Berghaus "Everyday Outdoors" Jackets feedback thread - now with final feedback questions

[AnnMumsnet]

Dear Berghaus tester

Many thanks for taking part in the Berghaus product test.

We'd be grateful if you could add feedback at least a couple of times over the next month or so - for now, your first impressions and then after a month or so we'll post some more detailed questions.

Everyone who is part of the test and who adds feedback here will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will win £150 of Berghaus products.

So, generally speaking, what are your first impressions? Was it as expected? Anything you particularly liked or disliked? How is the colour/ size etc? (any major problems which mean you want to exchange it, please do let us know)

You are more than welcome to add other comments/ feedback to this thread over the next month.

In your response please state which jacket you are testing.

Many thanks

MNHQ

I'm trying the Richmond jacket in black.
First impressions upon seeing the coat was surprise tbh.
I don't feel that the website pics do it justice!
It's actually a really smart, stylish coat.
It definately doesn't fit into the usual outdoorsy jackets type which only really look good with jeans or on the school run.
Have to say that I'm not a hood person as such but trying it on i didn't feel either swamped by it nor looking like a Hayley Cropper clone!
The tie-belt and adjustable cuffs also give it a classic look and would make it a wardrobe staple.
My only complaint as such is the sizing as I found that it's a touch tight across the bust but fitting comfortably elsewhere,saying that I imagine that the next size up might swamp me.
As such it sits at home with labels still attached to it and I've had to wear my usual school run coat today!

hi, i am trying the akka long down jacket in black.
thank you very much mn & berghaus.

the size is on the big side but i expected that tbh and it is nice to know i can pile things underneath.

i am completely in love with how light it is. i have never owned a down jacket before and it is amazing. equally i am amazed by how warm adn wind proof it is given how thin it is.

hoods are important to me! i live in a windy part of the world and it is important that hoods are wind proof. this one is, the wee toggles adjust it perfectly with out looking too much like a cagoule and the poppers keep it safely on my head.

looks wise it is better than i expected, it could do with being slightly more fitted in the waist area but other than that is looks pretty good and it has been admired.

haven't tried cycling in it yet but the double action zip should make cycling possible.

I am reviewing the Akka long down coat in the green colour.

It came yesterday and I was suprised at how un-bulky it was. I was expecting a really thick type of coat for this style. Have to admit that I was concerned how a coat that thin would keen me warm throughout the winter.

It looks nice on. It is a good length so ideal for the weather. despite the style it does not make me look like mitchilin man. I was unsure of the colour originally but now I have worn it I like it. It seems to suits me. I have had many positive comments on my new coat today at work. Lots of people seem to really like it.

the sizing is slightly ont he big side. However this is fine. It means in the really cold weather I can wear it with a fleece or jumper underneath. So far I have just worn it with one long sleeved layer (no layer beneah that.)

I got to test it out last night when I took DD climbing and today whilst on playground duty at work. It was very wet and cold yesterday and today it was very windy and cold, so ideal to test and give first impressions.

I am, so far, very impressed. It is definitely warm. It is too warm for me to leave on in the car if going any kind of distance. But it is toasty warm to wear. It keeps the wind chill at bay and keeps me snuggly. I haven't used it with the hood up yet.

I am testing the mid parka in black.I am very impressed that it is not mumsy or anorak style much more prada and it is a good fit.It is really warm and cosy and not bulky and is stylish enough to go out for lunch etc def not just for the park!I like that it isn't shiny and has a waist.I will prob test it in the rain this weekend so will post again.Thanks this is exactly the coat i was looking for but could never find!

I am testing the Akka Long Down coat in Black.

I was suprised that it was so light, I had expected it to be far heavier/bulkier. I like the fit, it is quite generous but that means I can wear a chunky jumper or cardi underneath and still be able to move! I also like the fact that it is properly long (it comes almost down to my knees) and that the arms are long (I have quite long arms and legs and often find that coat sleeves finish too short). The hood is fab, the poppers hold it it in place even when it is windy. I also love the feel of the insides of the pockets.

