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 too checked the measurements. I came up as at the upper limit for a 12, so theoretically should have been ok with that.

But i historically have issues with coats sitting right, so I went for the 14, and there is absolutely no way I would have fitted a 12 - would have been too tight across the shoulders, and would not have zipped up well over bust.

I have room to comfortable fit a reasonable jumper u derneath - not sure about a thick, chunky knit.

I just went for my usual size.

It is generous, but I often wear quite chunky knitwear so like the fact that it is generous enough to fit it underneath.

TBH my Regatta coat is supposed to be a size smaller than it and fits about the same, so it isn't any bigger than I was expecting.

Maybe it's just me and I have a Tardis coat instead of the Akka!

I've got the Akka in Bay. And like someone else said was ridiculously excited to receive. Thank you so much MN and Berghaus!

First impressions were very favourable. I was expecting it to be a bit more functional fugly but was pleasantly surprised that the colour, fit and cut were really nice and stylish - especially for a down jacket.

Colour is great - its kinda khaki but more muted and unusual than bog standard khaki. But goes with lots of different outfits.

Think they've got it right for trying to go with the trend of making a functional jacket still fit and be flattering.

Good quality and super warm but really light. (Used to have a Gap long puffa and it was really heavy and bulky) You can tell teh Akka's quality just by the lightness of it.

Lurve the warm, toasty pockets too.

I don't find it Michelin man like (was a little concerned from the pic of model on the website...think they need to redo that one) - mine fits really well and true to sizing for me (sz 8). Think it would definintely be best to get the exact right size/snugger fit for a insulated jacket otherwise there is more of a just-wearing-your-duvet-out risk. I'm usually an 8/10 (large 8 or small 10) and I really liked the fit.

I wore it today without the hood to get a different feel for it. And I liked that too. Made it more 'urban' for want of a better word (I guess less functional).

Like the hood too - big enough to stop the rain. But think its more stylish big too.

Worn it with jeans and skirts - looked good with either.

Overall very, very pleased. Love it!

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)

Well, my first impression was "wow! is that all there is?" The parcel was so small and light I was amazed to find that there really was a substantial coat in it!

I got the mid parka in black, which was my first choice, so I was really pleased. The outer and lining fabrics are soft and not noisy, which is great.

Sizing for me is great. I'm a 12, on average, though smaller in the bum area and thicker in the waist and i have narrow shoulders. The sleeves are a tiny bit long, but that's the story of my life. My arms are so short that i always lop an inch or two off the sleeves of the sweaters i knit myself. The day i got the coat, I was wearing a big sweatshirt dating from the 90s, so lots of excess fabric. The coat fitted nicely over that, which is good to know as the weather is only going to get colder of the next few months.

As I move around in it, though, i do occasionally find that the tops of the sleeves feel a bit snug. I have muscular arms, though, which would explain that.

Appearance wise it looks fantastic. I like the gentle shaping and I caught site of myself in a full length mirror, totally unawares, this morning and was surprised how smart it looks for such a practical coat.

The hood had me flummoxed for a while. I had to sit down with it in the evening and work it out because i couldn't get it to stay up on first wear and the toggles for adjusting it were hidden by the furry trim. The velcro was also tricky to get in place so it didn't all fall apart again. Once sorted, it was great, though and held together very well.

When I have the kids with me, i end up with lots of bits stuffed in my pockets for easy access. The pockets seem a bit small, though I discovered the inside pocket, this morning, which means I at least have somewhere to put my phone away from scratchy keys or revolting tissues. I'm also wondering if the soft lining fabric of the pockets isn't going to pill and wear badly. The zips on the pockets are great, though. I have a lightweight berghaus jacket with velcro on the pockets and it rips my hands to shreds and doesn't keep the water out at all.

I found the sizing just right - although I did just plump for the 12 and didn't check out the measurements.

Unlike you ouryve I have gibbon arms and was pleasantly suprised to find the sleeves did actually fit well. (got mid parka too).

I'm only just discovering the extra little features like the soft pockets and the adjustable cuffs. Have to admit that I did get DH to sort the hood out for me .

I was amazed at how thin mine was too. I got the mid parka in the green colour. It is very warm in the wind which again I found surprising as it is a very light jacket! So all good really.

It is a smart looking coat that can definitely double as something for more than just the school run so ticking all my boxes. I really like then hood design as I seem to have a small head and hoods always drown me so one gust of wind from behind me,hood falls over eyes, you get the picture! This hood connects to the side of the neck and it stays put!! Hooray!

Only issue is the sizing. I went for what i thought would be my size only to find it much to big :0( I should have ordered the size down as it sort of drowns me.

Very interesting reading, all this advertising is working on me, and I'm thinking of getting a Richmond.

