A Swedish outdoor brand figured out how to use cotton to naturally repel water

Getting caught in the rain without the right raincoat is less cinematic than it sounds. As the seasons change and the weather becomes more unpredictable, Klättermusen, a Swedish outdoor company, has prepared a new extension of sustainable outerwear that’s built for everyday use and tough terrain.

Consisting of technical pieces, the Ansur capsule preps all the pieces one might need on an outdoor expedition or casual stroll through the elements. Wind jackets, vests, shorts, and hats appear in cool colors (also dyed organically) and the kicker is that they’re all made from 100 percent organic Katla cotton.

Outdoor-ready — While cotton tends to be a go-to material on hot days because of its breathability, it’s hard to imagine the material can withstand much precipitation. However, thanks to Klättermusen’s tech, the Katla cotton has all the properties and benefits of more technical fabrics. The organic cotton is subjected to pressure and heat in a process resembling geological compaction, which helps it naturally repel water and wind while still providing top breathability.

Other features in the pieces, such as adjustable hoods and chin guards on the parkas or extra mesh pockets on the vest, only add to their versatility. The brand even added ripstop fabric to everything in the collection for an added boost of outdoor strength and resistance, which ensures it will last for many hikes to come, no matter the weather.

Because synthetic materials traditionally used in gorpcore may not be the most sustainable or eco-friendly, Klättermusen’s challenge was finding natural materials that can mimic their flexibility and durability. Natural fabrics don’t stretch as well as polyester and polyamide, and natural yarns tend to be heavier and thicker than synthetics. The result is the organic Katla cotton, found in a region of Asia called “Sky Mountain,” that can be threaded into long pieces but still provide a lightweight finish.

One with the Earth — Klättermusen is adamant about driving its message home. The campaign visuals feature a hiker holding a bushel of carrots and wearing (only) the Ansur Wind Jacket, noting that the collection “is a natural choice for those who prefer an organic alternative and an au natural way of life.” In the campaign video, the actors make clear that Ansur is their only choice for clothing as a way to connect with nature.

Prices for Klättermusen’s Ansur collection range from $50 for the caps — some hats are currently on sale for $35 — to $350 for the Windproof Parka. The collection is available now on their website, but if you decide to invest, do us all a favor and make sure your bottom half is covered.