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

Also, meant to say - thank you for organising the exchange in size AnnMumsnet and Berghaus. The woman I dealt with was very helpful and prompt in replying to me and keeping me updated on my coat.

Maybe it was stuck on the M8 too!

I tested the Akka in Bay

Q1 What expecations did you have of the jacket? Did the jacket meet, exceed or fall below your expectations?

I thought the jacket would be more on the functional side and less on the style side as I had the impression that Berghaus were more for the hardy fell walker market rather than school run/about town person. When the jacket arrived it definitely exceeded my expectations. It is so lightweight, the outer material has a lovely silky feel, the colour is really nice, its lovely and warm and I love the toasty pockets. I've worn it pretty much non-stop since it arrived and really what I was in the market for (as I was about to buy a long insulated type coat) was something for just dead of winter.

Q2 How did it feel to wear?

Very cosy and comfortable due to the lovely soft material and it being so lightweight. I found in maybe 10C weather it was great with just a Tshirt underneath, 5C and below a jumper and when it was below 0C then you really still needed to wrap up warm to keep feeling warm. So its not as warm as a ski-jacket but still warm enough for most weather especially down South! And I know others have had issues but the sizing is just right for me.

Q3 Did you feel that the jacket looked flattering?

I thought it was flattering for an insulated coat. Think its flattering when its undone but becomes less so when its zipped up.

Q4 Did your friends or family notice or comment on it? If so, what did they say?

Several people in the playground have commented on how warm and nice it looks. MIL commented (she's late 60s but uber stylish herself). Friends liked it too.

Q5 Did it perform well for your day-to-day activities?

As I say, I've been wearing this non-stop virtually every day and its been perfect for school run, casual meet up with friends etc, shopping. Performed great for all those things. I didn't wear it to work or a dressy party (but I was tempted, but that's due to my new-coat-love!)

Q6 Would you recommend this jacket to other people? If so what would you say? If not, why not?

I would definately recommend the Akka. Its a lovely coat. I would say to people its really warm and toasty, without being over-bearingly so. Still allows you to breathe in it. Its look stylish especially for a insulated coat and looks good with a range of casual skirts and trousers. .

Q7 Do you think the jacket represents good value for money? What price would you be willing to pay for the jacket?

This is significantly more than I would usually pay for a coat. However, I was considering a Merrell coat for a similar price after reading all the rave reviews on Mumsnet, so I would be tempted to splash out if I read enough glowing reviews, seen it, had heard great things about it. I'm not sure whether the coat is good value for money. I think its about the price I'd expect for a coat from Berghaus/North Face/etc. - on the high end of outerwear. I would be far more likely to buy it personally if it was in the 100-130 range. But as far as quality goes I can see why it is 150.

Q8 What did you think of the colour? What colour/s would you like to see in the colour range?

I really liked the colour. I thought it would just be a fairly bog standard khaki just called something else to snazz it up. But its a really interesting muted, classy colour, I think.

Q9 Any final observations/comments?

The advertising photo on the website doesn't do justice to the coat - doesn't look flattering. When applying for the coat I picked this one as that was what I needed practically, but I didn't have high hopes for it looking too great based on the photo of the model wearing it (not her obviously, just the angle of the pic and the way the cost looks flappy). I was very pleasantly surprised, but if I was buying it, especially for 150, I'd probably be put off by the photo.

And lastly.....thank you SOOOO much Berghaus and Mumsnet for this opportunity. Really, really appreciate it!

I tested the parka in bay.

Q1 What expecations did you have of the jacket? Did the jacket meet, exceed or fall below your expectations?

I thought this would be a coat for dog walking, standing at the side of football pitches and walking children to school. I have worn it every day for the last month. it is perfect for all those uses. I have worn it shopping too. it is smarter than most waterproofs.

Q2 How did it feel to wear?