I wore it this morning on the walk to school and work in the pouring rain and howling winds, and arrived warm and dry. I wasn't too hot though, sometimes waterproof coats can be a bit sweaty and this certainly wasn't. I wore it in work when I took my nursery class out to find leaves to paint, and again I was cosy and warm despite the wild Welsh winds!

I can't say that it is teh most flattering item of clothing, I do feel slightly like I am wearing a sleeping bag. However its practicality totally outweighs that.

I will be wearing it on the football sidelines tomorrow, if the weather stays as it is that should give it a good run for its money!

i saw another mother in teh playground today wearing something suspiciously similar but didn't have my glasses on and didn't like to stare.

Ooh I hadn't thought of the potential for spotting fellow MNetters by their new Bergaus coats

ooh just got mine! first impressions are fab, coat (richmond in Java) looks very classy - love the high neck and fact you can take hood off

beautiful and lightweight

i'm a 14-16 and got 16 and it seems to fit well

can't wait to try out in the rain now! thanks mn

(and berghaus oops)

I am trying the long black akka
I very much like the look of it
surprised it is so light and packable, definitely a plus

I think it is well cut and for a padded jacket it mostly avoids the too bulky look

I like the hood it is definitely practical it still needs to be tested under more inclement weather but it looks very comfortable and fit for purpose

I like the pockets all of them particularly the inner one

The coat feels warm and comfortable and I think it looks good, although dh asked if I was taking my duvet with me adding that it was probably fashionable

I like the length, this with wellies can pretty much guarantee to stay dry

The only thing I would say is that it seems to be quite roomy, I looked at the sizing and being a top 12/14 I decided to go for the 14 but I think the 12 would have been fine, partly because it is unlikely one would need lots of thick layers under it

the sleeves allow ample room for movement which is nice

these are just first impressions I have not worn it in very cold/wet weather yet

I have the Akka long down coat in black.

I like it a lot so far. I'm astonished at how light it is to wear and how windproof, warm and waterproof it is for something so light. Amazing how it folds down to almost nothing, too! It has survived a couple of real downpours without letting in water at all and although the hood kept blowing off at first, I have now found the toggles and v useful they are too.

I think it looks pretty good for a padded jacket and also think it probably is worth the fairly high price.

My only real gripe with it is the sizing. I chose a size 10 based on the bust size it was supposed to fit (have re-measured myself since to check I am the size I think I am and in theory I am too large for the 10 around my chest) and it is pretty big. I would have far preferred a snugger fit, not least because it would be even warmer. If I had realised that the 10 would fit someone several inches larger in all directions than I am then I would definitely have asked for a size smaller. I think the measurements on your website are very misleading! The coat would look a lot smarter if it was the right size and more fitted around the waist and hips. However it is very comfortable, though I could easily fit five or six thick layers underneath it!

On balance, I think it's a great coat and am only sorry that I picked the wrong size.

I've got the mid parka in black.

In short, I love it so far!! My first impressions of it were that it felt much lighter than I was expecting and maybe not so cozy. However I've been very warm wearing it and even verging on hot today (when walking quite fast).

The hood is very toasty but the fake fur trim (not something I would usually have chosen) did annoy me slightly as it tickled my eyes (when I had it up obviously). I'll have to see what it looks like when I remove it.

The look of it is great and much more stylish than my usual waterproof, walking type coats. I tried it today in the rain and it did keep me nice and dry. Oh and I'm pleased to see that it can be washed at 30 degrees in the machine and doesn't seem to need any special waterproof treatment.

Size was spot on and I like the zips on the pockets to keep things safe.

I'm just waiting for people to comment on it so that I can tell them I'm a Berghaus tester.

Well, I've tested my mid parka (the bay colour) today on the pre-school run. I was out for 40 minutes for each leg of the journey, cold and windy for the drop off and cold, windy and rainy for the pick up.

