Gear

Hi there again,

I’m looking to replace my old Berghaus Aquafoil Pro2 jacket. I’m looking for a waterproof, breathable and windproof jacket. I want 2 exterior pockets and a chest pocket. I want it to be Gore-tex and I want a good hood with stiffened peak and it for it to be rollaway. I also want the hood to be secure so it does not fall down in strong winds. Also when I have the hood up I want my mouth to be covered as well so I am nice and warm.

I have been looking for a long time now and really haven’t found what I am looking for however I did find the GTX Thaw Soft Shell from Berghaus. However I can’t find it anywhere in the shops so I’m not sure how good the hood is and whether my mouth will be covered when I wear it. I’ve also checked the berghaus website but it doesn’t really mention anything about the hood.

I’ve also found the zealot from MacPac (http://www.macpacnewzealand.com/products/display/catalogue/do,displayitem-view/mid,73/miid,2509/diid,490/) but can’t seem to find it in the slate colour which I really want as I don’t really want a too colourful jacket.

I was therefore wondering if you had any suggestions?

Many thanks, sorry for making you read all this but I have spent hours looking but I can’t really find what I’m after.

Rob

Ok, firstly, you probably don't want a rollaway hood. They tend not to be very good, especially as you want it to be secure.

What's your budget?

Look at Rab, Berghaus, Mountain Hardware, Mountain Equipment. You must be able to find something you like there.

Thanks for your reply on my Berghaus it's got a rollaway hood which was very good and was very secure thats why I'm after one.

I have a Berghaus Storm II as my "main" walking jacket and I just found the hood badly shaped and useless when I was some bad weather in the Lakes. The velcro fastening at the front just kept ripping off and smacking me in the face. The newer jackets dont seem to have quite the same hood though so they may be ok nowadays. I prefer the Sullivan and Accelerator out of all the Berghaus jackets at the moment. The Sullivan is £200 but can be had for £120 from Cotswold outdoor at the moment if you want to take a look.

Have you seen http://www.blacks.co.uk/blacks.storefront/EN/Product/041206821

Thanks for that although I've finally decided between two jackets the Berghaus Accelerator III or the Macpac Zealot. But I'm not sure which!

Regards,

Rob

You sure you want Gortex, if so why?

Having used both Gortex and e vent I will never buy gortex again and other than not being gortex the Rab laytoc sounds just what you need.

Would have given a similar reccommendation as Jules myself. The Latok does seem like a very suitable jacket except the 'not-gortex' problem. I didn't want to start the Gore/eVent/P***** debate.

It all depends on your Body's compatability with the materials in question.

I tried event, but found it extremely heavy and uncomfortable (Lowe-Alpine), so you could try Paramo or Gore-Tex or Hy-Vent etc.

some people just cant help their selves!!0)

"I tried event, but found it extremely heavy and uncomfortable"

I'd hazard a guess that it was the jacket that was heavy and uncomfortable as opposed to the w/p membrane as inch for inch eVENT is lighter than standard goretex.

The latoc is a very light jacket, almost as light as my paclite but much tougher.

I'd have a look at the Berghaus Storm - the hood on mine's not bad and will cinch up quite tight - the only real criticism of the hood I have is that it doesn't turn with your head very well. It should just about protect your mouth, but personally I'd look to using something like a polar buff or neck gaiter/scarf for warmth regardless of which hood you get. I've no experience of the Macpac Zealot, but if the construction quality and design is as good as my Vapour then it should be good.

I certainly wouldn't dismiss eVENT based jackets either. Personally I'd recommend making the effort of getting to a couple of retailers and trying everything they've got on. In my opinion fit is as important as anything else.

check out M&M for some bargain berghaus gore jackets shoes and other crap. Some other outdoor brands are present:

[http://www.mandmsports.com/productlist.asp?C2=2~101]berghaus

sorry berghau

Mountain Equipment have excellent hoods. I have the Kongur but there are several with the same hood.

why not consider the ME Ogre??? i have only had mine for a few weeks but the pocket n hood spec is right on the money. leaves my old berghaus paclite for dead!