Why We Chose Klättermusen’s Ansur Windproof Jacket: 100% organic cotton, windproof and breathable, modern design, nice colour options
Klättermusen’s Ansur collection was released in spring of this year, and features their first pieces of equipment using Katla Cotton. We’ll get more into the technical details later on, but, in short, Katla is a super light and breathable fabric that is both windproof and water-resistant, without compromising on sustainability or toughness.
The processes in the construction of this fabric are actually inspired by the geo-thermal processes involved in volcanoes like the Katla in Iceland, where the collection gets its name.
We’ve gone for the Ansur windproof jacket this year, for precisely these reasons and more. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into making Katla Cotton, along with some of the cool features the Ansur has to offer.
Who Is The Ansur Jacket For
This is one of those layers that hits the spot when you want protection from the cold wind and a bit of light rain but don’t want to have to commit to the clamminess of a fully waterproof jacket.
Klättermusen have designed the Ansur with trekking and trail running in mind. If the weather forecast is looking nice and dry though, we reckon it would work as a decent windbreaker on some casual hillwalking or climbing trips too. In true Klättermusen fashion, it’s also got that stylish and modern design that won’t look out of place in the city either.
Materials
The Ansur is primarily built from an organic cotton called Katla Cotton. This unique material is constructed using high pressures and heats to seal organic cotton and Ripstop fibres tightly together. Inspired by the geo-thermal processes of compaction, these modern technologies result in a fabric that is windproof, water repellant and highly breathable.
Interestingly, this rare cotton is derived from a region of Asia called ‘Sky Mountain’ where long-stapled, tough-wearing cotton is still grown organically. Rather than conventional pesticides, they use the run-off from the snow-capped mountain for irrigation, creating a GOTS certified, fluorocarbon-free cotton.
“It’s primarily built from an organic cotton called Katla Cotton.”
The ripstop – which is inserted into the fabric during the weaving process – additionally enhances the jacket’s durability and strength, making it suitable for rougher treks, whilst also giving it the characteristic stiffness and smoothness of a sturdy windbreaker.
Features
Though a lightweight and packable jacket, Klättermusen really haven’t compromised on features here. Alongside the windproof and water resistant cotton fabric, you’ll also find a slanted abrasion-free zipper with a chin guard, an overlapping collar with an adaptive seal, a two-way front zipper for ventilation, extended sleeve ends, an adjustable elastic hem, and hidden elastic thumb grips for efficient wind sealing.
Klättermusen actually have their own wind resistance metric called the Mass Flow Resistance System (MFR). It essentially measures how easily air can pass through the fabric, as well as how efficiently moisture generated by your body will be transported away. On this scale, the Ansur comes in with an MFR rating of 8, denoting excellent wind resistance. A solid performance then.
Other features include: highly placed hand pockets for easy access if you’re wearing a backpack or a climbing harness, seam free shoulders for abrasion free carrying, and reflective branding detailing throughout.
With sizes ranging from XS to XXL, the fit is described as regular and ideal for layering.
