Is Berghaus a Good Brand?
Berghaus is a name most of us will have come across at some point, but how much do you know about the brand behind that famous blue and red logo? And, most importantly, is Berghaus a good brand when you’re shopping for outdoor clothing?
Let's take a closer look at the story behind Berghaus, what the brand is best known for, and the clothing and tech you'll find across their range.
The History of Berghaus UK
Berghaus is a British outdoor brand, making clothing, footwear, and accessories for hiking, mountaineering, trail running, and more.
And to tell the story of the brand, we need to head back to the North East of England and the year 1966.
Now, the year 1966 may be ingrained in England’s history for one particular reason, but for outdoor lovers, there's another reason to remember it thanks to that being the year that started the Berghaus brand.
It was founded by Gordon Davison and Peter Lockey, two keen climbers who wanted to help other people also enjoy spending time outdoors. Davison was an engineer with a keen interest in the technical side of product development, while Lockey came from a marketing background and brought plenty of creativity into the mix. Between them, they had the ingredients for an outdoor company that could take performance seriously while continuing to innovate and bring new ideas to the table. The rest, as they say, is history!
60 years later, the North East is still home to Berghaus, and that mix of technical know-how and creativity still shines throughout their entire range.
What Is Berghaus Best Known For?
Every outdoor brand has its purpose; its overriding mission to help the people who choose to wear their clothes. For Berghaus, it’s all about that fresh air, the benefits and enjoyment that the outdoors can bring to us all.
The three key values of the brand are:
- The outdoors must be for everyone. It's a literal breath of fresh air that we all deserve to appreciate.
- If it's Berghaus, it's built to last. Which means that there is a focus on durability, so your kit won't let you down when you're enjoying the outdoors.
- Real innovation has purpose. Better gear means better adventures, so the brand continues to push itself with state-of-the-art fabrics and pioneering technical firsts for outdoor clothing.
And you can see those ideas shining through across their range. There are technical pieces for people heading out on long hikes and tough adventures, but there are options for the more everyday moments that get us outside.
What Type of Berghaus Clothing Can You Buy?
There's lots to love about Berghaus, and lots to shop from too!
Some of their key product range includes:
- Waterproof jackets and coats
- Fleeces
- Padded jackets and gilets
- Walking trousers and shorts
- Walking boots and shoes
- T-shirts
- Hoodies and sweatshirts
- Windbreakers and softshell jackets
- Hats, gloves, and other accessories
- Backpacks and bags
This is a big part of what makes them such a good brand for outdoor lovers. You can shop for the clothing you need for hiking or your camping trips, alongside plenty of casual pieces that fit more into your everyday life too. And with different levels of warmth, weather protection, and technical features available throughout their collections, you're also catered to across the seasons.
So let's zoom in on a few of the brand's best categories to learn a little more about each.
Waterproof Jackets and Trousers
British brand. British weather. You can probably see where we’re going with this one!
Waterproof clothing has long been a big part of the Berghaus range, and if you go on a hike in the UK, the chances of seeing someone wearing a Berghaus waterproof jacket are fairly high.
And when you think back to the brand’s belief that the outdoors should be for everyone, seeing so many people out there wearing Berghaus jackets and trousers suggests they’re doing a pretty good job of putting that belief into practice. The proof is in the pudding!
Berghaus Mens Deluge Pro 3.0 Waterproof Walking Jacket
Berghaus Womens Deluge 2.0 Waterproof Walking Trousers
Fleeces
The brand certainly isn't short on fleece options either, with styles for both men and women.
You'll find lightweight fleeces for under your waterproofs, through to thicker, cosier fleeces that are great for the winter months. Half-zips and full-zips all make an appearance throughout the range, and great choices of colours and styles.
This is where the brand’s focus on durability really makes its mark. A fleece is something you will likely end up wearing all year round, particularly with British weather being as unpredictable as it is! So having one that’s made to last, and that you can keep wearing throughout your outdoor activities, is a great reason to consider Berghaus as your brand of choice.
Berghaus Womens Prism 2.0 Micro Polartech Half Zip Fleece
Padded Jackets and Gilets
And when the temperature drops, out come the padded jackets and gilets to keep us warm on our winter adventures.
These layers have plenty of uses: camping holidays, days out, watching kids' outdoor sports, winter city breaks, commutes, the daily dog walk! It's easy to get lots of wear from them throughout the colder months, and you've got different levels of insulation available depending on just how warm you want to be.