Does anyone who has one have a long waist and fairly broad shoulders? How is the fit? Last waterproof coat I had belted around the bottom of my ribs - really unflattering! (I'm in no way freakish btw)

I have the Akka long down coat.
It is so light and I reckon it will squish down into my very large handbag if I ever misjudge a day's weather.
It is very warm! I have been wearing round the house as the central heating is not working....:)
I haven't had a chance to test it on my daily walking home/work/school marathon yet.
I am a fairly typical size 12 and unfortunately, it does seem over generous in sizing. I might have been better with a 10.
I'm surprised and delighted to find an internal zip pocket (men's coats always have these but women's don't and if you are off for a walk you don't wlays want a bag.
The zip external pockets are great too.
I don't think it's the most elegant coat ever (the model in the pic pulls it off but I'm not sure I can :)) but if we have a winter like last winter, I'd far rather be warm and dry than ''stylish''.
Can't wait for next week and a chance to properly roadtest it!

oh yes, meant to add, thank you so much for choosing me! (I have put on a lot of weight so my old winter coat no longer fits and my other option is a smarter but not warm coat for work...)

I'd like to see some of these for real, not just on the website - has anyone seen them stocked in actual shops??

As I posted on t'other thread, mine arrived on Thursday (thank you MN & Berghaus!) - the Insulated Richmond Jacket in Java (chocolate brown).

The colour is OK (although a bit dark for my colouring), the lining is really nice - very delicate beige floral lining. The coat itself is really nicely made - good stitching, nicely quilted, but (as other posters have said) not too heavy - it arrived in a plastic bag about the same size as a supermarket bag.

Not sure that I'd call it stylish as such - although at the price they retail, you wouldn't want something too hip, as it would be out of fashion a year on. So I suppose it is more a classic outdoor coat, built and designed to last. The fact that it is belted means its a bit more fitted than your average anorak, and the finish does set it apart from a parka from your usual highstreet shops.

The hood is removable and has a slight peak, which is a nice idea to keep the rain out of your face - haven't tried this out yet (will see if it works!)

Was disappointed with the sizing though. I ordered a 12, as I'm 36" round the chest. I often buy a 14 simply to get the extra length, but then end up looking a bit shapeless as the item never fits snugly. I was hoping that I'd get a fitted look and the length I need in the sleeve.

However, the size 12 felt tight over the shoulders, the belted waist sat a bit high up, and the sleeves were a touch too short (resting on the wrist bone). I would not have got a chunky jumper on underneath. Fortunately though, the lovely people at Berghaus have offered to exchange for a 14, so watch this space...

I'm trying the mid insulated parka in black, size 10.

First impressions were excellent! It is lightweight but warm, a bit of a contradiction but I think it must be the padding inside that keeps you nice and toasty. It's definitely much 'smarter' than my other waterproof, a berghaus jacket I use to go walking in. That really looks like a walking jacket and is a bit embarassing to go shopping in! I went grocery shopping today in the parka and felt smart and comfortable.

DH thinks the coat is excellent too, and would really like a men's version!!

Meant to say, I liked the look of the hood but found it a bit irritating at first when I put it on, until DH showed me how to fasten it into the pockets. Doh! Fits much better now that is done. The fit of the coat is excellent, I'm quite a big 10, and it fits me perfectly.

I have the Insulated Richmond in Java.

First impressions - like others have said; how small and insubstantial the packet was! The coat is remarkably lightweight for something that is warm as well as waterproof.

I like the Java colour - quite a rich chocolate colour. I think this coat would look even better in a dark grey/charcoal shade though (just being fussy). The pale, quilted lining is silky and lovely!

Sizing on this coat seems good. I am a 12 but with post pregnancy boobs and bottom. It is slightly snug in those areas but hopefully won't be forever. Length is good. The quality of the coat overall and of the zip and poppers is fantastic. No annoying stuck zips which normally drive me bonkers on coats.

The detachable (zipped) hood is really good. It is easy to tighten with little toggles. On Thursday night I wore it out in a virtual hurricane and the hood stayed on. I was also extremely toasty and just had a cotton long-sleeved top on underneath.

The coat has a naturally slightly fitted feminine shape but I have already done away with the belt which is my only negative. I am 5'3" but with a long torso (not freakishly so)and the belt sits right at the top of my waist verging on my ribs. Note to Berghaus - Cinching the waist and siting the belt two cm lower would make this coat totally perfect for me. I also would have liked to see a proper buckled belt with this coat instead of just a tie one which looks, in my opinion, not quite right. However, without it the coat is still good!

One more point, I just read that the Akka has zipped external pockets. I would have liked this on the Richmond too. They have one central popper on each pocket which is probably sufficient to stop most things falling out but doesn't seem totally secure. There is a very spacious internal zipped pocket though so I should probably just reserve the outside ones for my hands.

I have the akka long in green (is that bay? not sure )

First impressions...
was very suprised at the size of the packet, actually thought the coat I requested couldn't possibly be in there!

Size wise, slightly too big but only just. Will be handy for the really cold weather when I've got a jumper on underneath.

So light, so comfortable, trendyish (reliably informed by my very trendy sister!) and also just the right length.

