Norrona fjørå and skibotn: Norwegian MTB trousers, rain jacket and shirts put to the test
Marc Strucken
· 26.11.2022
In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
Now that the seemingly "endless summer" has made the inevitable turn, we were able to extensively test those Norrøna garments that are made for wet and nasty conditions: fjørå dri1 jacket and pants. But in the many, wonderful summer weeks before, the other test items had to be used and sweated through, ridden through and grabbed over many bike kilometres. From the way to work to the more epic tours of the Karwendel, Ammer and Ester mountains. Spoiler at the start: none of the Norrøna parts were any good - quite the opposite. Only the gloves - they quickly had to go into the wardrobe along with woollen socks and longjohns.
Please note: The images shown here Colour variants of Norrøna products are no longer included in the current collection.
We have tested these Norrøna articles:
Norrøna fjørå Infinium Pants: play trousers for the whole day
In my previous MTB career, I actually rode with shorts until the weather no longer allowed it, then seamlessly switched to winter trousers (thick, waterproof). The Windstopper trousers fjørå Infinium from Norrøna was on the "nice, but not necessary" list for me until now. But: it's actually cool enough from almost 20 degrees - i.e. breathable - not to shrink when cycling. Especially as zips on the thighs provide a draught if necessary. Thanks to the Goretex Infinium membrane, however, these MTB trousers are windproof and therefore warm enough even at 10 degrees and below, as long as you're not just standing around anywhere. In short: I didn't want to take them off even after the ride.
The pockets on the Norrøna Windstopper Pants are impressive and practical for biking and everyday sports. A total of three of them won't hold touring equipment, but the two upper ones are good for small, lightweight items. They are also ideal for either providing additional ventilation (they are made of mesh on the inside) or for keeping your hands warm, as the outer fabric is windproof. The side pocket is larger, ergonomically positioned so that even heavier items don't bang against your knees, and it has a mobile phone insert that should fit most devices.
Norrøna and the environment
Organic cotton, recycled and/or recyclable fibres, animal welfare and the openly accessible list of suppliers - Norrøna wants to take responsibility for people and the environment with various measures. Each of the products tested also includes information on which specific measures have been implemented. In the case of the Norrøna fjørå Infinium Windstopper Pants, these are:
- Oeko-Tex-certified fabric: The Oeko-Tex seal is a testing and certification system designed to ensure that the use of chemicals meets or exceeds national and international regulations/standards. Not organic, but a first step.
- Openly listed factories are intended to create transparency in the supply chain. Norrøna produces these trousers in China, for example. Not yet Fairtrade, but also a step towards less opaque sub-sub-sub-entrepreneurship.
- The fjørå Infinium is manufactured in a factory that is audited by an independent third party and supervised by Norrøna.
Conclusion on the Norrøna fjørå Infinium Pants
The MTB trousers from Norrøna are now a permanent fixture in my bike kit because they are very comfortable to wear between 20 degrees and - depending on how hardy you are - 5 degrees. Thanks to the Goretex Infinium membrane, the fjørå MTB trousers are not waterproof, but even when completely soaked they keep the wind out and therefore still keep you warm when you're on the move. Even after several hundred kilometres of cycling, there is no sign of wear anywhere, even after many washes in the machine. A really good pair of windstopper trousers that you will also want to wear for hiking, screwing and after-ride chill-outs.
Properties
- Price: 299 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 400 gr.
- Customised waist system
- High cut
- 2 hand pockets, 1 thigh pocket
- Reflective logo
- Ventilation on the thigh
Material
- flex 1
- Goretex Infinium
Norrøna fjørå dri1 Pants: dry and safe in wetlands
I've had a few pairs of rain trousers for MTBs under my bum while biking. I've had everything from the quick sweat bags to the stiff tents you get. The feel of Norrøna's fjørå dri1 pants is very pleasant and not very plastic bag-like. What's more, the MTB rain trousers are stretchy at the knees and buttocks and therefore give very nicely when seated. They are easy to put on with the zips at the leg ends - like all the rain trousers, these are properly welded and waterproof. The width can be adjusted with two Velcro fasteners on the waistband.
But what use are the best fitting features if the rain trousers don't deliver (what they promise)? Fortunately, a very heavy downpour at Lake Rieg came to my rescue, which demanded everything from the fjørå dri1 MTB trousers: rain from above, water and mud from below and, above all, another 1.5 hours in the saddle, during which I was able to massage the mud into the material using the saddle. The result: a spotlessly clean bib - the moisture inside was caused by working muscles. The dri1 material is a 1-layer membrane. The Norrøna rain trousers are therefore also quite breathable - but with a temperature difference of 20 degrees between the world and the person inside the trousers, condensation is unavoidable. When temperatures are not too low, the large side zips on the thigh provide fresh air on the leg.
