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In the summer of 1966, the Beatles played their last official live concert in San Francisco. While one iconic run was ending in America, back in England, another one was just beginning. That same year, mountaineers Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison – yearning for quality outdoor gear – launched Berghaus. The brand has been outfitting British adventurers ever since.
Along the way, they’ve also managed to make a cultural splash. In 1997 Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher wore a red and blue Berghaus Meru Jacket on stage, helping cement them as a brand on the cutting edge of style.
Now, 60 years after its launch, Berghaus is expanding its operations into the US. As someone who is frequently on the move, whether I’m biking, running, or coaching, I appreciate gear I can move in, yet I don’t always want to look like I’ve just completed a triathlon. Thankfully Berghaus makes apparel that is both stylish and functional. As a brand that makes technical apparel with a healthy degree of British flair, they are worth having on your radar.
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- Technical apparel with a wide range of functionality
- Performance wear with a hint of style
- Still somewhat under the radar
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- Footwear colorways are a little basic
Technical Yet Cheeky
Berghaus apparel is designed primarily for running, hiking, mountaineering, and everyday wear. So its products have a technical edge, but, to borrow a word from the British, that technicality can show up in cheeky ways.
Take one of my favorite pieces, the Big Wall Half Zip Fleece, as an example. Do the pull tabs on the zippers need to be that large? It does allow for easy access to the pocket access and closure, but it also lends a unique look to the fleece that is accentuated by the piping and sleek design.
But the garment also has serious outdoor chops. Four way stretch and a super soft interior keep you warm on the move, and the DWR-coating on the outside fends off mild precipitation. When I first wore the Big Wall Half Zip, I got numerous compliments on the style, and yet what I appreciated was the way it performed on my bike ride to work.
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Modern Fits
Despite having been around for decades, Berghaus is not afraid to take modern swings. The Big Wall Half Zip features a relaxed fit, and so does another of my favorite items: the Vulcanism Pant. This unisex performance pant has a nylon ripstop fabric, a DWR coating, and lightweight insulation for when temps dip. But the airiness helps it work well in all seasons, and the cut is undeniably on trend.
Other fashionable pieces I’ve had my eye on include the Harthwaite Button Down, Storm Crew, and Wavetree Pant. Plus, if I want to channel my inner Oasis, there’s always the Meru Jacket.
One Stop Shop
Berghaus not only crushes it on the apparel front; they make hiking footwear, backpacks, and accessories as well. This allows the brand to be a one-stop shop for all your activewear needs.
The Ivyhill Light Tech Tee has been a favorite of mine for the heat waves we’ve endured this summer. The super breathable polyester fabric has been ideal for warm weather runs and is built to work up a sweat in.
Yet if the weather turns, Berghaus has rainwear for those days when the clouds roll in, commuter bags and mountaineering packs, and boots that are up for the most technical terrain, though I do wish they come in some more colorways beyond the classic brown, green, and black. And if you suffer from cold feet, the insulated Bothy Slippers look divine.
It’s not easy to nail that balance between classic and modern, and fashionable and technical. But though Berghaus might feel new to the American market, they’ve been at it a long time. The brand is sure to become a fixture for those that want their apparel to look just as good as it performs, so do yourself a favor, get ahead of the trend, and check out these options.
