Berghaus Voltage/Electra (2014)

The Berghaus Voltage for men and Electra for women feels nice and robust compared to other lightweight jackets and that makes it instantly appealing for hillwalking as it means it should be better able to trap air around the body than softer and more flexible materials. The fabric is Gore-Active Shell, a well proven development from the house of Gore that I have been very impressed with for lightweight hillwalking. The jacket is designed with a good water-resistant zip up the front that also benefits from a stiff internal flap to block out wind and water that may pass through the zip. There are just two pockets and these are disappointing as although they are map-sized the zip opening and pocket bag sits directly under rucksack straps so they are not ideal for walking with a rucksack. The pockets are also mesh-lined, as in many lightweight jackets, so water can pass through the jacket in this area. The hood is also a little bit of a letdown compared to most Berghaus jackets as it does not move well with the head. It does have a stiffened peak though. If you want a lightweight jacket for hillwalking there are better options than the Berghaus Voltage/Electra around this price.

Specifications:

Fabric Gore Active Shell

Lining none

Men’s sizes S-XXL (Voltage)

Women’s sizes 8-18 (Electra)

External pockets 2

Stowable hood? yes

Side/pit zips no

Weight 352g (men’s size L)

Website www.berghaus.com

Verdict

The Voltage/Electra is not one of Berghaus’s best jackets sadly as the pocket and hood design are not up to the brand’s normal high standards.

Review by Graham Thompson

Just missed out on featuring in Trail magazine July 2014