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When the winter “gnarl” hits and the mercury plummets, you don’t just need a layer—you need a fortress. We put the Klättermusen Rå to the test to see if this sustainable “mothership” of a jacket is the ultimate sanctuary for ice climbers and winter adventurers alike.
Swedish boutique brand Klättermusen has been crafting high-end outdoor gear since 1975, continuing its legacy of producing specialized apparel for Arctic adventures. The Rå Hood Jacket is a heavy-duty winter belay jacket designed to handle the most brutal weather winter can throw at you. While it isn’t the absolute warmest down jacket in the Klättermusen range, it is more than sufficient for UK winter conditions, continental ice climbing trips, and freezing rock climbing sessions. Think of the Rå as your “mothership” jacket—the moment you pull this on, you feel the heat immediately begin to build inside.
Hybrid Insulation and Performance
Stuffed with 130g of 700 Fill Power Re:down and augmented with 25g of Primaloft Silver padding, this sustainable down jacket is rated for use between -10 to -21 ℃. You can feel confident that even if you’re chilled to the bone, the Rå Hood Jacket will warm you up rapidly. The hybrid insulation strategy is clever: the Primaloft helps the jacket maintain loft and dry out after being dampened by gully spindrift, while reinforced shoulders and hood protect the more delicate down clusters.
Re:down is 100% post-consumer recycled down that performs exactly like virgin down; at no point did the filling feel inferior. The Primaloft appears to be layered over the down in high-moisture areas, offering the warmth and packability of down with the water-repellency of synthetic insulation—a perfect combination for the damp, cold UK climate.
Durability and Fabric
The PFAS-free DWR treatment sheds snow like water off a duck’s back. Klättermusen has utilized their proprietary Duracoat treatment to improve durability in high-wear zones like the shoulders and elbows. These areas, along with the hood, feature a higher-denier fabric to withstand the rigors of belaying or camp chores. The main body is a lightweight ripstop nylon similar to other premium down parkas, so you still need to be cautious when leaning against abrasive rock or handling the classic “down jacket slayer”—racking ice screws!
Features and Packability
Don’t think the Rå Hood Jacket skimps on utility; it is feature-rich. It includes generous hand-warmer pockets and a massive zipped inner pocket that doubles as a stuff sack. While the website suggests a hand pocket for stowing, it is actually the internal chest pocket. The packed dimensions are approximately 300 x 200 x 130mm (about the size of a small loaf), and our scales weighed a size medium at 848g. That chest pocket is incredibly spacious—easily accommodating gloves, food, a phone, or a camera.
In fact, you don’t even need to stash gloves inside, as there are two dedicated loops for clipping them to the exterior (you’ll need your own carabiners). This is brilliant for securing climbing or skiing gloves during a transition, ensuring you don’t lose them down a cliff face. I’ve even found these loops useful for clipping in climbing shoes during cold training sessions or shady outdoor climbs.
The Hood and Closures
The hood is cavernous, easily fitting over a climbing helmet with room to spare. It features a one-pull rear adjustment and a wired peak. A pro tip: spend time adjusting this at home first, as it takes a moment to dial in the perfect fit. Note that the “wired” peak is relatively soft—think of it as a structural aid to help the hood keep its shape rather than a rigid brim. There is also a two way hem cinch to pull the bottom of the jacket in trap warmth.
Other technical features include a press-stud and magnetic closure for the storm flap. The magnets are fantastic for quick belay stops when you just need to whip the jacket closed and then rip it open when your leader starts moving. One word of warning: if you fully zip the jacket, the magnets can sometimes catch, making a lightning-fast exit slightly trickier.
Final Thoughts
The jacket features a two-way YKK Vislon zip with an oversized Hypalon tab, plus signature reflective triangles for visibility in dark mountain huts. On a final note, the Rå Hood Jacket has been my “daily driver” for casual wear this winter. It’s been perfect for gym commutes, pub hikes, and waiting for the bus. The silhouette is excellent—neither too “techy” nor too tailored.
With a Klättermusen weather rating of 8, this jacket provides maximum protection with minimal environmental cost. Available in sizes XS-XXL (Men) and XXS-XL (Women) in four colors. At £450, it’s an investment, but if you want to stay warm in the “gnarl,” it’s hard to beat.
You can find it at Klättermusen UK, and their Kings Road shop in London is well worth a visit.
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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