The Berghaus Paclite 2.0 is a mountain-ready Gore-Tex waterproof jacket for less than £200, only a bit over 300g in weight, and in a wide range of sizes. Although the fabric isn’t as high performance as the Gore-Tex Active Shell found in Montane’s Phase Lite jacket, I still found it fine for the intended use: lightweight rain protection in three-season conditions. It is noticeably less breathable than the best in class, though.

Alex Roddie Recommends

For £170 the value is very good. It’s a decent summer hill jacket at a decent price.
Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Good value
  • Range of sizes
  • Performs well
Cons
  • Non-stiffened hood
  • Basic pockets
  • No hanging loop
Quick specs
Price: £170
Weight: 313g (M)
Materials: Gore-Tex Paclite
Hood: rear and side adjustments
Front Closure: zip with internal storm flap
Underarm/Side Zips: none
Pockets: 2x external
Hem: adjustable drawcord
Cuffs: Velcro
Sizes: men XS-3XL, women 8-20
Women’s/Men’s version: men’s (women’s direct equivalent available)
berghaus.com

Design is rather basic, with a generous non-athletic fit and wide sleeves, leaving plenty of room for layers underneath. The hood is adequate but not the best. Although it has three points of adjustment and offers decent protection, the brim isn’t wired (although it’s deep enough). Pockets and cuffs are details that could be improved. Pockets get obscured by a pack’s hipbelt and are rather small, and the cuffs can’t be sized down small enough for my liking. There is also no hanging loop, so you’ll have to hang the jacket up by its hood.

More than 90% of the fabric is bluesign approved, though, and at £170 value is very good. It’s a decent summer hill jacket at a decent price.

Tested and reviewed by Alex Roddie

Alex tested this jackets on a series of day hikes and overnight backpacking trips in the Cairngorms and West Highlands. All weights are as measured on Alex’s digital scale (men’s Medium).