Norrona Curious – Worth the Dosh?

I really need to sort myself with a good pair of waterproof trousers and a jacket. Norrona looks like a good option.

I was wondering if Anyone had any real world experience with this clothing and do you feel it was worth the money? Also, any alternatives?

I’ve got quite a few pieces of Norrona and I really rate it, but like many things I guess it depends on what you are going to use it for.

Given you’ve posted this in the bike forum I’m assuming you are referring to their mountain bike clothing rather than their ranges aimed at ski-touring etc.

Yes it’s relatively expensive but the attention to detail, cut, comfort and durability are all really good. One pair of fjørå flex1 shorts lasted me 5 years of regular use before the water repellency started to suffer a bit. So yes – I would say that if they fit you they are worth the money. Bike Treks in Ambleside carry Norrona now so you can try them on for size.

Some of the shorts are cut quite high so can result in gaps between shorts and knee pads. Other shorts are cut well below the knee. Their use of merino spun around man-made fibers makes for quicker drying and harder wearing tops ideal for cold and cool weather riding but perhaps too warm for UK summers etc.

Many of their items are ideal for multi-discipline activities – I use some their Lofoten & Lyngen items for cycling, running, walking & splitboard touring.

They have recently introduced a ‘loyalty’ program that increases the warranty from 5 to 7 years.

I’ve got a fleece from their outlet page. It’s really well made and fits really nicely.
I’d like more, but being a M or L size they don’t often have stock of those sizes in their outlet and I cant afford full price.

Chris, can I ask what usual size you go for?

Yes Digby, it’s the cycling stuff I’m after.

I have a Jacket I got years (maybe 10) ago which has had very heavy use for multi sports and is still going strong. Last year the zip broke and they sent me new zips FOC!

All the folks I know who have bought Norrona gear have got great wear from it too making the initial high price less of an issue due to the longevity.

Yeah of course. I’m normally on the border of M and L jackets. But the M Noronna fleece fits great. So for this particular jacket it fits very slightly bigger than normal. Its a Roldal warm 3.

Thanks Chris

In terms of sizing they tend to be geared towards tall slender Scandinavians rather than generous North Americans … so an XL will have a long inside leg rather than space for a spare tyre/tire …

That being said the sizing guide on the Norrona website is really useful for sizing up or sizing down when in-between sizes

All the folks I know who have bought Norrona gear have got great wear from it too making the initial high price less of an issue due to the longevity

I think this is sometimes overlooked when people initially see the RRP.

Brands like Patagonia, Norrona & Arc’Teryx all offer a repair service:

The hem/drawer-cord seal on my 9 year old Arc’Teryx jacket started to fray earlier this year. I sent photos to Arc’teryx and they repaired it for free and also replaced the hem seals on the cuffs … meaning I should get at least a few more years out of this jacket. Which not only helps justify the initial purchase price but also helps minimise the environmental impact.

Got a Norrona paclite jacket in 2008 never having heard of them. Used it lots for hiking, biking, skiing, mountain marathons and as an everyday coat. It was the only jacket that felt a perfect fit and with hindsight I preferred it to the similar Arc’teryx I replaced it with in 2015. It died from delamination, probably due to not cleaning off sweat and I didn’t investigate getting it repaired with Norrona. It was a previous year’s design I got at a decent discount and I was pleased with the value for money.

At the same time (in 2008) I bought Arc’teryx paclite trousers, which are quite tatty now but still do the job.

As others said it’s easier to stomach if you think of it as a 5-10 year investment.

The Patagonia/Chouinard propaganda philosphy book (Let my people go surfing) makes a big deal of the environmental impact but I’m inclined to agree with the comments on repair (also because I get attached to jackets :)).

I’m a big fan of it since a walking trip to Norway for a few weeks where everyone seems to wear it. Its daft expensive.The main reason to buy Norrona is to look cooler that all those IT consultants in Arcteryx or Rab. Cos lets face it, in reality Tog 24 is good enough for everything except a jaunt up everest.

But be quick, the more uk stockists of Norrona, the quicker it’s going to be next years Arcteryx.