Full marks for practicality - definitely windproof, and waterproof too but I wonder how well the fur trim will stand up to the rain. The sleeves are a good length, no gaps when I was pushing the push chair.

So, styling. I think it looks ok. Maybe a bit frumpy, but my judgment might be clouded because my mum has a coat in a similar colour! I like the fact that it is shaped, but a bit of adjustability might improve it - it has a kind of belt detail, a few poppers to cinch it in or out might help the shape a bit more. I'm not entirely certain about the colour on me, and DH is no help as he's colour blind (and a bloke). I think I'd also like it a bit longer too; the length isn't bad (pretty good with a skirt) but would have liked a bit more of my bum covered tbh.

Sizing is definitely generous in this model; I could probably have got away with a 12 but might have been limited to only one or two thin layers underneath. I got a 14 and wore it today with just a long sleeved t-shirt underneath and there was tons of room. But then on the other hand, the parka flet so warm that I'm not sure I'd need tons of layers....

Back with more in a few days!

Oh, and did anyone else get a letter today syaing it would arrive in the next 7-10 days?!

D'oh, how did I miss this opportunity??? I have been secretly coveting the long black Akka, but DP declared it rather 90's . If I'd had one to test he could hardly have complained

Glad to hear all you testers are liking it though. Also the on-the-big size comments confirm what I thought when trying it on in the shop a few times once! Maybe if I secretly bought it then claimed I was part of some big MN experiment. In DPs opinion MN seems to have no limits anyway

did anyone else get a letter today syaing it would arrive in the next 7-10 days?!

Yes me! Very funny.

I think the Akka is worth the cash, mylifewithstrangers. It's a really lovely coat.

I have the Richmond in Java size 12.

Much smarter than I was expecting. Quite light weight but felt lovely and warm. The coats quality shows in the attention to detail. Expected this to be a dog walking, kids to park type jacket but it was smart enough that I felt comfortable to wear it to work, where I got the girls in the office to offer their opinion.

Jacket looks better on than either on the website or on a hanger. Wore it with my yr11 revision group and got no negative comments and at 15 they tell it as it is (but I guess as i'm in my 30's I am ancient to them)

Wore it to drive to work and it was very comfortable, I tend to take my coat off when driving as they can pull down the back.

Overall very positive but i'm not sure I would have picked it up to try it on from a display in a shop.

I have the mid parker in black. Thank you - I was ridiculously excited when it arrived

Below is a mix of first impressions, plus experience of wearing it today, including to the school fireworks night (in the rain, naturally!) and into town for work

• it felt less padded than I expected - I was initially disappointed, as I thought it wouldn't be as warm as I wanted, but actually it's really lovely and snuggly - really impressed.
• the sizing does seem overly generous - I'm 8-10, and got a 10 based on the sizing online. It's definately a bit on the big side, which impacts on how stylish it looks.I guess it may be useful when the weather gets colder and I want more layers beneath. It feels like it could do with being more fitted round the waist especially - there are belt tabs that look like they should adjust, but don't (I kept trying to open these in the dark this evening too - they feel like pocket flaps)
• I lurrrve the snuggly pockets - so cosy!
• I'm impressed (although not surprised) at the little details - like the little tab that the hood flaps fit into (iykwim) - means the hood fits well without feeling like you're completely blinkered. This is exactly the sort of thing I'd expect from Berghaus/outdoor experience. The hood sits really nicely on my head (unlike my normal, unpadded waterproof, where the hood is somehow simultaneously too big and falls off all the time)
• I like the furry bit to the hood, gives it a bit of a funkier parka edge - but had to take it off tonight to avoid that horrible wet-fur-in-your-face feeling.I wonder whether it will end up stuck at the back of the cupboard as I can't be bothered to put it on and off (although the fastening is fab - very easy to use and yet secure feeling)
• like the length - good with trews or skirt

It is just (but only just) smart enough that I wore it into a training meeting in town today (I may have been a bit over-excited...), but in general I'd say it's not quite smart enough for work/meeting-wear.

