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Berghaus Stretch Windshirt
Tested
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Price:
£60.00
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Weight: 166 grammes
(medium)
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Features: Airfoil
Light wind-resistant technology with integral stretch,
active dynamic cut, half length zip, zipped chest pocket,
hook and loop coin / key security pocket, reflective trim,
half-elasticated, half hook and loop adjustable cuffs,
adjustable hem.
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Light. stretchy, packable
Spiderman pocket can upset old ladies and small
children.
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The Concept Part of the excellent Berghaus Extrem Light range
of light but technical things, the Stretch Windhsirt is pretty much
what it says on the box, a stretchy, highly wind-resistant smock with
the stretch allowing a close, tapered cut for improved fit and
performance.
There's a women's version too, though it differs in having the
funky stretchy spider's web pocket-cum-stuff sac on the upper arm
rather than the chest for obvious reasons. It aimed predominately at
fast movers, though it's obviously an option for anyone with a
lightweight walking bent too.
Features Berghaus's Airfoil Light fabric combines windproofing
with breathability they say. It's a closely woven Nylon material -
same concept as Pertex - which also has built-in stretch. The actual
design is classic fast-moving smock with a deep half zip, chest
pocket, adjustable cuffs and hem and reflective flashes for nocturnal
safety. And that's it really.
In Action We've been using the Stretch Windshirt a lot - part
of that is down to the tiny weight and tennis ball-sized pack
vaolume, which makes it easy to stick in a pack pocket - it really is
pack and forget, yet still doesn't feel flimsy like some of the fine
grade Pertex tops we've encountered.
We like the stretchiness and consequent neat fit - it's not tight
on an average user mind - and the drop tail. The fabric is excellent.
Like Pertex it's appreciably more breathable than membrane and coated
windproof fabrics we've used, which makes it ideal for high intensity
use like running.
The deep zip makes for easy venting when needed and simple cuff
and hem adjusters do the job without fuss. It's nice to have the
velcro-fastened key and change pocket too, something minimalist
garments often lack and handy if you're off for a run and have
nowhere else to stow your house keys.
We liked the look too, though that avant garde stretch pocket
design with its spider web motif split opinions. Soem thought it was
funky, others just hated it. It works well as a stash pocket though
and means there's no stuff sac to lose.
Windproof, very breathable, nice fit, great weight and pack size and
decent adjustment and venting. The black test garment probably
wouldn't be ideal on hot days and some people hated the spidery
pocket thing, but that's just about it. If you're really fussy, you
might want an adjustable neck cord, but the closely cut, high collar
is generally pretty good.
If you're after a light, breathable, fast-moving windshirt then
this is a cracker. Steer clear if you're chubby or want to wear it
over lots of layers though. Another great addition to the rather nice
Extrem Light range.
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Performance
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Value
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Pushed for time:
Brilliant, stretchty, breathable, close-fitting
windshirt. Nice design, good fabric and packs away small and
light. What more can you ask for?
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