Lovely. It is so light and cosy. It is deceptive as looks to thin to be warm, but is very warm indeed! I thought mine was too big to start with, but actually I think it's just right, especially when I have an extra layer. In freezing weather I wear t-shirt, jumper and coat and am very warm. in slightly warmer weather I have just used long sleeved top and coat and am fine.

Q3 Did you feel that the jacket looked flattering?

Well, I didn't think it looked flattering on me as I think it looks a bit big. Having said that, other people have said it is flattering as it is tapered at the waist so looks better than the average waterproof.

Q4 Did your friends or family notice or comment on it? If so, what did they say?

I have had comments from about 8 friends. All liked the look of it. They thought it looked very good for a waterproof. Most jealous when I told them the circumstances in which I came to have it!

Q5 Did it perform well for your day-to-day activities?

Yes. I have used it for dog walking, football watching, walking children to school. Perfect for those. I have worn it shopping, but tbh I was too hot! It has been good in rain, wind, snow and feeble sun!

Q6 Would you recommend this jacket to other people? If so what would you say? If not, why not?

Absolutely. I'd recommend it for warmth and yet it is so light. It is a smart waterproof. I think you could wear it for any event, apart from posh dinner out .... that still wouldn't stop me!

Q7 Do you think the jacket represents good value for money? What price would you be willing to pay for the jacket?

I would not have bought it at £170. I would not even have looked at it as have never spent more than about £70 on a coat. If I could have worn it for a month and then bought it I would probably have paid £130 for it. I don't think I would have thought it would be very warm if I had tried it on in a shop. I'd have thought it looked too thin. I think it's a little overpriced. Good value if it had been £130.

Q8 What did you think of the colour? What colour/s would you like to see in the colour range?

I was unsure of the colour to start with. I thought it looked a bit grannyish. However, the colour has grown on me and other people like the colour. It is a little more green in reality than looks on Berghaus website. I'd like to see a brown in the range.....I always go for brown coats!

Q9 Any final observations/comments?

I'd like a tighter setting for the popper on the cuff. If it was an inch or two longer it would be perfect. I really don't like the double zip. Sometimes I really struggle to do it up ...usually when I am in a hurry. I love the fur round the hood - it makes it that bit cosier when crossing the fields in an arctic wind. I thought I'd take that bit off as it's "not me", but left it on and love it.

I feel bad making any criticisms as I really absolutely love this coat. It is so warm and I've worn it non-stop since I got it. The other day my house felt so cold, I didn't want to take my coat off. So, thank you Berghaus and Mumsnet.

Apologies for late final feedback but haven't seen much of my laptop of late!
I tested the Richmond in black.

Q1.What expectations did you have of the jacket?Did the jacket meet,exceed or fall below your expectations?

If I'm truthful I really wasn't expecting anything much as I have never considered buying Berghaus coats before as I have always felt that they weren't particularly fashionable and were definately aimed at the male market.So when I initially received the jacket I was very pleasantly surprised!

Q2.How did it feel to wear?

Now this is where I had problems.Despite expecting a size 12 to fit me perfectly I found that it was too tight across the bust so I was somewhat unhappy to have to exchange it for a size 14 which I felt was far too bulky on me.

Q3.Did you feel that the jacket looked flattering?

This is hard for me to answer tbh due to my response to Q2.To look at the jacket hanging up then I would say yes purely because it has that classic trench feel about it.The hood is also nicely styled to hang neatly when not in use and if needed doesn't swamp your face.

Q4.Did your friends or family notice or comment on it?If so,what did they say?

Had many jealous admiring looks from the school mums in the playground!DS1 advised me to wear suitable footwear with it and not my usual trainers or Timberlands!DP liked it but felt that it was quite a dressy coat for my day-to-day lifestyle,but as I also feel is a true wardrobe staple.

Q5.Did it perform well for your day-to-day activities?

Yes it did!

Q6.Would you recommend this jacket to other people?If so what would you say?If not,why not?

Tricky one!It would really depend upon the actual shape of the woman as the cut of the jacket is rather just across the bust!

