Berghaus gave us a peep at their 2007 gear back in July but there was quite a lot of new stuff in the pipeline to get our heads around. So, we met up with them again last week for a more in-depth look at the latest innovations ...
The footwear
What's new? - The Opti Stud system. Imagine a scaled-down version of a landrover's tyres and you're on the right lines ...
How does it work? - Standard studs sheer out of the way when they come into contact with a hard surface. Opti Studs, on the other hand, are supposed to work a bit like landrover tyes, which drive into the ground with increasing resistance as the vehicle 'steps' on them. Each stud has two smaller ones linked up behind it, to reinforce the initial grip.
The studs come in three sizes, depending on the speed you're moving at. Small studs for trail running shoes; medium for approach shoes; large for boots. Easy as that really. They also vary in size across the sole of the foot, in proportion to the pressure loading. So, the largest studs run down the centre, where you're putting most of your weight, with the size decreasing towards the edge. That way, the level of grip should be even all the way across.
We'll be getting some in to test in the not too far future, so watch this space.
And more footwear ...
Single layer construction - It doesn't look like a single-layer trail shoe ...
... but actually the extra protection is injected into the fabric, rather than being built up in separate layers. This means you get a lighter shoe and a more flexible one. The protection's all designed to mirror the flex pattern of your foot, instead of a rubber rand providing protection all over, and that goes (to varying extents) whether you're wearing trail shoes or even Berghaus sandals.
How's that for a last? - It's not just the grips and protection that have had a re-design - it's the shape as well. The new Berghaus last is the turquoise one below, and the white one shows the old shape. Basically, new Berghaus footwear will be more fitted around the heel and with more of a curved shape around the arch of the foot, rather than the flatter-shape of the old design. See for yourself...
From the bottom, here's the flat version ...
... and the curved version.
Size - Ever had a problem with Berghaus footwear coming up half a size too small? Well, it's all been readjusted to fit in with other manufacturers' sizes - should come in handy if you're thinking of buying on-line.
Rucksacks
Bio-flex - Two years on from the launch of the Bioflex system, it's time for a few upgrades. The most common criticism of the system is that it's a bit tight around the shoulders if you're well built. Hence, Berghaus has reduced the thickness of the padding so it doesn't stick out quite as much. Two new aluminium bars have also been added to the upper back - see the arrow below - and they're pre-bent into the most comfortable position for the average walker. You can straighten them if you prefer, but changing the position too many times isn't advised.
The other changes are a bit easier to spot. The two separate shoulder pads have been combined into a single support for the upper back, for extra stability. Oh yes, and the straps are a bit more curvey.
Freeflow - We've now reached the fourth incarnation of the Freeflow and it's still heading for destination breathability. To add to the fist-sized scoop out of the mesh back system, that you find in the lower back section of the Freeflow 3, there's now another scoop out of the upper back. The more moisture escape routes the better. The shoulder straps have also been filled with Evabreathe fabric so they look kind of new age and, more importantly, full of evaporation holes.
Travel Clothing
Here's the Berghaus graph showing what percentage of an item of clothing will have dried after an hour, according to the fabric it's made from. Guess which material they've used in their new range of travel wear? And no, there aren't any prizes for guessing:-)
For more information about Berghaus gear, have a look at the Berghaus website or keep your eyes peeled in the shops next Spring.
