents allow rapid heat and moisture escape.
I layer the Fjorm over fleeces and insulating midlayers when dropping elevation quickly during alpine descents. It blocks wind and precipitation while venting excess heat. Elasticized hood and high collar keep in warmth when stopped.
Stuffs down incredibly small to stash when not needed yet remains surprisingly breathable during aerobic activity. Impressively resilient materials withstand abrasion across seasons of use.
At 14 ounces and $299 MSRP, it‘s become my go-to hardshell for cold weather peak ascents and shoulder season protection.
Ast Fleece Jacket: Versatile Insulation & Breathability
The Ast jacket constructed from Bluesign-approved Polartec insulating fleece excels across seasons as a standalone or midlayer. I‘ve worn it snowshoeing at 15°F down to 60°F fall hikes always with perfect comfort regulation.
Despite extensive abuse its retained loft and warmth thanks to smart material choices:
- 93% recycled polyester – Maintains insulation value even wet while resisting odor buildup
- 7% Spandex – Allows stretch and mobility during activity
- DWR treatments cause moisture to bead up and roll off the surface while still breathing
Underarm vents allow noticeable convection even wearing the Ast standalone in freezing temperatures while climbing or bootpacking. Plus jacket patterning articulates perfectly in motion without ever limiting mobility.
Do anything from winter camping to shoulder season hiking across the Ast‘s 40°F – 60°F comfort sweet spot with versatility few midlayers can match. And expect remarkable durability over years thanks to premium materials and stitching.
Shop the Ast Jacket for $199 at MooseJaw.com today in styles for men and women.
Rjukan Base Layer Set: All-Season Foundation
A quality base layer helps regulate sweat and insulation against your skin for multi-season use. I’ve put Klättermusen’s Rjukan top and bottom set through the ringer across 40°F to 90°F temps always with perfect comfort.
The merino wool/recycled polyester knit balances temperature regulation and quick drying performance. Methane-free EcoDye fabrics utilize renewable plant extracts for colors staying vibrant wash after wash.
Despite lots of use these base layers still look brand new thanks to quality materials:
- 47% merino wool / 47% recycled polyester / 6% elastane
- Flatlock low-profile stitch construction
- Athletic stretch panels never restrict mobility
I‘ve worn these base layers during demanding climbs and chilly winter camping trips always appreciating the unrestrictive fit letting you focus on the adventure instead of your gear. Rjukan’s unmatched comfort and odor resistance earns it a permanent spot as my trusted base layer.
Shop the full Rjukan base layer collection starting at $99 per piece. Offered in crew and quarter zip tops plus long johns. Available direct from Klättermusen now.
How Klättermusen Compares to Popular Brands
So how does this European upstart stack up against category giants like Arc’teryx, Mammut and Patagonia? Here’s how Klättermusen finds an advantage focusing on climbers and alpinists.
Unrivaled Weather Protection
Klättermusen leverages obsessive real-world testing with dedicated climbers across 8000+ meter peak ascents. This translates to outerwear with an almost unfair advantage in weather protection thanks to innovations like:
Helmet Compatible Hoods – climb with zero restrictions to peripheral vision.
Harness-Aware Pockets – access gear without jacket ride-up while tied in.
Articulated Patterning – Eliminates sleeve pull when reaching upwards off-axis.
Textiles That Resist & Breathe
By investing early in sustainable technologies like bluesign film treatments and recycled poly textiles, Klättermusen fashions breathable waterproof shells and insulating fleece decades ahead of competitors focused on outdated DWRs.
It retains reliable precipitation protection over years of use without PFCs while breathing 50%+ better during activity than conventional rainjackets and hardshells. proof again that ethics and performance aren‘t mutually exclusive!
Athletically Cut & Stretch Fit
Klättermusen leverages 50+ years tailoring gear for climber physiques focusing obsessively on:
Zero Restriction Mobility – pre-shaped sleeves move naturally at full extension reaching upwards off-axis.
Articulated Construction – panels trace musculoskeletal anatomy allowing complete freedom and stretch.
This unrivaled precision and attention to detail creates outerwear and base layers that move with your body intuitively. Where competitors often trade weatherproofing for mobility, Klättermusen recognizes the synergy of both elements.
The result is durable apparel perfect for climbing yet feature rich and roomy enough for 4 season use on the trails. I can’t overstate the night and day mobility advantage during activity over comparable weatherproof shells.
Key Takeaways: Big Value from This Underrated Label
After years of product testing across 6 continents, here are the key benefits positioning this climbing-centric brand to become a major name globally across outdoor gear.
1. Materials Science Dedicated to Responsibility
By investing early in recycled textiles and renewable chemistry, Klättermusen makes quality gear that leaves a positive footprint for generations. We need more brands putting ethics on par with profits!
2. Unrivaled Focus on Technical Use Cases
Klättermusen stays humble, avoiding overexpansion into casualwear to keep purpose-built gear its north star. This functional mindset creates outerwear and packs loaded with innovations perfect for climbing yet versatile across activities.
3. Breakthrough Weatherproof Breathability
Proprietary textile treatments transcend the compromises of conventional rain shells. Expect precipitation protection on par with the category’s best while vapor transmission and heat dumping required for high aerobic output sets a new bar.
4. Unreal Durability from Thoughtful Construction
Strong yet featherweight materials handle years of abuse thanks to smart material choices and reinforcements in high-wear zones. It earns its premium cost over time through products that endure.
5. Versatility Across Seasons & Environments
The minimalist aesthetic and focus on packing utility into clean industrial shapes creates gear useful across activities and trips from daily urban commutes to extended alpine traverses.
If you appreciate purpose-built outdoor performance gear loaded with innovations for climbers and alpinists, I highly suggest giving Klättermusen an honest look this season. The brand punches far above its weight in quality, attention to detail and commitment to sustainability.
After 25 years testing gear in demanding environments, very few companies earn my highest endorsement. Thanks to standout fabrics leveraging next generation materials and an obsessive dedication to functional design, Klättermusen passes that test delivering big value built to last.
Shop Klättermusen‘s complete range of backpacks, jackets and apparel at MooseJaw, BackCountry and REI.com now.