Q7.Do you think the jacket represents good value for money?What price would you be willing to pay for the jacket?

Yes I do think that in the grand scheme of things that the jacket is worth 175- as it is both warm,waterproof and classically styled.However I would not be willing to purchase it due to the issues with sizing and cut.

Q8.What did you think of the colour?What colour/s would you like to see in the colour range?

Loved the black!I don't like bright colours at all and being a trench style coat I think that black,stone or beige is the way to go.

Q9.Any final observations/comments?

I really was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the jacket and really liked the classic look of it.However,I feel that more research needs to be done into the sizing and shape of the jacket as no two women even with the same dress size have the same body shape.

I tested the insulated Richmond in Java

Q1 What expecations did you have of the jacket? Did the jacket meet, exceed or fall below your expectations?

I thought that the jacket would be good quality as it is Berghaus. It met my expectations. It is lighter than I thought it would be. I needed a coat that could properly cope with the outdoors and not just be a fashion coat so it fits the bill perfectly.

Q2 How did it feel to wear?

Very warm and comfortable except when sitting down as the 'waist' rides up my ribs and is a bit uncomfortable but it is a small price to pay for an otherwise very comfortable coat that I usually don't need to sit down in!

Q3 Did you feel that the jacket looked flattering?

It is warm but doesn't look bulky. It also has some shape to it unlike most 'technical' wear. The hood also looks good up. I'm not sure about the belt affair. It looks a bit dressing gownish. I would prefer a proper buckle belt. But overall yes, quite flatering.- Also see below.

Q4 Did your friends or family notice or comment on it? If so, what did they say?

A number of my friends commented that I looked slim in it. Others have said it is exactly what they need. i.e. warm and waterproof/windproof and a great length.

Q5 Did it perform well for your day-to-day activities?

Yes. Excellent for walking up to nursery, around the shops, weekend trips and in the park. Keeps me warm and comfortable. Fab

Q6 Would you recommend this jacket to other people? If so what would you say? If not, why not?

Yes, although the price would probably put a lot of people off. I have told people that it is a good investment as it is likely to last many years and won't go out of style or fall apart.

Q7 Do you think the jacket represents good value for money? What price would you be willing to pay for the jacket?

I do think that it is a bit expensive but probably does still represent value for money as the quality is good. I was looking for a similar coat for my birthday just before I got this one and had a top budget of 130 but couldn't find anything I really liked. So maybe you do have to pay a bit more for the right thing! I think 149.99 would make it a little more competitive.

Q8 What did you think of the colour? What colour/s would you like to see in the colour range?

I like the Java a lot but I would have prefered a dark charcoal grey colour.

Q9 Any final observations/comments?

Great coat, fantastic quality fabrics and all the zips etc. I would like to have zipped pockets on the outside instead of poppers or perhaps hand pockets and a separate zipped pocket for keys etc. Also a tighter setting on the wrist poppers would be good for v. wet weather. I would also prefer the waist to be an inch or so lower for perfect comfort. Otherwise I couldn't be happier with it and wear it every time I go out. It is the best coat I have ever owned as it waterproof AND warm AND longish AND reasonably shaped.

I tried the Richmond in Java, size 14.

Q1 What expecations did you have of the jacket? Did the jacket meet, exceed or fall below your expectations? Expectations were of a coat made from superior material with really good waterproof and wind proof qualities. The jacket met and exceeded these expectations.

Q2 How did it feel to wear? Lightweight and stylish.

Q3 Did you feel that the jacket looked flattering? Yes, the addition of the belt on the Java jacket was great for a bit of waist cinching.

Q4 Did your friends or family notice or comment on it? If so, what did they say? Yes I had numerous comments about my new coat especially since I didn't have a proper all weather coat before. "What make of coat is it?", "Looks very smart!" and "I wish I was as warm as you look" were a few that stick in my mind.

