Berghaus Gore Tex Jackets

Overview of Berghaus Brand History

Berghaus is an acclaimed British outdoor clothing and equipment company renowned for high-performance apparel engineered for mountain use. Founded in 1966 by mountaineers Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison, Berghaus originated by producing rucksacks and sleeping bags. In the 1970s, Berghaus worked closely with Gore-Tex inventors W.L. Gore & Associates to utilise this breakthrough “waterproof and breathable” technology in their Berghaus gore tex jackets range. This forward-thinking innovation helped Berghaus become the market-leading brand it remains today.  The pioneering founders, Lockey and Davison, were experienced climbers and fell runners passionate about outdoor adventure sports in rugged landscapes. Their hands-on testing and footwear expertise directly fed into new designs. Both men had completed over a hundred long distance fell running races across the gruelling mountain terrain of northern England and Scotland. This helped them recognise the demand for functional backpacks among fellow athletes. Their fledgling cottage company based in the Newcastle factory grew quickly as demand increased for lightweight, durable and weatherproof outdoor equipment.

Partnership with Gore-Tex Membrane Technology

When approached by W.L. Gore & Associates regarding their new waterproof breathable fabric technology called Gore-Tex, the Berghaus founders immediately realised the game-changing implications for outerwear. Through collaborating closely with inventors of the Gore-Tex membrane, Berghaus became the first company to utilise this patented innovation in their clothing range. The 1976 Karrimor International Mountain Marathon saw team Berghaus wear prototypes integrating revolutionary Gore-Tex material technology into their kit for the very first time. The genesis behind the groundbreaking partnership between Berghaus and Gore-Tex stemmed from a fateful cold call phone conversation. When Bill Gore phoned Peter Lockey regarding his newly patented expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane able to prevent liquid water from passing through while facilitating water vapour transport, Berghaus saw immense potential. Collaborating over two years transforming this niche aerospace and medical textile into outdoor apparel applications resulted in bespoke GoreTex outerwear debuting publicly at the 1976 Karrimor Marathon. This revolutionary ePTFE layer sandwiched between nylon and mesh created the very first breathable yet fully waterproof garment membrane protecting fell runners against harsh upland elements.

Introduction to Gore-Tex Technology

GGore-Texis a waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric membrane developed by W.L. Gore & Associates in 1976. The GGore-Texmembrane contains over 1.4 billion microscopic pores per square inch which are smaller than water droplets but larger than water vapour molecules. This unique structure allows perspiration vapour to escape while preventing liquid water droplets from entering. Gore-Tex technology enables truly waterproof clothing that remains breathable, providing comfort and protection in wet weather conditions. Berghaus was the first outdoor brand to utilise Gore Tex fabrics in their apparel.

How Gore-Tex Technology Keeps You Dry

The Gore-Tex membrane is bonded to compatible outer fabrics creating a waterproof yet breathable barrier. Liquid water in the form of rain, sleet or snow cannot penetrate the Gore-Tex layer from the exterior. However, sweat vapour from the inside builds up heat and humidity inside clothing. Gore-Tex allows this water vapour to evaporate through microscopic pores so you remain dry on the inside as well. This humidity transfer system works most effectively when external humidity and temperature differences drive outward vapour transport. The billions of tiny pores built into the Gore-Tex membrane are smaller than liquid water droplets, so rain, mud and melted snow cannot pass through from the outside. At the same time, the pores are still large enough for water vapour molecules, like those from sweat, to escape outward. This prevents the build-up of interior condensation inside jackets and pants which would otherwise cause significant discomfort. Having a congenial microclimate next to the skin facilitates staying drier and warmer during exercises like hiking, climbing or ski touring. Proper care for Gore-Tex garments involves regular washing and reproofing the outer DWR treatments to sustain water beading performances.

Key Features and Benefits of Berghaus Gore Tex Jackets:

• 100% waterproof and windproof with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish

• Breathable design prevents interior condensation build-up

• Lightweight and packable construction for mobility

• Fully taped seams prevent leakage points

• Storm flaps behind front zippers block wind and rain entry

• Helmet-compatible hoods feature adjustable fit

• High-quality materials withstand rugged use

• Versatile jackets work across many outdoor activities

• Available Berghaus Gore Tex jackets suit different weather conditions and physical demands

Gore-Tex Waterproof and Breathable Technologies

Gore-Tex membranes are utilised across Berghaus waterproof jackets, pants, gloves, footwear, gaiters and bivvy bags. This technology combination delivers complete water repellency while enabling interior water vapour to escape. All Berghaus Gore Tex jackets provide a hydrostatic head rating of over 28,000mm guaranteeing water cannot penetrate under pressurised liquid contact over time. Regular reapplication of durable water-repellent sprays enhances the fabric exterior's beading effect that makes moisture roll faster off the surface without saturating fibres.