1 possible improvement (will I be burnt at the stake for this!), it needs the internal toggle belt to bring the waist in. Just to nip it in ever so slightly and make it completely trendy, rather than just trendyish!

But hey, warm, waterproof, perfect for walking dog and doing school run. So who cares if dd1 doesn't have 1 to keep her dry and warm through the winter????

i agree poorbuthappy, i would love something to pull the waist in a bit.

it needs the internal toggle belt to bring the waist in

I agree too. That would be an excellent idea.

Another one who agrees with the idea of a toggle to pull the waist in on the Akka and make in a bit more shapely.

It is -1 here and I am about to walk to school in it. Hope I stay warm! It definitely kept me nice and warm watching variuos children playing sport at the weekend.

I'm testing the mid parka in Bay. I love the shade of green - it would go well with lots of different colours. The fit is loose on the waist, but fits well in the bust and bottom, but then I am generously proportioned in those areas! There is a tab on either side of the waist that looks like the adjustable tab on the sleeve - it would be lovely if you could adjust the waist tab too, to take it in and create a more defined waist. The sleeves are a little long on me, which surprised me, as the length of the jacket generally was good, even though I am short.

My first overall impression is that it is a really well made jacket. The lining is really nice and cosy enough to make it warm, but thin enough to either put lots of layers underneath, or to wear it in spring when (hopefully!) the weather is a bit warmer. I was impressed that it seems to be made of the same outer material as the functional hiking jackets. I haven't tried it out in the rain yet, though, to find out about the waterproofing and breathability. I love the zipped outer pockets - and the fact that the lining inside is very soft. :) I also love the fact that Berghaus have keep the traditional poacher's pocket inside the jacket - very useful for keeping things safe and dry.

Just to add, on sizing (Richmond Java) I just went for my normal size (10) and didn't look at the size charts. I feel it's completely inline with a normal size 10. I have quite a long body and shorter limbs (lovely look...) and the waist for me is perfect height. One thing I'd say on the belt is that it would be (as I think someone else has mentioned) better with a thicker, buckle belt. The belt material is also not very thick so when tying this up it ends up very dressing-gown-cord-look rather than smart-belt-look. Only criticism I have so far.

Hiya... I'm trying the mid insulated parka, black in a 16.
I checked the sizing carefully on your website as I'm usually a 12-14 but with broad shoulders and big norks, I'm also 5'9ish ... It is a big around the waist, a little big around the bust but the shoulders are perfect. Overall a pretty good fit for me... with room for fleeces underneath.
So first impressions..... was amazed at how light it was, and how thin...but like a few others, I was overheating on the school run.
I liked the tapered waist, it definitely helps with my upside down triangle shape. I thought the coat looked smart, for an outdoor parka, but that was ruined for me slightly by the hood. I think it's too tight when fully zipped. I have long hair and struggled to get it inside the hood. I'm also not sure about the dead badger trim. I imagine that'll be wet and soggy very quickly but I'll let you know. The only other thing is that I struggled with the double zip, maybe mine is slightly dodgy but it is not easy to get the zip aligned iykwim and I imagine it will break if I'm not careful. The zip also felt cheap and that's the coats biggest flaw imo
I canvassed opinion in the playground (6 mums) ... everyone liked it.... all commented on the waist detail and thought that was very flattering. Most weren't sure about the fur but liked you could take it off. Everyone thought it was expensive... too expensive for an everyday walking the dog / school run coat. I think the most common comment was, what if it got damaged? and I know what they mean... It's wet and muddy today so I wore my knackered old parka as I didn't want to get my lovely new Berghaus one dirty

very cold and frosty here today. I had a long sleeved thinnish jersey dress on and the coat - it kept me very snug walking to work AND walking home from school pick up, with the temperature dropping sharply.
I do feel though, it will be a cold wet day in hell before I walk about with the hood up!

I have the parka in bay. I loved it when I tried it on, but it is a little big. I'm usually a size 10, but have had size 12 coats before so, just to be sure, I went for size 12. It is too big, but that is probably my fault for ordering cautiously. Enough room for several jumpers.

I thought it might not be warm enough on first examination, as it seemed quite thin, but once on I realized looks were deceiving, as it is very warm. I tried it out properly today - a lovely frosty morning. I was warm enough, with just one, thinnish, long sleeved top under my coat. I like the length - i'm not keen on long coats.

I find the double zip very fiddly and got quite cross when trying to zip it up in a hurry. I don't understand the point of it! I like the inner pocket for my phone and love the soft feel of the pockets.

I like the colour, but sometimes wondered if it looked a bit grannyish. I wasn't sure about the fake fur trim, but actually think it makes it look less like the standard waterproof. Dh thinks it looks lovely and it was admired by a couple of mums in the playground.

I am yet to try it out in rain and wind.

Also like the feel of the outer material - not slippy like my other waterproof, so my bag stays on my shoulder rather than slipping off!