Conclusion: Norrøna fjørå dri1 Pants
Similar to the Windstopper trousers top the Norrøna rain trousers also fit me very comfortably, especially as there is no fabric in the crotch, as is often the case. In fact, I would have preferred a full-length 2-way zip on the side for putting them on and airing them out. If you want to put the fjørå dri1 Pants on when you're on the trail, your dirty shoes have to go through the trouser leg - with winter MTB shoes I suspect that some won't fit through the opening and you'll have to take your shoes off. All the other features are very good, especially the pocket on the thigh, which is absolutely leak-proof (from the inside against condensation, from the outside against rain) and can save the life of your mobile phone in case of doubt.
According to the manufacturer, 50 per cent of the synthetic fibres in the fjørå MTB trousers are recycled, Oeko-Tex-certified and, above all, PFC-free.
Properties
- Price: 239 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 260 g
- Velcro fastening for adjustment at the ankle, zip system on the leg
- Thigh pocket
- Reflective logo
- Silicone band in the hip
Material
- dri 1 - 1-layer membrane, waterproof (20,000 mm water column), windproof and breathable
Norrøna fjørå dri1 Jacket: waterproof and quite airy when needed
Norrøna offers the fjørå dri1 rain jacket to match the rain trousers - funnily enough in the traffic light colours: red, yellow and green. Apart from the look, one thing is particularly important for this type of MTB jacket: it is waterproof. And it absolutely is when it comes to rain. The collar closes, the sleeves can be fastened tightly with Velcro fasteners and the back is cut extra-long so that it reaches far over the back when seated in the saddle. The sleeves also have extra length over the back of the hand.
However, I was particularly impressed by the ventilation system of the fjørå dri1 jacket convinces. As it gets warm under the jacket even at low temperatures on the uphill, it has a second row of zips at the front. A mesh is sewn in between the two, which allows cool air to get in. If you then open the zips under the armpits, there is almost a draught under the shirt - at least while riding. This also makes the Norrøna rain jacket suitable for summer.
As with the rain trousers, Norrøna uses up to 50 percent recycled fibres in the fjørå dri1 jacket, a PFC-free coating and has the whole thing certified by Oeko-Tex. Speaking of safety: the rain jacket features reflective details all around - especially the large Norrøna lettering on the chest. And because we're all so attached to our smartphones: The Napoleon pocket is waterproof, doesn't seem to form much condensation and even fits quite large mobile phones.
Conclusion: Norrøna with the fjørå dri1 Jacket
I found the fit and especially the long back and long sleeves very helpful when there was a lot of water coming in from above and below. The ventilation is practical for not-so-cold days - I get cold straight away when the cold air draws into the damp interior. The fairly large, sturdy chest pocket is also good if you want to store small items in a waterproof way.
Properties
- Price: 269 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 200 g
- Adjustable arm cuffs with Velcro fastener
- Breast pocket
- Extended back section
- Reflective details
- Ventilation system
Material
- dri 1 - 1-layer membrane, waterproof (20,000 mm water column), windproof and breathable
Norrøna fjørå flex1 Heavy Duty Shorts: Heavy labourers, heavy in order
The length of the Norrøna fjørå flex1 Heavy Duty Shorts initially takes some getting used to: in size M, they reached a little over my knee when standing - associations with the 3/4 trousers popular with German holidaymakers came to mind. Together with the 50 mm light protection factor of the MTB shorts, however, this makes a lot of sense, as it also provides shade for the knee, which is otherwise very exposed to the sun. It's a shame that Norrøna doesn't yet offer dedicated sun protection shirts. Only the two merino shirts tested are supposed to offer "UV protection" according to the Norwegian manufacturer - but they don't say with which sun protection factor.
Even the knee protectors - if worn - still fit under the long trouser legs and do not push the shorts up. Which brings us to the ventilation slits of the fjørå flex1 MTB shorts, as these extend from the end of the leg almost up to the waistband. This makes the shorts airy enough even at 25 degrees and warmer. Although the fabric itself - called flex1 - is very robust (heavy duty) and, according to Norrøna, should also protect against fall injuries.
As long as you tuck your jersey into your shorts (who does that?!), the waist of the fjørå flex1 Heavy Duty Shorts, which are made non-slip with silicone strips, stay in place. On my wet and sweaty bib shorts, however, the short MTB shorts tended to move downwards - the bike hip bag did the rest to move the shorts towards my knees. Even the waist system with Velcro fasteners didn't help much. Apart from that, the fit of the Norrøna shorts is very good. They have front pockets, the right one on the thigh with a mobile phone insert - they all work very well.
Conclusion: Norrøna fjørå flex1 Heavy Duty Shorts
The Norrøna fjørå flex1 Heavy Duty Shorts are indeed very stable, but wear less hot and stiff than they look - on a day with 35 degrees and 1500 metres of altitude I wished for ice and cool drinks more than a cooler pair of shorts. The fit is well tailored and nothing gets in the way, even on long days in the saddle. The MTB shorts are also made from more than 50% recycled fibres, they are Oeko-Tex and Bluesign certified, and the water/stain-repellent coating is PFC-free.