Gore-Tex Pro Most Durable and Breathable

The pinnacle Gore-Tex Pro series represents the ultimate achievement in breathable environmental protection for extreme wet weather mountain use. This 3-layer fabric includes an exterior face textile bonded with a middle Gore-Tex membrane and abrasion-resistant inner lining. Harsh alpine environments demand both waterproof storm barriers plus venting capacity stopping condensation build-up when physical exertions generate interior humidity. Gore-Tex Pro shields against the heaviest rainfall while preventing overheating through sweat evaporation. All Berghaus mountaineering products utilising Gore-Tex Pro provide reliable multi-day defences essential for long-duration global expeditions to remote ranges with volatile conditions. The hallmark Gore-Tex Pro technology remains the most advanced breathable and waterproof membranes available today. The robust triple-layer construction sandwiches the thin ePTFE material in between durable face textiles and a protective inner lining. This enhances tear strength and abrasion resistance necessary for hardcore alpine climbing, ski mountaineering or winter trekking through dense brush and talus slopes with heavy packs. Venting surplus body heat effectively lets mountaineers ascend faster with less sogginess inside clothing. Hoods fit comfortably over climbing helmets as well. No wonder Gore-Tex Pro is trusted for hardcore endeavours spanning near vertical mountain walls to the cruising Antarctic plateau winds.

Berghaus Gore Tex Jackets - Lightweight Paclite

Minimum pack size and weight remain essential for fast-paced sports like fell running or long-distance trekking requiring emergency layers when exposed summits encounter sudden storms. Berghaus fulfilled these demands by adopting Gore Tex Paclite technology which shaves critical grams to create the lightest fully waterproof shell jackets. The Paclite membrane bonds directly with durable ripstop face fabrics eliminating inner linings and making construction simpler. However, increased vulnerability from abrasions or snagging in these lightweight jackets makes Gore-Tex Paclite more suitable for low-intensity aerobic activities than extreme rock climbing or off-piste powder descents. Choosing jackets wisely always depends on intended usage and prioritising key features. When minimal pack bulk and weight are important buying criteria such as fastpacking endeavours covering dozens of kilometres daily through mountainous terrain, GoreTex Paclite jackets provide that optimal balance between weather protection and lightness. Weighing around 250 grams, these thin yet fully waterproof shells layer easily beneath other insulating mid-layers. The Paclite membrane fuses straight onto the external facing ripstop textile, skipping any mesh hangings inside, to shave weight. Just expect somewhat less tear strength on sharp rocks or dense thickets compared to the burly GoreTex Pro material. These packable and portable Paclite jackets serve best accessorising long-distance trail runs or emergency warmth layers inside slimmed-down alpine climbing packs.

Berghaus Heritage in Extreme Weather Testing

Berghaus maintains an admirable commitment towards extensive field testing processes year-round across diverse locations globally. Retaining close connections with founders' origins in fell running and mountaineering makes current product development deeply rooted in participation in outdoor adventure endurance sports. Berghaus works regularly with elite sponsored athlete teams specialising in polar expeditions or Himalayan climbing who push the gear into far extremes outside commercial laboratory environments. This comes from an embedded cultural dedication towards adventure rather than solely prioritising profits.

Berghaus Mountain Marathon Sponsorship History

The original Berghaus rucksacks and fledgling clothing range enjoyed intensive usage through company founder entries into fell running challenges during the 1960s which drove incremental gear improvements after each race. This pioneering commitment to rigorously testing kits across 100-mile non-stop mountain marathons generated durable and functional designs engineered for harsh upland environments. When title sponsoring the legendary fell running challenge Berghaus came full circle by contributing to grassroots amateur athlete communities where their founding story began. The unique heritage behind Berghaus remains deeply rooted in adventurous fell running across the remote and rugged landscapes of northern England. As novice athletes in this gruelling sport during the mid-1960s, company founders Gordon Davison and Peter Lockey gained invaluable hands-on product testing insights through competing in over a hundred individual marathons. This direct experience exposed gear limitations inspiring incremental equipment advancements and enhanced fabric technologies. Therefore sponsorship backing for famous amateur cross-country endurance challenges like the Original Mountain Marathon created a neat virtuous circle whereby Berghaus supported the same grassroots outdoor community from whence their origins began.

