Klättermusen Gere 2.0 Mountaineering Pants review: built to take plenty of abuse

Klättermusen Gere 2.0: first impressions

Put simply, Klättermusen Gere 2.0 pants are serious trousers. By that, we mean they use a tough, heavyweight fabric and are kitted out with a range of similarly robust features, in a design that is clearly geared towards technical mountain pursuits. Then again, we should expect nothing less from Klättermusen, a specialist Swedish climbing brand, which has built a reputation for turning out particularly rugged gear. Part of that is down to their focus on sustainability through longevity – minimising the environmental impact of new kit by ensuring that it is fit for purpose and built to last (see sustainable hiking clothes for more).

As you might expect, the materials themselves are also manufactured in an eco-conscious way. As such, the fabric is made from a bluesign-approved blend of elastane and Ultramid Bio-Mass Balanced Polyamide. Bluesign is a supply chain accreditation that ensures a minimum standard for environmental health and safety. Ultramid production means that some of the fossil resources required to produce the synthetic fibre are replaced by renewables, such as biogas or bio-naphtha. Klättermusen invests in nothing but 100% renewable feedstock. This equates to lower greenhouse gas emissions as well as reduced consumption of fossil resources. 

So, when it comes to green gear, the Gere pants get top marks. They also score well when it comes to fit, features and functionality. A relaxed cut and offset seams ensure good freedom of movement, zero chafing and reduced wear. Pre-bent knees and an elasticated waist add further articulation. 

Practical features include an adjustable webbing waist belt, two roomy zipped thigh pockets (one with an inner mesh pocket for a smartphone) plus two rear pockets with storm flaps. There are zipped, mesh-lined side vents, integrated boot lace hooks and adjustable ankle cuffs. Cleverly, the leg vents face forward for increased airflow. The trouser hems are also edged with webbing reinforcements for added durability. All in all, these are supremely well-designed and well-built trousers. 

Klättermusen Gere 2.0: on the trails

These trousers perform superbly in a range of conditions. Though they’re designed for mountaineering, they also work well on climbing approaches and walk-ins, which includes crashing through tangled heather, so could be worn as an alternative to the best hiking pants. The thick fabric has a similar weight to denim but is much more windproof and faster drying. In fact, Klättermusen claim that the Gere pants dry five times faster and are ten times more wind resistant than regular jeans. We know what we’d rather be wearing in the hills.

Admittedly, the polyamide blend isn’t the softest fabric, but these trousers are still very comfortable thanks to the good cut and in-built stretch. The fit allows for excellent flexibility, although the cut isn’t the closest – we know some mountain types who might prefer trimmer-fitting trousers when moving on technical ground. 

At over 800g in a men’s medium, they’re also not the lightest, though that excellent venting ensures they rarely get too hot. Having said that, they’re still best suited to cooler conditions and higher altitudes. But for outright durability and performance, we can’t fault them. For climbing, scrambling and summit bagging missions, these are a cracking piece of kit.