We have known Stijn van Oss for a while. A few years ago we visited this veritable outdoor man in his man-cave after which he took us to the Ardennes. He also explained why he has been a brand ambassador for the Bergans of Norway for years.

Stijn is also a very experienced skier and ski tester. He did all the reviews of ski’s for the 2019-2020 season. So, a lot of riding, all dressed in a very cool dark blue set with an anorak jacket from the Stranda collection by Bergans of Norway. I took the opportunity to ask him a few questions about this collection in our ongoing segment GearTalk!

Sustainability

Stijn starts off immediately and enthusiastically talking about how sustainability is reflected in almost every element of this collection. Bergans of Norway has set ambitious sustainability objectives for itself. Which translates in different ways to the set that Stijn is wearing.

Colors and coloring

First the color. A single color for jacket and pants, using the technology of the Swedish company SpinDye. The 100% recycled polyester granules themselves are first colored and then spun into fibers.

This means that much less water is used, one of the ways in which the textile industry is most harmful for the environment. And that the color is really part of the fiber. The result is stronger color fastness. In other words, better quality. It also means that other gear (backpacks for example) can also be produced from the same color. The zippers of the jacket are not lacquered, but simply kept clean. This also avoids the use of potentially harmful lacquers.

The lining uses PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Active +, made from 55% percent “post-consumer” recycled material and in versions with down lining, 100% recycled down is used.

Functional

Sustainability is more than important of course, but the functionality of a piece of clothing is also important. Otherwise you have something very sustainable that actually does not work. So, what can Stijn tell us about that?

Among other things, he speaks if the freedom of movement the set provides, something I recognize from Bergan’s clothing that I tested earlier. Freedom of movement is always top notch with Bergans gear. And stijn praises the hood that offers space for your helmet, fits well without constricting your head from moving around.

Weatherproofness

This Stranda Insulated Anorak is weather-resistant with its own Bergans Element Active® membrane with 10K water column water resistance and high breathability. When a jacket has a lining, it is not only the membrane that should provide breathability, but also the lining. Primaloft is been well-known for being quite breathable. The stretch in Primaloft lining also contributes to the freedom of movement I mentioned earlier.

So in conclusion a stylish, sustainable and functional colelction for this winter. For more info about the stranda collection, be sure to check the site of Bergans of Norway, cool stuff!