Mountain Leader Fiona Russell takes a look at the new Berghaus Rain-Motion Jacket – a lightweight summer shell.
Berghaus has launched a new lightweight and slim-fit waterproof jacket for faster-paced outings. Despite weighing a little under 260g for the UK10 size, there’s no compromise on the fabric – a three-layered bonded system boasting a Hydrostatic Head (HH) of 20,000mm, plus a durable water repellent (DWR) finish that is free of forever chemicals (PFC/PFAS). The Berghaus Rain-Motion jacket also benefits from fully taped seams, although it’s worth noting that waterproofing is a little limited by a water-resistant only front and pocket zips.
Fiona Russell recommends
Overall, the Berghaus Rain-Motion jacket works well as a summer hiking and fast-hiking jacket in the mountains, and potentially all-year-round for shorter low-level hiking or running outings.- versatile use
- hood
- taped seams
- price
- front zip
- fit
| Quick specs |
|---|
| Price: £240 (available from Berghaus) Weight: 259g (UK10) Materials: 3L Pertex® Shield -20-denier, 100% recycled nylon face fabric; PFAS-free PU membrane; nylon tricot backer Hood: Elasticated, cap style, adjustable Front closure: zip, stud, storm flap Underarm/side zips: None Pockets: 2 external, 1 internal (doubles as a stuff sack) Hem: Elasticated Cuffs: Elasticated Sizes: UK 8 to 20 Men’s version? Yes berghaus.com |
The breathability rating is also good at 20,000g/m2/24hr, and I’ve found the fabric is allows sweat vapour to escape. I tend to run cooler, so others may experience this differently. If you do get clammy, you can vent the jacket by fully opening the front zip and using the stud button to make a cape style jacket.
The fabric is a bit noisy in the wind but not overly so and I appreciate the soft-feel fabric inside the top of the zip, which protects the chin when the jacket is fully zipped up. The hood is excellent. When zipped up and adjusted, it fits neatly and stays put. The cap-style peak gives a little extra protection for the face.
The pockets are also well placed for a rucksack with a waist-belt, but a vest-style running pack will compromise use of those pockets. The internal pocket doubles as a stash bag for the jacket, which is a handy extra.
Sizing is on the ‘neat’ side. I normally wear a UK10 for Berghaus clothing which typically offers a fairly roomy fit but the Rain-Motion jacket is a slim-fit. I can’t fit more than a t-shirt and lightweight long-sleeved baselayer underneath the jacket without the arms feeling too tight at the elbows. While the waist feels roomier, the hip width is narrower so if you’re at the top end of a UK10, or you want room for an extra layer beneath, I suggest you go up a size.
It’s not a hugely flattering cut and looks a little boxy on me. The torso length is adequate but could be longer, and arms are a little on the short side as well. This again tends to suggest going up a size. Movement in the jacket is generally good and aided by a slight stretch in the fabric. Another bonus is this product is included in the company’s Fixed For Life programme.
Overall, the Berghaus Rain-Motion jacket works well as a summer hiking and fast-hiking jacket in the mountains, and potentially all-year-round for shorter low-level hiking or running outings.
I would have hoped for few more features – a two-way front zip, small pit zips, perhaps adjustable Velcro cuffs and an adjustable hem, instead of the under-whelming elastication – especially for the price. However, that same simplicity keeps the weight low.
How we tested
The rain jacket was tested during trail and hill walks and runs in wind and rain, as well as more clement weather. Fiona is 5ft 8in tall and slim with quite long arms. She usually wears a UK10.
