Waterproof Jackets

Klättermusen Asynja Jacket | Review

A well-built, stylish and eco-friendly shell from the Swedish climbing specialists that is lightweight, packable and comfortable, with some premium details that help it stand out from the pack

Why We Chose The Klättermusen Asynja Jacket: Comfortable, great cut, premium details

In short, the Asynja is a lightweight, comfortable and slightly stretchy waterproof hard-shell jacket with some excellent eco credentials and added technical features.

But since this is Klättermusen we’re talking about, the Asynja is also a stylish-looking jacket with some distinctive details that elevate this shell from the rest – showing a bit of Swedish design flair that might mean this jacket makes its way out of your hillwalking sack and into your daily wear rotation.

Who is the Klättermusen Asynja Jacket For?

It works brilliantly as ‘just in case’ wet weather protection for spring-through-summer hiking and hillwalking, as well as climbing and mountaineering. As just mentioned, it could also happily do double duty as an everyday raincoat. What we think it would serve best for, however, is for those summer backpacking trips where you want an outer layer that’s going to be light and packable but also nice and protective through the really rough stuff.

Materials

Like many Swedish outdoor brands, Klättermusen is a manufacturer known for its focus on sustainability. Indeed, their slogan is ‘maximum safety, minimum impact’, which reflects their eco-conscious ethos.

The lightweight Asynja rain shell is no exception – it’s made from the brand’s own three-layer Cutan fabric, which is Bluesign-approved, fully PFC-free and made from 100% recycled nylon. The PU-based membrane is windproof, waterproof and breathable – but much softer and more comfortable than most, with a little give in it too for added stretch and flexibility.

This fabric brings a 20k Hydrostatic Head (waterproof rating) and 20K MVTR (breathability rating) – good figures that put it up there with the big hitters in the waterproofing world.

Features

It’s the little details of the Asynja that give it a premium feel. Like most quality jackets, you get a soft microfibre chin guard, plus a soft panel to reduce irritation at the back of the neck too. But Kláttermusen have gone a step further and also added a soft microfibre wrist cuff lining as well. Nice.

“One of the first things that struck me about this is the feel of the material.”

Then there are the anodised metal components on the main zipper and rear hood adjustment, which look and feel a lot classier than the plastic parts you find on most jackets.

The two-way main zip is fitted with an outer storm flap for that extra bit of protection from moisture ingress. You also get two roomy zipped mesh-lined pockets, again protected by storm flaps and sensibly placed to sit above a rucksack hipbelt or climbing harness. These double as vents for when you want to get some airflow into the jacket.

The overall cut is great, with shaped cuffs and an extended drop tail. The hood is helmet compatible and has a stiffened peak and drawcord at the back.

The cuffs have unusual shockcord closures rather than Velcro tabs. These are supposedly designed with lifetime durability in mind, since the components are easily replaceable, unlike Velcro cuff tabs.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, editor of Outdoors Magic

“This is a really well-made jacket, the kind of thing that oozes quality. I’d say that about most of the Klättermusen kit I’ve come across, actually. They seem to think outside of the box with every aspect of design, from the choice of fabrics right down to the way that the cuffs are adjusted.

“One of the first things that struck me about this is the feel of the material. It feels light and has a bit of stretch to it too. But there’s no flimsiness about it either. I’ve worn this through a dense forest and not felt too worried about the fabric while I’m pushing through branches – same goes for its durability up against a bit of rough rock while scrambling.

“Another touch I like is the slightly offset main zip which, I imagine, was implemented in order to prevent any issues with the zipper rubbing against your chin. I’ve never sported a beard (if only I could) but I know that a lot of people find they can get their hair caught in the zipper. With this offset style, I imagine this would prevent that issue.

“As for the fit, I’m five foot 10 and quite slim and I had this in a size M, my usual size. For me, the fit was absolutely spot on. I could fit a thick insulating layer underneath it with no bother, but it also still felt athletically cut.”