Because when it comes to keeping warm, the brand has done its homework! They’ve developed their own insulation technologies to help clothing retain warmth in damper conditions, which is a good example of the thinking behind their approach to innovation: looking at the problems people face when they’re outdoors and coming up with ways to make their clothing better at dealing with them.
Berghaus Womens Nula Padded Jacket
Walking Boots and Shoes
And it's not all clothing. Berghaus has your feet sorted too!
There are walking boots and shoes for both men and women, from lightweight waterproof walking shoes to sturdy, tough hiking boots. Some give a traditional walking footwear aesthetic, while others lean more into the sportier feel that wouldn't look out of place away from the trails.
This variety is another thing the brand gets right. After all, we all enjoy the outdoors in different ways, and the footwear we need can be very different too. By offering different styles, Berghaus is making it easier for people to find something that suits how they like to spend their time outside; once again fulfilling their brand philosophy of making the outdoors feel like it's for everyone.
Berghaus Mens VC26 Gore-Tex Walking Shoes
Hoodies, Sweatshirts, T-Shirts
Their casual outdoor clothing is one of the brand’s main strengths. You’ll often see that logo proudly displayed on their hoodies and t-shirts, combining modern good looks with practical gear that can be worn across activities.
These are great garments to mix into your everyday wardrobe, while still fitting right in when you're heading off camping, travelling, enjoying a weekend away, or spending the day outdoors.
And we think the popularity of their casual clothing says a lot about Berghaus as a brand too! They’ve clearly got a good eye for styling, and it’s helped make them a brand that people are happy to wear for the look of the clothing alone.
Berghaus Womens Essential Logo Sweatshirt
Berghaus Mens Class XL-Logo Short Sleeve T-Shirt
Berghaus Mens Big Logo Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Accessories
Then you can finish things off with the Berghaus accessories range.
Things like beanies and gloves are obvious additions for the colder months of the year, while a sturdy backpack is always useful to have on hand for adventures. They've also got things for your camping holidays and hikes.
It’s another reason why Berghaus is such a good brand to shop for your outdoor gear. With accessories to go alongside their clothing, you can get yourself kitted out for your adventures all in one place. Easy shopping!
Berghaus Adults Logo Recognition Rolled Cuff Beanie Hat
Berghaus Technologies Explained
We talked a little above about some of the tech that gets used within the brand's clothing and footwear, but what do all those names on the labels mean for you?
Here's a quick breakdown of some of the key terms to know:
| Technology | Definition | Purpose |
| GORE-TEX | Waterproof, windproof, and breathable tech used in outdoor clothing and footwear | Helps protect you from wet and windy weather, while allowing moisture vapour to escape to stop you from overheating |
| Hydroshell | Berghaus' waterproof fabric technology, with an ultralight two-layer construction | Keeps you dry in wet weather without adding too much bulk to the jacket |
| Hydroloft | Mimics natural down, with a few tweaks: more breathability, fast-drying when wet, still featherlight |
Keeps you warm without weighing you down, and dries quickly if you get caught in wet weather |
| Hydrodown | For warmth and comfort when outdoors, with water-repellency |
Keeps you warm in colder weather, with water-repellent down that can cope better with damp conditions |
| Polartec | Durable fabric used across fleeces and other outerwear | Gives you warmth and comfort, making it a popular option for your mid layers |
| Pertex Quantum | Made out of thousands of fine yarns, spun together tightly to help the material trap more air | Leaves you warmer, so you can spend more time outdoors in the colder weather |
This range of tech ties into one of the brand’s key values we mentioned earlier: real innovation has purpose. The tech that the brand has created is designed to push their clothing further; to give you more value and function out of what you buy. And, in our book, an attitude and approach like that tells you a lot about whether a brand is good or not!
Berghaus vs Other Outdoor Brands
Berghaus has lots of company in the outdoor clothing world, with alternative brands all offering their own take on clothing for life outdoors.
So, how do they compare?
| Brand | Particularly good for | General position | A Good Choice If... |
| Berghaus | Waterproofs, fleeces, footwear, and technical outdoor clothing | Mid-range to premium | You want a long-established outdoor brand with options for everyday use to more technical outdoor activities |
| Regatta | Everyday outdoor clothing and walking gear | Budget-friendly to mid-range | You want practical outdoor clothing at an accessible price |
| Craghoppers | Walking clothing, travel wear, and practical outdoor gear with fabric tech like NosiLife | Mid-range | Walking, travelling, and versatile outdoor clothing are high on your list |
| Jack Wolfskin | Technical outdoor clothing and more fashion-forward outdoor styles | Mid-range to premium | You want a broad outdoor range with a more fashion-driven approach |
| Trespass | Everyday outdoor clothing and walking gear | Budget-friendly to mid-range | You want plenty of choice across outdoor activities and everyday use |
So you'll spot a few similarities between, say, Berghaus and Jack Wolfskin in terms of general positioning, but one of the big comparisons between brands tends to be Berghaus vs Regatta.