Q5 Did it perform well for your day-to-day activities? Cannot recommend it highly enough, it coped with rain, snow, sleet, mild weather and minus eight degrees! I do get rather warm with too many clothes on but I was lovely and toasty with just a t-shirt and the Richmond on even in the snow! I don't understand how something so lightweight can keep me so warm!

Q6 Would you recommend this jacket to other people? If so what would you say? If not, why not? Would definitely recommend to anyone considering buying one! I would have been put off by the price but I can now see how and why it costs so much.

Q7 Do you think the jacket represents good value for money? What price would you be willing to pay for the jacket? Given the present economic climate I would not wish to pay any more than £150 for the jacket. As it stands I think the jacket is reasonable value for money.

Q8 What did you think of the colour? What colour/s would you like to see in the colour range? Java was a lovely rich chocolaty brown colour, I'm not keen on green and I wanted a coat in any other colour than black with is how I came by the Java. A charcoal grey colour would be nice. I'm not a fan of outdoor wear in bright colours.*

Q9 Any final observations/comments? The sleeves on the size 14 jacket I thought were a little too long. Also it would have been useful to have an extra popper on the sleeve to be able to tighten them to better keep out wind, snow etc. A split zip on the jacket would be useful given the length of the garment so one can sit comfortably in the jacket and not have to unzip it each time you get in the car.

Right, sorry to be so late with htis . Christmas rather overtook things for a while!

So: I tested the Richmond jacket in Chocolate brown (Java?)

Q1 What expecations did you have of the jacket? Did the jacket meet, exceed or fall below your expectations?

I thought the jacket would be hardwearing, weatherproof, with a reasonable attempt at warmth/making sure no drafts could get in (this is from prior knowledge of Berghaus products). I was not expectign the jacket ot be so warm, or so well sealed/insulated. The fit/design was also a pleasant surprise (have always used Berghaus stuff for sports before, so design not so much of an issue). The jacket far exceeded my expectations.

Q2 How did it feel to wear?

Incredibly light. I couldn't imagine how warm it would be when I took it out of the packaging. I thought it would end up being a standard coat - look ok, adds an extra layer, but nothing to write home about. I was wrong. It was exceedingly comfortable to wear - very, very warm, but not sweaty or stuffy. One criticism I have is that when zipped up, the zip pulled at the bottom, and made the bottom edges of the jacket flare out, which is a real shame.

Q3 Did you feel that the jacket looked flattering?

yes. dh was very complimentary about it, and it was nice to find a coat that fits my broad shoulders and large chest, without swamping the rest of me. I am a size 12, but have been known to have to buy a 16 or 18 in coats to fit shoulders/chest. I tested a 14, and it was fin, with room enugh under for a jumper. I think the belt was a bit of a waste - not strong enough to stay doen up or define the waist properly, maybe a buckle would have been useful?

Q4 Did your friends or family notice or comment on it? If so, what did they say?

yes. dh as above. my friend thought it was ace too - she now covets one but cannot afford it. I got a few comments at dd1's school too - they were all jealous of the obvious warmth, as I was wearign a t shirt, with coat mostly undone, even in the deep freeze we had.

Q5 Did it perform well for your day-to-day activities?

yes, brilliantly. all throught the deep freeze (we had 18 inches of snow at one point), I was wearing it. de-icing the car at -8, I wore just a t shirt underneath. I was amazed, tbh. Building a snowman with the dc - I usually "retire" after about 15 mins, as I get so cold. this year, I stayed the whole time, and actually had to undo my coat as I was so warm!

Q6 Would you recommend this jacket to other people? If so what would you say? If not, why not?

definitely. it is pricey, but not unrealistic for a decent coat, and certainly not for the warmth and wearability of this coat.

Q7 Do you think the jacket represents good value for money? What price would you be willing to pay for the jacket?

