Berghaus Blencathra Waterproof Jacket
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

	Blencathra Waterproof Jacket Vital Statistics: Colours: Men: Chilli Petter/Thunder, Limoges/Eclipse, Treetop/Highland Green and Black Women: Black, Deep Berry/Jave/Barberry Pink, Amethyst/Grape Compote, Palestone/Tasmania Sizes: Men : S - XXL Women 8 - 18 SRP: £100.00

Blencathra Waterproof Jacket

Vital Statistics:

Colours:

Men: Chilli Petter/Thunder, Limoges/Eclipse, Treetop/Highland Green and Black
Women: Black, Deep Berry/Jave/Barberry Pink, Amethyst/Grape Compote, Palestone/Tasmania

Sizes:

Men : S - XXL
Women 8 - 18

SRP:
£100.00

Berghaus says:"Also sold as part of Berghaus InterActive (IA) system with inner fleece jacket (Blencathra 3-in-1) SRP £140"

Features to Note:

Fabric (outer shell) - Berghaus' proprietary AQ™2 fabric technology
Fabric (lining) Dry Mesh & nylon Waterproof
Windproof
Breathable
Roll away hood with wired visor and volume adjuster

In-use Test:

My initial outing with the Blencathra was on a trip to the Roaches on a reasonably mild but very rainy Autumn day. Consequently I had removed the inner fleece and was wearing the jacket over my usual breathable base layer.

My initial impressions were good. The Blencathra is true to size and is a good length jacket for walking with a generous sleeve length too. The sleeve cuffs are elasticated but also have a velcro fastening.

There are two good sized hand warmer pockets that did stay dry and that are just about accessible with a backpack on. There is also a map sized pocket on the outside so you don't have to unzip the jacket to get a map - but this is not a 'dry' pocket.

The stow-away hood has quite a good peak but apart from that is basic - there is no face-guard which I think is an omission for winter walking.

There is good storm flap over main front zip - this zip is quite substantial and engages reasonable easily but does always seems to catch just before top.

My main issue with this jacket is the breathability of the fabric. I do tend to run-hot and I was wearing the Blencathra during persistent rain on a mild-ish autumn day. However, for a lot of the day I did feel uncomfortably clammy and the inside of the jacket did at times feel quite wet which I attribute to a build up of condensation and not a lack of waterproofness.

Buying Advice:

You'll need a jacket with a more breathable fabric for higher level winter walking or for other higher energy acitivities. However Berghaus' Blencathra may suit you as a good looking jacket for short, lower level walking or more general leisure wear.

What do you think?

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