New Gore-Tex Active Shell for walkers, a lighter Bioflex and more from the mighty Berghaus.
We've already told you about the new Vapour Light kit from Berghaus for 2013, but there's more in the pipeline besides, notably a new lightweight version of the pivoting Bioflex back system and some dedicated trail clothing and equipment, notably a new lightweight Gore-Tex Active Shell jacket aimed specifically at walkers.
Active Shell For Walkers
The new Vapour Storm jacket with its permanent venting might be making the headlines, but alongside it, Berghaus has also launched the men's Voltage Jacket and the women's Electra Jacket, which use the same highly breathable Gore-Tex Active Shell fabric, but are designed specifically for lightweight walking use - the first walking jackets we've seen made with Active Shell.
Features include a chest and two hand-warmer pockets with mesh liners, a tab-down adjustable hood and an atheletic, but not excruciatingly close fit. Weights are a claimed 336g for the Voltage and 313g for the Electra, which is decent enough. Price will be £180 compared to £230 for the Vapour Storm or £200 for the alpine-focused Velum.
Lightweight 2.5 Layer Jackets
Also new in the same sort of area are even lighter jackets made from 2.5-layer own brand AQ fabric. The Octane and Octane Stretch with claimed weights of 274g and 297g respectively. The women's versions are the Dahlia and the Cassia, which weighs just 219g in a size 12...
Bioflex Light
The other big news is a new, lighter version of the Bioflex pack system aimed at lightpackers and set to run alongside the standard Bioflex system which was upgraded this year. The Bioflex Light packs use a simpler and lighter version of the pivoting Bioflex back system, with a simplified hub located at the centre of the hip-belt allowing the pack to move naturally with your body.
Looking at it at the show, it seems to use a webbing-based pivot rather than the more sophisticated metal-based system of Bioflex. Further weight is saved by the use of tough, but light fabrics, though there are still plenty of features on the packs.
There are three men's and three women's packs – 65 litres (1.66kg), 50 (1.6kg or 1.51kg when stripped) and 35 (1.4kg, 1.33kg stripped) - with the 65 and 50 using the new Berghaus HALO compression system with twin alloy rods helping to give a more uniform pressure over the whole body of the pack.
Not insanely light then, but certainly worth a look if you want a non-minimalist, ergo-friendly pack at a decent weight.
AQ Waterproof Footwear
Finally, some new trail footwear featuring the AQ waterproof membrane called Expeditor - two men's model, two women's, one suede and one full leather in each case. The lasting is based on the classic Explorer range of trekiing boots, with all the latest chassis technology plus the excellent Opti-Stud Hiking sole.
They're pretty light too. Think around 1000g per pair in men's and 860g for women's versions in both suede or leather. They look quite svelte too.
All the above available in early 2013. Current Berghaus range at www.berghaus.com.
