When I first came across the Swedish apparel brand Klattermusen, I remember marvelling and chuckling at the similarities in our last names. “A Rasmussen in Klattermusen” had a nice ring to it and I was eager to attempt a connection at making this connection happen. However, after wearing a pair of Magne Shorts for the past few weeks, I can say that the love affair does not just start and stop with a clever title.
First some specs:
- Material: WindStretch
- 70% polyamide, 20% polyester, 10% elastane
- Weight: 299 g.
I’m not sure if it is a foreign style or just unique design (or both), but the look is definitely a little different that what you may be used to. The angled double button and large, slanted side pockets are not something you see every day in the US. It’s definitely not a bad look by any means (in fact, I think it is a super cool visual), but it’s definitely not your run of the mill design.
The Windstretch material makes the shorts durable and “stretchy” and have a little extra protection from windy conditions. They seem to have a more slender modern fit to them (as opposed to a baggier “relaxed” fit), and there is a curved leg seam to avoid wear on the inner lower legs. While they are more fitted, they are not restrictive and the stretchy qualities are fantastic for easy and free movement. I didn’t get to test these in the rain (shocker), the shorts do boast quick drying capabilities, making these great to wear trips to the mountains and be able to reuse after downpours or even a celebratory swim in the river or lake.
The shorts feature two side pockets, a zipped back pocket, and a leg pocket, so there is enough room available to store whatever you may need. There’s also a small mobile phone pocket as well, to keep your lifeline a reach away.
I am a large in most sizes and found that these fit great, but a belt was definitely be necessary when I was being more mobile in my activities (hiking, playing basketball with the kids, etc). If you are looking for something a little more tight around the waist without need for a belt, I may recommend considering sizing down, but check out their fitting guide before you do anything.
Obviously, the price is going to be the tough selling point on these shorts, as you will be set back almost $200 once you factor in intercontinental shipping. It’s hard to sugar coat that, aside from saying that I have worn these in probably 75% of the days since I have had them. The comfort is second to none and I find that I want to slip these on as soon as I get home, regardless of if I’m playing with the kids, going for a bike ride, or just lounging around the house. They definitely live up to the price point.
Company: Klattermusen (Facebook)
Products & Price:
- Magne Shorts ($160 plus shipping)
- Pine Green
- Dark Blueberry
- Black
During an Umeå Climbing Club caving trip to Jordbrugrotten in Norway one evening in 1982, our founder and his friends sat around the campfire and thought about good names for an outdoor clothing company. They dreamed of founding a brand which would excel in creating functional clothing and backpacks for extreme outdoor activities like climbing and winter expeditions.
The backdrop of Norway’s largest water filled cave evidently provided an inspiring setting, and Klättermusen was born. Peter yearned for a brand which was serious about itself, but did not take itself seriously – indeed, the name Klättermusen was taken from a children’s story. This was a conscious decision from Peter, whose contrary nature led him to reject the formulaic and predictable in favour of the unexpected. This is a thread which continued to run through the personality of the brand, for better or worse.
Klättermusen has always been an example of form following function. Peter’s ongoing outdoor pursuits kept him in constant conflict with the elements, so he knew better than most what was needed to gain an edge in that battle. Having climbed two of the ‘big three’ in Europe, seen a close friend perish while climbing and been stuck in an underground cave for many hours, Peter has all the experience required to know what is needed and what is not. If it’s not needed, he simply wouldn’t make it. Everything Klättermusen does is with a specific purpose in mind.
While regular brands seek to talk up their product in every possible way, we believe honesty has always been the best policy. It’s a company which allows the product to speak for itself, maybe too quietly sometimes.
And yet, we are proud of a lot of things. We were the first in Sweden to use 3-layer membranes, lightweight down jackets and many other innovations, some of which took a while to become successful. Klättermusen was sometimes so far ahead we needed to wait until the rest of the world caught up.
While technology, progress and fun are at the forefront of our DNA, sustainability is also a strong focal point. There’s a firm belief in caring for the planet. Since 2009 all our used products are eligible for a store credit of between 1 and 20 euros, which encourages the original owner to think of the planet while it also gives each Klättermusen product an afterlife it perhaps wouldn’t have otherwise had.
We see ourselves as curious minds and inventors, who dare to go our own way. Problem solving remains at the heart of the company, and we look forward to what the next thirty years of our history will bring. Be prepared.
Company information taken from the company’s website. We like to let their own stories speak for themselves, because we review companies that have real personality and passion about what they do.
Thank you to Klattermusen for providing us with samples. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
