While Edmonton is home to many brands offering high-quality, functional clothing, Kluane Mountaineering holds a special place as a renowned manufacturer of extreme-weather gear. The brand’s products have been tested on the world’s highest peaks, including Everest and Kilimanjaro, as well as in the harsh climates of Antarctica and Australia. Kluane Mountaineering’s clientele includes government agencies, oil patch professionals, medical personnel, and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize warmth, reliability, and comfort. Learn more about the brand’s history, evolution, and achievements at edmontonka.com.
The Founding of Kluane Mountaineering: From a Student Idea to a Successful Brand
The brand takes its name from Kluane National Park and Reserve in the Yukon, home to Canada’s highest peaks. The idea was born in 1971 when two University of Alberta law students, John Faulkner and Jim Brown, couldn’t afford high-quality sleeping bags for their trips. They decided to make their own in Jim’s mother’s basement. Word of their handmade gear spread quickly. Soon, they sold a few bags, then a few more, eventually building a loyal customer base. In 1973, John and Jim officially registered their company.
Scaling Up: Innovation and a Growing Product Line
Brown and Faulkner continuously refined their manufacturing process, tweaking the design, style, and overall quality with each production run. Eventually, Kluane Mountaineering moved to a larger commercial space on Edmonton’s famous Whyte Avenue. They also expanded their product line to include:
- Down jackets
- Vests
- Sleeping bags
- Booties
- Gaiters
To keep up with demand, the founders sped up production by hiring several skilled seamstresses.
A pivotal figure in the company’s growth was Ludmila Osedowski, a former production manager at the local Great Western Garment Company. Her contribution was vital; she streamlined manufacturing, helping the brand reach new heights without compromising on quality. Shortly after joining, she became a co-owner and helped run the business until December 1, 2006. As the outdoor apparel market boomed in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Kluane Mountaineering expanded rapidly, earning a stellar reputation. Beyond recreational outdoorsmen, their technical gear caught the eye of government agencies, oil workers, expedition teams, and even the Canadian Rangers. Their cold-weather gear gained so much traction in the alpine community that by the late 1980s, Kluane products were being used on every continent and had reached nearly every major summit, including Mount Everest.
Throughout its history, Kluane Mountaineering has stayed true to its core mission: creating the highest quality mountaineering gear and apparel. Every product is not only made from durable, locally sourced materials but is also custom-made by hand, one piece at a time. This tradition continues to this day.
Kluane Mountaineering has always been vocal about its values. As noted in the foreword of their 1975–1976 product catalog, the brand was built on the idea that outdoor gear should reflect a deep commitment to quality, functionality, and flawless craftsmanship. That’s why they started making sleeping bags slowly and meticulously, one by one, using methods that ensured perfection. Over the years, hiking and mountaineering exploded into a massive industry, bringing a surge of new manufacturers and mass-produced gear. Today, industrial conglomerates own most of the well-known outdoor brands. The inevitable result of this trend has been a steady decline in the personal investment of gear makers and retailers in the wilderness experience.
In 2004, Ryan Keenan, a sales and product manager at Meg Company, approached Kluane Mountaineering with an idea for a collaboration. After careful planning and discussion, the two parties launched a limited run of “Inner” jackets and vests for the Monitaly brand. Shortly after, this special collection was available in select boutiques across Asia and Europe for several years. Although the two companies no longer collaborate and production has paused, you can still find some of these rare pieces in a handful of retail stores.
While the outdoor industry has changed drastically, Kluane Mountaineering has remained largely untouched by these shifts. Barry Squires noted that the modern brand focuses heavily on apparel production rather than sleeping bags. However, while open to new ideas and special projects, the company is highly selective and has no intention of abandoning its traditions. All garments are still made to order, using the original designs and patterns from the 1970s.
Quality, Materials, and the Kluane Mountaineering Philosophy
The company remains incredibly consistent in its production methods and choice of materials. In 2006, the brand introduced a lightweight, flexible 1-ounce ripstop parachute fabric, which allowed for better down lofting and made the garments even lighter. Weighing just 28 grams, this durable fabric further reduces the weight of their light jackets. Unwavering quality is paramount, and the company strives to source materials as close to home as possible. They purchase hardware and fabrics domestically and rely on three types of premium down for insulation:
- White Canadian Goose (850 fill power)
- White Canadian Duck (750 fill power)
- A blend of Canadian Goose and Duck (650 fill power)
It is worth noting that their manufacturing also incorporates tough, flexible nylon. The density of this fabric ensures optimal warmth-to-weight ratios, allowing for incredibly warm yet featherlight clothing. Kluane Mountaineering jackets are durable and comfortable, even in the most unforgiving, bitter cold. After sewing, all items are stored in a clean, dry environment and are never compressed, ensuring the down retains its maximum loft and durability over time.
Dylan Lynch took the helm of the company in 2023, and since then, Kluane’s products have caught the attention of influencers in the menswear world. Remarkably, in 2024, the brand’s apparel was showcased at Paris Fashion Week. Presenting their clothing in a showroom alongside several other labels allowed Kluane Mountaineering to compete with international retailers. Looking at this rich history, it is clear that Kluane Mountaineering has made a massive contribution to Canada’s garment industry.