Just In - Berghaus Teton Soft Shell Jacket

With temperatures dropping fast, we've just got our paws on a new for winter 2009 Berghaus Teton Soft Shell, an interesting Gore Windstopper Soft Shell top with a soft, silky, fur-like pile lining.


Berghaus says the jacket's aimed at the 'the experienced winter mountaineer, who demands high performance combined with ultimate versatility' and there's a DWR treatment applied for added water resistance. In fact Windstopper fabric is effectively waterproof, though because usually seams aren't taped, garments made from the fabric aren't actually waterproof, just windproof and very water resistant, eventually they will leak from the seams.


The first thing you notice about the Teton is the short pile lining, it's a light grey colour and feels like, oooh, short mink fur or something vaguely animalish anyway. We'd guess it adds something just short of microfleece warmth to the jacket.

Fit is standard Berghaus rather than the Extrem cut, so it's less tapered than the brand's top-end climbing kit, leaving more room for underlayers. Lots of pockets - two handwarmers with soft lining, one chest and a sleeve pocket - and two great big pit-zips.


The latter are a very good idea on Windstopper in the UK. In our opinion, while the fabric works very well in cold, dry, alpine conditions, on damper, warmer, UK hills, it can use a little venting help if you're not going to broil in the bag.

Hood Or No Hood

There's no hood on the Teton which will be a deal-breaker for some users, but preferred by others. Cuffs, hem and collar are all adjustable to maximise weather protection, also good to see seamless shoulders for comfortable pack use.


Interestingly, the women's version of the jacket - above - retails for the same price but appears to have a full-on hood, we're not sure how that works, but if you're a woman who likes hoods, you're in luck.

We do like the fabric and we'll be interested to see how it performs. Generally all-in-one shell and insulation is less versatile than layered garments, but the big pit-zips and relatively low levels of insulation may just off-set that.

Weight is a chunky 810 grammes and price £160.

More information at www.berghaus.com