This is partly due to their popularity, but also due to how the categories covered by both brands are fairly similar, with both offering waterproof jackets, fleeces, walking boots, and more.
So the main difference really lies in the price point and level of performance. Regatta is known for its good value essentials, helping kit out families for the outdoors. It’s designed primarily for recreational hikers, campers, everyday sorts of outdoor activities. Berghaus caters more to those who are wanting to invest a bit more in their gear. So anyone who is more budget-conscious, or just wants to get the whole family easily stocked up with the same brand, will probably be leaning towards Regatta, whereas those who want to step things up may find themselves shopping brands like Berghaus.
What to Consider Before Buying Berghaus
So, are there any downsides to the brand? Well, there are a few things we'd take into consideration:
- The first is price. Berghaus sits above some of the other familiar outdoor brands when it comes to certain parts of its range, particularly the jackets and clothing featuring specialist fabric tech. You can certainly find affordable Berghaus clothing, but if keeping costs down is your main priority, it's worth considering brands such as Regatta or Trespass
- The other is the styling. The brand has quite a modern look overall, and a lot of its clothing works just as well as casual outdoor wear as it does for walking and camping. If that's what you're looking for, you'll have plenty of choice. However, you prefer more traditional, practical walking clothing and suchlike, you may find other brands are more suited to your style
- Finally, Berghaus does not have a kids range. So if you’re also shopping for children’s outdoor clothing, you will need to look at alternative brands like Regatta or Trespass
So any downsides tend to be more to do with personal preference and what it is you’re searching for with your outdoor kit.
Berghaus UK FAQs
Here are a few commonly asked questions our Avenue 85 customers tend to have about all things Berghaus UK.
What Does Berghaus Mean?
“Berghaus” translates roughly as “mountain house”.
Given the brand’s climbing roots, that makes plenty of sense!
Where is Berghaus Based?
The brand is based in the North East of England, which is also where it first started back in 1966.
Is Berghaus a High-End Brand?
Berghaus sits towards the technical side of the outdoor clothing market, with a wide range of prices depending on the product and the technology used.
You'll find technical waterproofs and insulated jackets alongside everyday fleeces, t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and accessories, so there are options across different budgets.
Its long history in outdoor clothing, use of technologies like GORE-TEX and its own specialist fabrics have all helped Berghaus develop a strong reputation in the outdoor world.
How Does Berghaus Clothing Fit?
In general, Berghaus clothing tends to sit fairly close to standard UK sizing, but the fit does naturally vary between ranges, so we'd always recommend checking the size guide for the type of garment you're buying.
And remember to allow for your layers! For example, if you're buying an outer jacket that you plan to wear over a thick fleece, you'll want enough room underneath for everything to fit comfortably.
Where Can I Buy Berghaus Clothing?
You can shop Berghaus clothing at Avenue 85!
We stock a great range of Berghaus jackets, fleeces, walking boots, casual clothing, accessories, and more; all with our free UK delivery for orders over £65, and our 60-day return policy.
Is Berghaus a Good Brand for Outdoor Clothing?
Overall, for us, this combination of heritage, outdoor experience, technical know-how, and a wide range of clothing makes Berghaus a great brand to have a look at when you're shopping for outdoor clothing.
And we think the way Berghaus has stayed true to its values over the years is a big part of that. You can see the thought that’s gone into making clothing that helps people enjoy spending time outdoors, and the popularity of the brand suggests that people appreciate what they’re doing!
Of course, whether Berghaus is the right choice for you will depend on your budget and the level of performance/technicality you’re after. But if you like the styling and want outdoor clothing from a brand with many years of experience, we can highly recommend having a look at the full range, and you may just find exactly what you’re looking for.
About the Author
A dad to two energetic boys, James spends his weekends juggling football matches, skate parks, and Sunday afternoons at Disley’s very own Lyme Park. While he might not get to hit the golf course as often as he used to, he’s all in for family adventures in the great outdoors - coffee in hand and his favourite Ecco walking shoes on his feet. On the Avenue 85 blog, James loves to help other families make the most of their time outside by sharing his tried and tested tips, whether it’s finding the best waterproof jacket for a rainy day or discovering the best local walks that are perfect for little legs to explore!