Fabrics

The 4-S System® is a four-point sternum strap designed to help distribute pressure across the chest. By attaching the strap at four points instead of two, the system supports a more balanced load across the upper body. The design combines one static side and one elastic side, with attachment points positioned across the chest to allow for both width and tension adjustment. Together, these features help keep the pack close to the body while reducing concentrated pressure from a single strap, contributing to a more stable and secure fit during movement.

Box Construction is used in selected Klättermusen down products to help maintain an even distribution of down. The construction uses internal baffles instead of through seams, supporting consistent insulation across the garment. In contrast to sewn-through constructions, this method reduces direct stitching between outer and inner fabrics, which can help limit the impact of air movement through the garment. Box Construction is designed to support insulation by allowing the down to loft more evenly across the panels, contributing to thermal performance. When combined with high fill power down, it enables lightweight insulation while maintaining warmth during use.

Butterfly Bridge is part of the Carry-On-Bones system. It consists of a shaped aluminum component that sits across the shoulders. It is designed to help guide and distribute load from the upper part of the shoulder straps towards the collarbone area. By shifting pressure away from the shoulder muscles, it supports load distribution across the upper body.

Carry-On-Bones is a carrying system designed to distribute the weight of a backpack in a way that supports the body’s natural structure, helping to reduce strain during use. The system includes shoulder straps, a hip belt, and lumbar support. Each component is shaped to help guide the load towards stronger areas of the body, such as the collarbone and hips, while providing support at the lower back. Padding is placed in areas where pressure is typically higher, contributing to comfort during extended use. The Carry-On-Bones system is designed to support load carrying during trekking and longer days outdoors.

Durable Water Repellent (DWR) is a treatment applied to fabrics to create water-repellent properties. It helps prevent the fabric from becoming saturated with water, supporting the performance of the garment in wet conditions. All DWR treatments gradually become less effective over time due to wear, washing, and exposure to sunlight. To maintain performance, the treatment can be reapplied using wash-in or spray-on products. Klättermusen uses DWR treatments that are free from fluorocarbons. Fluorocarbons have historically been used in water-repellent treatments due to their performance characteristics, but their environmental persistence has led to increased focus on alternative solutions.

Duracoat™ is a surface treatment developed by Klättermusen to increase durability in high-abrasion areas. It is applied to exposed parts of a garment, such as shoulders or elbows, to enhance resistance to wear. As a surface treatment, Duracoat™ does not require additional seams or extra layers of fabric, helping to maintain flexibility and a consistent construction. The treatment is designed to increase resistance to abrasion in targeted areas, contributing to durability without significantly affecting weight or mobility during use.

The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is an international standard for the processing of textiles made from organic fibers. It includes both environmental and social criteria and is verified through independent certification of the textile supply chain. GOTS applies to the processing, manufacturing, packaging, labelling, trading, and distribution of textiles made from certified organic natural fibers. The standard requires a minimum of 70% certified organic fiber content. GOTS certification defines criteria for fiber production, processing, and handling, providing a framework for the use of organic materials in textile production.

GRS (Global Recycled Standard) is an international, voluntary product standard for tracking and verifying the use of recycled materials in textiles. GRS covers the supply chain from raw material to final product and includes criteria for processed recycled content, chain of custody, and environmental and social practices. GRS certification supports transparency and helps verify that recycled materials used by certified suppliers meet defined requirements.

A RECCO® reflector integrated into clothing or gear enables detection by professional rescue teams using RECCO® detectors. RECCO® is a technology used in avalanche rescue, with detectors carried by trained rescue teams worldwide. Helicopter-mounted detectors are also used to search large areas during search and rescue operations. RECCO® reflectors do not replace personal transceivers or companion rescue. They do not require activation and can support rescue efforts as an additional search tool for professional rescuers.

Skylcoat® is our own PU coating, applied to backpack front fabrics to provide water-repellent properties. Compared to standard DWR treatments, Skylcoat® offers increased abrasion resistance, making it well suited for backpack use. Products using Skylcoat® are designed to maintain protection against moisture and wear over time.

The V3 Pivot Harness System™ is a lightweight development of Klättermusen’s pivoting carrying system. It is based on two main components: a V-shaped aluminum frame and a pivoting hip belt. The frame is designed to flex with the body’s movement, while the hip belt allows the pack to pivot, supporting more natural movement during use. Together, these elements help distribute load across the body and reduce localized pressure. The system is designed to help keep the pack’s weight centered closer to the lower back, while easing load from other areas during movement. In combination with curved, adjustable shoulder straps, the V3 Pivot Harness System™ supports load carrying during longer use and varying terrain.

bluesign® is a standard for environmental health and safety in textile manufacturing. The bluesign® organization provides independent auditing of textile mills, assessing manufacturing processes from raw materials and energy inputs to water and air emissions. bluesign® supports our work with supply chain transparency and helps guide the selection of manufacturing partners based on their approach to safety and environmental practices. bluesign® approved fabrics are used in selected products and meet defined criteria for consumer safety and responsible resource use within textile production. Klättermusen has been a bluesign® system partner since 2007.