Enduro biking is as hip as ever. But not everyone wants to look like a canary from the Troy Lee Designs catalogue. The traditional Norwegian brand Norrøna also wants to fulfil this wish and offers a discreet grey and black alternative to the often very colourful collections of the past with its Skibotn product line. As is usual for Norrøna, the Skibotn product line was developed with the highest standards of material, functionality and quality, but outwardly appears as pure understatement. The name was inspired by a small village in the north of Norway, which is known for its majestic surroundings and legendary downhills.
Wool and synthetic fibre in combination, environmentally friendly through recycling
The collection consists of a long-sleeved and a short-sleeved top, trousers, gloves and a rucksack. The Skibotn Wool Equalizer Long Sleeve consists of 40 per cent wool blend with merino content, 40 per cent polypropylene and around 20 per cent nylon. The wool is intended to provide the ideal climate, while the synthetic fibre ensures optimum sweat transport and robustness. The production process is also environmentally friendly, as the wool used in its manufacture is recycled material. In addition to the long sleeve, a T-shirt version with short sleeves is also available. Stretch inserts in the neck and arm areas are designed to increase comfort and both tops offer enough space to wear protectors under the shirt.
Well thought-out details on trousers, gloves and rucksack
The trousers have also been optimised for use with protectors. A high cut at the loins is designed to prevent slipping and cooling. If it gets too warm, zips can be opened for additional ventilation, behind which there is breathable mesh fabric. In addition to practical pockets, a glasses cleaning cloth has also been integrated into the shorts - a clever detail on muddy trails. The matching gloves are made of softshell material and synthetic leather, a reinforced palm protects against abrasions and the fingers are rubberised to ensure optimum braking grip and feel.
The Skibotn backpack has a volume of 15 litres and many pockets. A removable back protector and a practical attachment option for a full-face helmet are state of the art. Another practical feature is the division into a large main compartment, a separate hydration compartment and an external tool pocket as well as specially designed compartments for keys and sunglasses. Norrøna promises excellent ventilation for the carrying system.
Prices and further information
Lots of technology, high-quality material, well thought-out details. All of this is typical Norrøna, but also typical Norrøna, not quite cheap. The top costs 109 euros, the short-sleeved version 89 euros. The gloves cost 69 euros and the shorts 159 euros. The rucksack is available for 199 euros.
Further information on the collection can be found on the Norrøna website.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
