Why We Chose Klättermusen’s Ran Waterproof Trousers: 100% recycled fabrics, handy two-way side zip, stylish design 

The Klättermusen Ran pants don’t look like your average waterproof trousers. In true Swedish style, they’ve got a bit more zhoosh and slickness to them, with detailing beyond what meets the eye… 

From the uniquely shaped waistband and matte colour options, to the impressive full-length side zips and articulated knees; are these everything you need in a pair of waterproof pants? Perhaps.

You can see the trousers in action here during our gear testing trip in Albania last May…

Here’s a breakdown of the eco-friendly materials used in the Ran, including what features they have to offer, and how they got on with our Test Team for this year’s Outdoor 100. 

Who Are The Ran Trousers For?

Klättermusen aim these waterproofs at activities like thru-hiking and long-distance trekking where, at some point, you’re probably gonna end up trudging in the rain for a sustained period of time. With longer journeys like these, you’re going to want something lightweight and durable, but also a little comfier and more breathable than your bog-standard throw-on shell pant. 

Materials

The Ran pant is made from Klättermusen’s proprietary Cutan waterproof fabric. It’s constructed from 100% recycled polyamide, and is a bluesign® approved fabric, as well as being fluorocarbon free in production. Cutan fabrics are additionally soft on the skin, and give a nice amount of stretch for activities like scrambling, for example, when you need that extra reach on the rock.

“Its reinforcements are also 100% post-consumer recycled polyester.”

The water column rating is in excess of 20,000mm, whilst the moisture vapour permeability (MVP) is an impressive 20,000g/m2. In short, it’s a very breathable and entirely waterproof trouser. 

Klättermusen additionally 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 Ran pant comes in with an MFR rating of 10, denoting a fully windproof and waterproof product. 

Features

If you’re unlucky enough to get stuck in a downpour for hours and hours on end, chances are, you’re gonna need to dump the heat from your waterproofs at some point. That’s where the Ran’s full-length side zips comes in handy. These have a two-way zipper so you can expel heat starting from the top of the trousers, or starting from the bottom. If you’re feeling really brave, you can even zip the whole length of it open whilst keeping the waist closed shut for optimum airflow. The other benefit of this, of course, is that it allows you to throw these on or take them off without having to remove your boots – and no matter how big those boots might be. 

Other neat features include an elasticated hem, zippered and waterproof hand pockets on both sides, pre-bent knees for ease of movement, and reinforced panels on the instep, knees and around the hem for durability. These reinforcements are also 100% post-consumer recycled polyester and – like the Cutan fabric – are made without using fluorocarbons.

The Ran trousers pair very nicely with the Klattermusen Asynja jacket by the way. They both use the same impressive Cutan fabric and the colourways match up nicely.