Bergans of Norway has released its first ever plant-based waterproof jacket
There’s been plenty of progression and innovation in regards to gear design and production over the past year and a good deal of it has had a reassuring focus on sustainability.
The latest brand to improve its eco credentials is Bergans. The Norwegian company has just released the Eidfjord jacket which is made out of Ecodear material – a 30% plant-based environmentally friendly polyester face fabric. In the production process fossil fuels are swapped for a waste byproduct of sugar, ultimately resulting in a product that has a a low carbon footprint. And it can even be recycled at the end of its life.
It’s only a small part of the brand’s strategy to not only radically improve its own production methods but to help further research for the industry as a whole. “At Bergans we are passionate about providing people with great outdoor experiences. It goes without saying, that we do whatever we can to ensure that future generations can enjoy nature to the same extent as we do today,” said Bergans Sustainability Manager, Felix Ockborn. The motto they are promoting is “what we love, we will protect.”
The jacket
The Eidfjord has a 3-layer waterproof construction which, according to Begans, is extremely breathable. The Ecodear fabric used is supposedly able to retain the technical performance of any conventionally produced polyester.
Design features include a fully adjustable and helmet-compatible hood, articulated elbows, two-way underarm zips for ventilation (this is also aided by meshing in the the front and chest pockets) plus there’s a one-hand elastic drawstring at the hem and Velcro on the cuffs.
It’s available in men’s and women’s versions (S-XXL) and in a number of colours – you’ll find it retailing at around £280. A men’s large weighs 675g – a fairly good weight for a technical jacket.
The Eidfjord is available from Tiso, Cunninghams and Nordiclife