Mount Everest Xtreme Conditions Testing

Ambitious collaborations joining elite climbers with Research and development departments raise performance bars exponentially. Mount Everest presents the ultimate extreme environment with temperatures plunging below -60°C. Climbers push the gear into barely imaginable extremes. Water constantly freezes solid yet overheating remains life-threatening during rapid ascents. Berghaus works alongside world-class athletes like Leo Houlding who specifically seeks out routes exposing gear and clothing to unprecedented challenges. This data captured in real-world scenarios feeds directly into future iterations across Berghaus product ranges. Testing boundaries well outside commercial expectations generates the most durable and reliable outdoor adventure gear imaginable. When seeking the most far-reaching extreme environment for testing both apparel and equipment limits beyond usual expectations, Mount Everest introduces arguably some of the most hostile and barely survivable conditions found anywhere on Earth. With over 290 people perishing on its flanks to date, Mount Everest harbours particularly volatile temperaments spanning sunshine, blizzards and hurricane-force winds sometimes simultaneously. Elite climbers like Leo Houlding who deliberately choose obscure difficult routes get afforded boundless gear experimentations in real-world scenarios for brands like Berghaus. This confrontation of advanced fabrics and insulation materials against altitude extremes verges on inhumane yet yields invaluable performance data on material strengths informing future commercial outdoor apparel targeting recreational users instead of professional risk takers.

Berghaus GoreTex Jacket - Key Models Reviews

Berghaus Gore Tex jackets offer an extensive selection of spanning models designed for summer alpine climbing, winter mountaineering, fell running, hiking, backpacking and casual use. Prices range from around £100 to over £600 depending on intended functionality. Common characteristics across all lines include waterproof and windproof durable fabrics with breathable membranes preventing interior condensation alongside helm-compatible fully adjustable hoods, Velcro adjustable cuffs and neat zipper garages behind necklines.

Berghaus Men’s Cornice Gore-Tex Pro Jacket

The 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro construction showcases Berghaus’ pinnacle technical apparel innovation featuring tried and tested proprietary fabrics. Robust face textiles provide high tensile strength and tear resistance with sealed internal taping on all vulnerable seams. Weighing 790g with a slim athletic cut allows easy layering underneath. A helmet poking through the hood remains fully adjustable and visor peak accessory compatible. Offering the highest quality fully waterproof breathable coverage without excess weight makes the Cornice the ultimate year-round alpine shell. Expect reliable function across diverse activities.

Berghaus Women’s Paclite Gore-Tex Pro Jacket

Serious female climbers and backpackers prioritising minimal pack weight without sacrificing weather defences need look no further than the Paclite Pro Jacket weighing a mere 415g in size 12. The advanced Gore Tex Pro material bonds directly with durable ripstop nylon shaving off grams by eliminating usual hanging linings behind. Arolla face fabric and a high collar protect the chin from sideways sleet bursts. Under helmet hood compatibility allows adjustment retaining peripheral vision and hearing. Expect impressive breathability from the Paclite Pro facilitating aerobic uphill trekking in wet conditions across summer adventures anywhere on Earth.

The Future of Gore-Tex Sustainability

Gore-Tex faces growing industrial pressures as global textile manufacturing impacts environmental cycles creating harmful waste plus heightened carbon footprints. In response, Gore increasingly prioritises sustainable practices through extensive recycling programmes reprocessing used apparel and footwear to produce new membranes. They also pioneer plant-based renewably resourced raw materials alongside developing fluorocarbon-free DWR options eliminating toxic PFC runoffs entering watersheds after washing cycles. However, replacing the fluoride compounds found in classic DWR coatings remains scientifically challenging.

• Recycling Used Gore-Tex Fabrics → Gore-Tex encourages consumers to return used garments through the ReTool programme allowing old membranes to transform into both insulation plus components for new clothing including boots and gloves. Recovered substrate polyesters get shredded into fine crumbs becoming filling for quilted winter jackets preserving warmth even when damp. Old outer-facing textiles shred into durable recycled yarn for woven face fabrics resisting new rips and tears. This innovative circular recycling system reduces total waste dumped into landfills plus cuts reliance on petroleum-based virgin synthetics which energy energy-intensive and dirty to manufacture.

• Developing Non-Fluorocarbon DWR Alternatives → Durable water-repellent chemical sprays traditionally utilise bioaccumulative perfluoroalkyl (PFC) compounds resisting degradation meaning toxic residues enter watersheds after washing. Eliminating these PFC-based DWR treatments demands developing alternative beading technology without relying on fluorine coatings. Berghaus Gore Tex jackets now feature fluorocarbon-free treatments made from plant oils applied more sustainably while providing equivalent wet weather protection. However, sweat and body oils penetrate alternative DWR finishes faster meaning more frequent recoating is necessary. Balancing performance with organics continues gradually improving.