Am looking forward to continued testing

Iamcountingto3 - I forgot the pockets!! yes, lovely soft lining to the pockets, lovely touch. And agree with the hood velcro bit, it means that when the hood is down it lies nicely on your back, iyswim.

i've got the richmond in pale stone
it is very lightweight, not adding too much bulk. love the colour and found it to be a true fit in the size 14.
the belt give a more defined shape, making it feel smart enough for non-outdoorsy days
i like the hood - fit very well. and the big pockets are useful.
i have thus far only tested it in my sitting room, but when DH finishes paternity leave this week i'll be giving it a proper test with the DCs in the park

apols for typos!

I got the letter too, day fter the coat had arrived :)

I got too hot today wearing my coat! And I only had a short sleeved top underneath! Had o undo the coat after a while. So it should be fab as the weather gets colder.

Hello

I'm testing the akka in bay.

I absolutely love it, and was amazed at how warm it is considering how light it is.

It's quite roomy, but that's a good thing, as it means I can wear a couple of t shirts and a jumper underneath without being restricted.

The colour is lovely, means i can wear it with black or brown stuff, and being so light means that it was comfortable to drive in... Something I never usually do, aa I hate feeling restricted.

It is very similar to a coat I nearly bought in zara last month, just without the belt. Similar price too.

The only negative I can think of is the cuffs, they seem a bit "unfinished"? A proper cuff, then the velcro bit would have been better, although as I only have short arms, I'm able to fold them inside?

I'm on site in Edinburgh and Aberdeen next week so will report back then, see how it fairs up against proper Scottish weather.

Many many thanks to berghaus and to mums net.

Hi, I got the Richmond in Java.
A lot less bulky than I imagined from the website, but having worn it to work and on a cycle ride (with toddler on the back of the bike today), it is very wind resistant and exactly what I was after in a coat - an all rounder - easily smart enough to wear over a suit but comfortable and practical enough for bike riding. I ordered size 10 and it's perfect for me and I can easily wear a couple of layers underneath. A lot smarter than any of my other previous coats - I think work are impressed with me not looking like I'm off on a skiing holiday. I've always been reluctant to "buy" a work coat as they are generally not waterproof and I've never felt I can justify a coat just to wear into work and back. First impressions are that it appears to be the best of both worlds.

I gotnthe Richmond in Java too.

First impressions as I unpacked it were:

Very light - almost unbelievably so.
Nicely padded
Nice colour
Quite a smart finish to the material

Dh thought it was very smart when I tried it on. I think the fit is good. I always have to order a size up in coats, as have broad shoulders and large norks - I ordered a 14, and it fits as I expected it to, on the whole. The sleeves are a bit long though, which is odd, as usually I find sleeves too short! Will be good ton ensure no gaps when wearing gloves though.

Wore it today with just a short sleeve t shirt underneath, and was toasty warm. Coat still feels very light on ton wear, and not at all restrictive or sweaty.

Hood seemed ok, but haven't used it in wind/rain yet.

I thought the belt came undone a bit too easily (although I always have issues with things like this on coats, so that may just be me!) and also, when done up, I found the bottom of then coat flared a little, t I do tend to stride about a bit, so again, probably just me!

Overall, I am very impressed so far - thank you very much Berghaus and MN, a lovely coat that i look forward to testing more thoroughly.

Can I ask, do those of you who think your coats are the right size match the measurements on the website? Or did you just pick your usual size? If I'd just picked my usual size and ignored the measurements, I'd probably be wearing a more comfortable coat.

I checked the measurements really carefully because I was keen for the coat to be the right size if I was lucky enough to get one, but am massively disappointed that I've ended up with one that's basically a size larger than I want it to be. It's not a question of it being roomy enough for a jumper underneath. I could fit two or three, maybe four, huge chunky knit jumpers under it (not that I'd need to as it's so beautifully warm ).

I get the impression that quite a lot of Akka wearers think it comes up big. Is that right?