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Considering the dry spell we’ve been having here in the UK so far, I’ve been using the Klättermusen Vingtor jacket more than I thought I would. So far, it has proven to be extremely versatile for both outdoor and urban adventures. I like the fit, style, and performance, and I’ve worn it hiking, climbing, and even on a trip to London.
The Klättermusen Vingtor Jacket is the lightest and most compact in their range, and when I say light, I mean light. My trusty CGR scales weighed it in at 195g (the Klättermusen website states 199.6g, which I reckon must be for a size large). That’s super light for a fully-featured and waterproof jacket—I have a couple of windproofs that are heavier than that. Even with premium offerings, for an extra 50 or 60g, you’re getting the extra versatility of a fully waterproof jacket and not just relying on double-folded seams and the DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish.
With such a lightweight jacket, there will, inevitably, be some compromises. The main body, made from 2.5-layer Cutan® fabric, is quite thin—I’d say gossamer-like—but it has performed well, and the Oculus ripstop outer has, so far, proved durable, robust and stretchy. I wore it for a breezy sport climbing day, where it performed well with great freedom of movement. I wouldn’t, however, consider wearing it for any sort of trad climbing where it’s more likely to be abraded from rough mountain rock. I am happy to stow it in my pack for emergencies, though, and it’s been a go-to piece for that. I should point out that the Vingtor jacket is designed for trail running and hiking, not climbing; I’m just highlighting this for testing purposes.
It’s so compact that I can stuff it into any small space, and the right-hand pocket acts as a stowaway pouch. It doesn’t have a hanging loop, which would be an improvement with little weight consequence, but with a little thought, I could close the zip with the outer zip tag coming through and get a carabiner through that. The stowaway feature was also very useful for travel and general use, and I’ve even been able to stuff the jacket down into a cargo pocket on my hiking shorts in between showers. I’m very impressed with the compact and light nature of the jacket—top marks for that 🤩.
Onto the main fabric, the Vingtor is a 2.5-layer fully waterproof jacket. On the Klättermusen MFR (Mass Flow Resistance) scale, it is rated 10, which means fully water and windproof. Klättermusen call their fabric Cutan®, and it’s their version of Gore-Tex. With the new ePE membranes now being fully utilised across most premium brands, the Cutan® fabric conforms to new standards and is totally PTFE and fluorocarbon-free. The Oculus frabric is made using 100% post consumer recylcled polyester and it’s reinforced using Ultramid which is a polyamide fabric that uses less fossil fuels and more biofuel based chemicals – this allows Klättermusen more control over it’s sustainability agenda. That said, the performance of the fabric and coatings is excellent.
I’ve been using the jacket in summer conditions for showers and wind. I’ve often been wearing just a t-shirt and shorts and packed a down vest and the Vingtor. This combination has worked well, and I used the jacket just after Storm Florian, recently on a very squally day. When the showers came on, they were quite heavy and the wind was constant. The jacket performed very well in these conditions; it fitted well over the vest and didn’t leak.
So, I would say the fit is a performance fit. It’s fine to wear over a base layer or a thinner fleece top, but it would feel cumbersome when worn over a thicker fleece or insulated layer. Again, think warmer conditions and fast-paced activities for which it was designed and performs well in. I’m a 40” chest and I tested the size Medium, which fitted perfectly. Other features fit with this philosophy, such as the elasticated cuffs and the lack of a hem cinch. Klättermusen is well known for this type of minimalist approach to their clothing, so don’t expect any extravagant features, as you don’t get them. What you do get is premium quality that is fit for purpose.
All the seams are taped and the zips are YKK Aquacoil, so the Vingtor is fully waterproof and specced to 20,000mm hydrostatic head, which is more than enough for summer rain and showers. The main zip is complemented with a storm flap that is held in position by three popper studs. Again, don’t expect a fancy fleece-lined chin guard; you’re getting one. Instead, you get the briefest of fleece laminates and the signature offset closure that works very well and keeps your neck nice and warm. The closure system works well with other Klättermusen kit. For instance, I wore it often with my Lopt Vest, so it was good that the neck closures did up the same way; otherwise, there could be a real faff just when you don’t need one, such as the onset of a sudden squally shower.
The hood is very well designed with no bungee cord adjustment, which is great as there is no cord whip in high winds and no faff at all when the hood needs to be deployed. I used it mostly with a cap, and the hood stayed in position in all but the highest of winds. Tension is provided by two elasticated side inserts and another placed at the nape of the neck. It all provided a nice snug fit when the main zip was fully closed. The peak is stiffened and wired, which is refreshing, as many other premium brands don’t offer a wired peak. Once again, Scandi minimalism offers the slightest of wire thicknesses with maximum performance as the hood is fully helmet-compatible. Two handwarmer pockets are accessible when wearing a pack waistbelt or climbing harness, and are finished with YKK Aquacoil zips and premium zip tabs with neat Klättermusen branding on them.
Finishing touches include a discreet, embroidered Klättermusen logo, the signature Ultramid triangle complete with reflective thread, and plenty of reflective flashing, including a cool Klättermusen logo on the back, for those night-time trail runs. So, is the Klättermusen Vingtor jacket worth the money? In my opinion, yes, because you are getting top-quality Scandinavian design that is fit for purpose and premium materials with sustainability at the core of the mission. A lot of Scandi outdoor kit feels over-designed, heavy and burly. For some, that might be what they are looking for. But if you are looking for a more refined look, then Klättermusen will be exactly what you are looking for, as it looks great both on and off the hill, and most importantly, it performs well with minimum fuss.
Klättermusen also have a great repair service, and my experience with Scandinavian warranty repairs has always been super positive and excellent.
The Klättermusen Vingtor Jacket comes in sizes XS to XXL and features five bang-on-trend colour options. The female version comes in sizes XXS – XL and again, five, on-trend, colour choices.
The SRP is £350 and it can be bought directly from Klättermusen UK or the London shop.
Disclosure – CGR reviewers and writers are never paid to provide a review and the website does not take advertising or link to affiliate sales. We are a bunch of keen climbers and travellers who accept sample products and offer an honest and independent review of the item.
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