Brands You Should Know | Amundsen

Ever seen those classic ski posters from the ’70s? The ones with a perfectly coiffed skier carving down the slopes in a bold, retro kit, framed by snow-capped peaks and blue skies? Growing up in rural England, those images were the pinnacle of outdoor glamour for me. Skiing wasn’t something I did as a kid, but I’d stare at those posters, imagining the thrill of it all. It wasn’t just the adventure that drew me in—it was the gear. The brightly colored jackets, the sleek trousers—they felt like freedom.

Fast-forward to today, and I realize that gear is just as integral to the experience as the adventure itself. After years of searching for the perfect blend of heritage style and performance, I think I’ve finally found it: Amundsen, the Norwegian brand marrying timeless design with real-world functionality.

Who is Amundsen?

Amundsen’s legacy runs as deep as its innovation. Inspired by polar explorer Roald Amundsen, the brand isn’t just about utility—it embodies the Scandinavian ethos of Friluftsliv (the art of living outdoors). And they walk the walk. No endless product drops, just a curated range built to last. Organic materials, classic silhouettes, and a dedication to adventure—it’s everything an outdoor brand should be. So let’s dig into their range – and our hand-selected recommendations. 

Jackets

Many brands pride themselves on one or two flagship jackets in their collection, over at Amundsen, each of these could take that title. Timeless designs, environmentally conscious, and innovative, these jackets are the spirit of adventure.

Peak Cotton Shell (WIN THIS JACKET!)

Amundsen’s latest jacket is peak—literally and figuratively. Built for ski touring but versatile enough for any outdoor pursuit, this jacket is a joy to wear. Its three-layer Pima cotton shell offers flexibility and movement unmatched by synthetics, while the Microporous Electrospun Membrane keeps it breathable yet weatherproof.

The details make it shine: seam taping, a helmet-compatible hood, pit zips, pass pockets, and ergonomic front pockets. The best part? It’s whisper-quiet. The material moves with you, giving it a sleek, polished drape. Designed for real-world use, it’s a hallmark of Amundsen’s commitment to quality.

Vidda Jacket

This is the new gold standard for adventure jackets. Made from Ventile® fabric—originally developed for WWII pilots and used on the first Everest summit—it’s windproof, weather-resistant, and tough as nails. It’s already shot it’s way to the top of my “most used” list.

The fabric feels both durable and flexible, ready for any challenge. With a two-way watertight zipper (a must-have on any adventure jacket!), angled chest pockets, and a generous hood, it’s the ultimate utility jacket. Think of it as the M65 jacket, upgraded. If I could only take one jacket on my next trip, this would be it.

Winter Down Anorak

Style and substance, seamlessly combined. Made from organic cotton ripstop and packed with 750-fill down, this winter essential is built for warmth. The Velcro opening on the fleece-lined kangaroo pocket is glove-friendly, while the side zip makes slipping it on effortless. The best part? Zip-off sleeves convert it into a vest when the sun shows up. I’ve worn it on sub-zero days with just a merino base layer and stayed toasty. It’s equally at home on the slopes or in town and a real head-turner.

Huntsman Vest

A great vest is an unsung hero, and this one’s exceptional. Recycled 750-fill down, waxed cotton, a shearling collar—pure heritage aesthetics with rugged performance. The herringbone cotton body is sleek yet tough, while Halley Stevensons waxed cotton reinforces the shoulders for heavy-duty wear. Thoughtful pocket placement makes it as functional as it is stylish. It’s a piece you’ll reach for every day.

Apparel

Boiled Hoodies

Scandinavian brands and wool go hand in hand, and Amundsen’s Boiled Hoodies are iconic for good reason. Knitted oversized and then boiled down for durability and shape retention, they’re 100% merino and ridiculously comfortable. Perfect for cool evenings or as a mid-layer on the slopes. The Boiled Laced Hoodie has a classic expedition patch, while the Boiled Hoodie is more understated. Either way, they’re the ultimate organic mid-layer.

Vagabond Fleece

Retro charm meets modern function. The Vagabond Tradition Fleece, with its Nordic pattern and waxed cotton reinforcements, is built to last. The kangaroo pocket? Perfect for warming hands or stashing essentials. Made with recycled Italian wool, it’s oversized and cozy, and the perfect reward for a hard day’s adventure.

Skauen Full Zip Hoodie

A workhorse midlayer that blends brushed wool, cotton, and polyester for warmth and durability. It’s functional outdoors but sharp enough for a pub visit. The recycled wool construction punches above its weight in terms of warmth. Whether you wear it as a standalone or as a midlayer, it delivers. This is one of those versatile pieces that becomes a go-to the more you use it.

Fjordcord Slacks

Designed for the outdoors but stylish enough for daily wear, these garment-dyed slacks use stretch fine-cord cotton from France. Rugged yet refined, they move effortlessly through seasons and settings. The slim fit, articulated knees, and button pockets make them an instant favorite, ideal for a wide range of activities.

Accessories

Bags

At Carry HQ, we know bags, and the Okavanga Duffel is a classic. Available in 65L and 35L, it’s crafted from durable cotton canvas with leather accents. Stow pockets on the ends, zippered compartments on the inside, and a removable shoulder strap make it effortlessly functional. No frills, just pure utility. It’s the quintessential duffel.

The Vagabond Daypack follows the same ethos. A 25L roll-top with side access, a laptop sleeve, and a front leather grab handle, it’s tough yet elegant. It looks just as good half-empty as it does packed full. You can picture Roald Amundsen himself slinging it over his shoulder a century ago.

Muck Boots

These boots turned my head in Amundsen’s NYC store two years ago, and for good reason. Handcrafted in Montebelluna, Italy, the Winter Mucks are welted boots made from wool loden and suede, featuring a Vibram® Arctic Grip sole for icy conditions. They’re stylish and practical. But here’s the real kicker: the insulated inner boot doubles as a house slipper. A true winter essential.

Socks

Socks are an afterthought for most, but they’re vital to any adventure set up and Amundsen gets them right. The wool Skauen Mid Calf Socks offer classic warmth with a wool knit and nordic pattern, while the Performance Socks are full length and built for serious expeditions.

Beanies

When it comes to Amundsen, we can’t skip over their exceptional headwear. True to Scandinavian form, these are two of the most comfortable winter hats I’ve ever had the pleasure of wearing. The Merino Beanie is chunky and warm, perfect for biting winds. But the Cashmere Beanie? That’s next-level luxury—100% Mongolian cashmere in an effortlessly minimalist design.

Amundsen is the rare brand that blends heritage with innovation seamlessly. Everything they make impresses, built with a “buy it for life” mentality. They most certainly land in the premium category – but the craftsmanship justifies the price.

Beyond quality, what sets them apart is their commitment to organic materials and real-world performance. In a world saturated with synthetic gear, Amundsen’s dedication to sustainability feels refreshing.

Their attention to detail is second to none. From the Norgesreima pulls on jacket cuffs to the perfectly placed pockets, every element speaks to the spirit of adventure. This is a brand that’s not just about making gear—it’s about making gear that honors the journey. 

Don’t forget to enter our giveaway!

Thanks to our generous friends at Amundsen, you could win your very own Peak Cotton Shell!