Properties
- Price: 179 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 446 g
- Non-slip waist system
- 4 bags
- UV protection UPF 50+
- Ventilation zips with mesh
Material
- flex1
Norrøna skibotn Wool 3/4 T-shirt: Odourless into the sunset
The item that I have probably worn the most in this test series is the skibotn Wool 3/4 shirt from Norrøna. There are two reasons for this: firstly, because it is extremely versatile - and secondly, because you can easily wear it for two days in a row without any physical exertion. A 47 per cent merino fibre content in the fabric ensures the well-known no-stink effect. And even after a long tour, you could - theoretically - still wear it in the evening at the hut without spoiling the appetite of those sitting round you.
The fibre mix (53% nylon and elastane) has another advantage: the enduro shirt may not be incredibly airy in the heat, but it doesn't feel damp either. If, on the other hand, it gets cool further up the mountain and in the shady valleys, the skibotn 3/4 shirt keeps you warm for quite some time - thanks to the half-length sleeves.
Conclusion: Norrøna skibotn Wool 3/4 T-shirt
Merino wool is actually always good for clothing worn close to the body: feels good - smells good. Advantage of the fibre mix: You can even wash the skibotn Wool 3/4 T-shirt at 40 degrees on a gentle cycle. The fit is also great: casual and slightly longer at the back. There are no irritating, chafing seams, especially on the shoulders when you're wearing a rucksack. Only the small breast pocket is rubbish. As soon as there's more than a sugar sachet inside, it hangs like a sack on the soft T-shirt fabric.
When it comes to sustainability, more than 50 per cent of the synthetic fibres are recycled. The wool is produced mulesing-free and comes from traceable sources - says Norrøna. The entire enduro shirt is Oeko-Tex certified and everything is said to come from openly listed, audited factories.
Properties
- Price: 89 Euro
- Weight: 170 g
- 3/4 arm length
- Longer cut back
- UV protection (without indication of UPF)
Material
- 53 % polyester, 47 % (merino) wool
Norrøna fjørå Wool T-Shirt: Eye-catcher - unintentionally
Whilst the 3/4 enduro shirt is now one of my good friends, its short-sleeved counterpart, the Norrøna fjørå Wool T-Shirt, has one major drawback for me. It's a lot breezier than the longer shirt, which would potentially make it attractive for leisure - but it's also quite see-through. As I'm not a fan of undershirts/muscle shirts and they are somehow too much at 25 degrees, I didn't like wearing the fjørå T-shirt on its own. You can see a lot of people underneath. I really like the colour combination (orange/grey). In fact, the MTB shirt is no longer listed in Norrøna's fjørå series - there is only a longsleeve instead.
Conclusion: Norrøna fjørå Wool T-Shirt
My conclusion is short: the fjørå MTB T-shirt would be just as nice as the skibotn Wool 3/4 shirt if it wasn't so translucent. If that doesn't bother you - perhaps bikers who wear something underneath anyway - you get a wonderfully airy, well-cut Norrøna shirt for the warmer days. I will now wear it "underneath" in autumn, where it has so far done a good job in terms of temperature, moisture and odour management. The sustainability measures already mentioned for the 3/4 shirt also apply to the fjørå Wool T-shirt.
Properties
- Price: 79 Euro
- Weight: 100 g
- Longer cut back
- UV protection (without indication of UPF)
Material
- 53 % polyester, 47 % (merino) wool
Norrøna fjørå Mesh Gloves: light, cool, ok
When you put on the Norrøna fjørå Mesh Gloves for the first time, you feel the pull. The MTB gloves are super light, the mesh makes them really cool when riding and the Clarino synthetic leather is velvety soft. Perfect for hot days when your hands are already sweating on the grips without pedalling.
But as is the case with gloves: hands are so individual that you have to look for the right fit - or make compromises. In the case of the Norrøna fjørå MTB gloves, however, they don't fit my hands well at all. There are annoying creases in the palm and between the thumb and hand. I can actually wear size XL well (Fox, Roeckl), with Norrøna the finger length fits, but the width of the gloves is far too wide. So be sure to try them on before buying.
Conclusion: Norrøna fjørå Mesh Gloves
The Norrøna fjørå Mesh Gloves are perfect for summer - absolutely nothing for cool or even cold days. Super light, soft and airy. Unfortunately comparatively expensive at 69 euros.
Properties
- Price: 69 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 20 g
- Mesh top
Material
- Clarino imitation leather
Norrøna Flagship Store Munich
You can try on Norrøna products, such as MTB gloves, in specialist shops - usually with a limited range. However, the flagship store in Munich city centre has pretty much everything that the online shop also offers. The Norrøna store opened in mid-June 2022 as the first shop outside Scandinavia (and Switzerland). Items ordered online can also be picked up there and - if necessary - exchanged straight away.
Marc Strucken
Editor