If I saw it in a shop, I would probably pause before buying. I don't think it is an unrealistice price, but I would be unsure, due to branding, what I woudl eb getting - it isnt the type of cat you would wear for sports, and I would worry that Berghaus were relying on brand name, and not thinking through everyday wear details. I would be wrong, but I think that soem hefty advertising might be needed to overcome this kind of attitude. I might well not even come across it when looking, as I wouldn't be looking in outdoors shops for a "nice" coat...

Q8 What did you think of the colour? What colour/s would you like to see in the colour range?

The colour was nice, but perhaps a little muddy. I think a nice green wuold suit it well, as would a charcoal. maybe a purple (although would be hard to move it away form outdoors anorak purple maybe?) or a teal/petrol?

Q9 Any final observations/comments?

an amazing jacket. I still cannot bellieve how good it is. I have worn it everywhere, and it still looks good. it is a little muddy around the edges now, so I must give washing it a go, and will report back.

oh, also - the j=pockets are not insulated, so I get very cold hands when wearign it, unless I wear gloves too (hate wearig gloves) - insulating the outer layer of pocket would be a really good thing!

I tested the short parka in black
1:I expected top quality and good design.I definitely got this.I thought it would be warm and not bulky too.I didn't expect much style though and thought it would be a mumsy anorak but it wasn't.
2 It felt light and comfortable and could easily fit other jumpers under without feeling over 'padded'.
3 Yes
4 Some did and they were all surprised it was a berghaus as it is very stylish.
5 Yes brilliant
6 Worth every penny as it is so versatile.I have worn it for every occasion literally!
7 I would pay 120-150 for it.It is a no brainer
8 Would like olive or grey but the black is very prada esque which I love
9 Just a huge well done on managing to combine function with fashion and thanks I will be wearing this coat for years to come

Thank you to everyone for adding all the feedback - it's much appreciated by MN and by Berghaus.

Am pleased to say MrsTittlemouse has been selected as the winner of the £150 of Berghaus gear...an email is on it's way to you! Congrats.

Wow! Thank you! :)

I know this is now closed but just wondering if anyone else has found the same thing. I've had the Akka now for 2 months since the start of the testing and pretty much worn it constantly since then. I haven't washed it at all. Just the last week or so I've noticed that its now no longer waterproof (or even water resistant!) - the rain just seeps through. And because its so lightweight and thin you can get quite wet underneath. Granted this has been on days when its raining quite hard (but not torrential) but within 10-15min of walking in the hard rain I had to go home and change into another coat. Its bizarre, because the rain/snow used to just run off?!

Just wondering if anyone else had found the same.

zam72 - I'm going to ask about this for you!

Thanks very much!!!

I don't have the same problem, but keeping an eye on this just so I know how to treat it should it happen in the future. I love my coat, it's so light and soft.

Keeping an eye on it too. I haven't found that so far with my Akka but that sounds really annoying.

Hi Zam72 - a response for you below from Berghaus:
"The Akka is designed to provide maximum warmth in cold conditions. It's not a waterproof jacket (and we are careful not to claim that it is), but the outside (or face) fabric will initially repel a certain amount of water. However, that property does wear off after a while, which explains your experience. The water repellent property can actually be re-activated with heat, by tumble drying the jacket (check the care label for the recommended tumble dryer setting). As a rule of thumb, down jackets offer the best insulation possible, but are not well suited to the wet. They can of course be worn under a waterproof to offer greater protection from rain, but on their own they work most effectively in cold, dry conditions"
Any other queries please do post here or PM me and I will ask for you.

Have been checking this - thanks to Berghaus for the answer (and tumble drier tip!) I guess that's fair enough, because at the start I didn't even know you could wear it in wet weather, having always heard that you have to keep dawn (sleeping bags etc) dry when possible.

Zam72, fingers crossed that tumble drying does the job for you.

Ah OK....that makes sense! I'll try the tumble drying. Actually makes me less scared to wash it if its not magically waterproof anyway. And I'll bring an umbrella with me on very rainy days then!! (Still love my coat though!) Thanks Ann for checking for me!