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Gear Reviews

Rab Bergen/Vidda

£180.00

LFTO rating
Owners' rating

This is a superb general-purpose waterproof jacket that manages to tick most of the boxes for the discerning hill-walker. The Bergen has won several awards in Trail reviews. It is made from eVent fabric which offers extremely high levels of waterproofness and breathability. Like all the best jackets you get outstanding pocketing so you can store maps easily on the move and maintain access to them even when wearing a rucksack. The hood is also excellent and compared well with the best. The hood can be rolled to the collar and secured too. Freedom of movement in the sleeves is as good as the best and the fabric feels a little more durable that lighter jackets. So lots of great features here and definitely worth considering. But the hood is perhaps not quite as good as the best jackets, although there isn’t a lot in it. There are lighter jackets with more pockets, while some others have more comfortable linings. There are also longer jackets available.

Outer: 3-layer eVent
Inner: none
Fabric waterproofness: extremely waterproof
Fabric breathability: extremely breathable
Sizes: S-XXL (men’s Bergen); 10-16 (women’s Vidda)
Weight: 518g
Made in China
Stores in UK: 60

Verdict: A superb jacket for hill-walking and backpacking, but there are others that have advantages.

Users' Overall Rating (1 review)

Bergen

David Williams

UK_England

User's Overall Rating

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Performance
Build quality
Value for money

I love the RAB Bergen. It's light, works well and fits fine for the price I paid (£99). Just a couple of gripes. I wish the hood would either roll away in a collar or detach completely. I find most jacket hoods a waste of time and never use them. The problem is that the hood just hangs from its Velcro strap (no matter how tight you try to roll it up) pulling your collar down and exposing your neck to a nasty draught. Also, a pair of hand-warmer pockets around hip height would be nice. Whilst the pockets the Bergen has a convenient for stowage and neatly avoid any rucksack straps, they're a bit high for general use. Also, be aware of sizing. I'm 6'1" with a 40" chest and the small fits me fine. A medium would be far too big on me.

(Written by: Wilko)

27 December 2007 15:38

Performance
Build quality
Value for money

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Fordy says

RE: Rab Bergen/Vidda

Love this jacket for it's breathability alone. I get hot walking and this deals with perspiration superbly. I've been out in the wettest of days and it's kept me well dry. Recently purchased matching trousers which are also great.

20 October 2008 18:02