A lot can happen in six years. Since 2016 we’ve had one global pandemic, two Olympic Games, three national lockdowns, and (at the time of writing – it may be more by the time you read this) four Prime Ministers. It’s also been six years since Berghaus last relaunched its top-end Extrem range. Although, with everything else that’s been going on, we can forgive you if you hadn’t noticed that.
Berghaus Extrem: a quick recap
When it was originally launched back in 1986, the Extrem range helped cement Berghaus’s reputation as a brand for serious mountaineering. For a long time you couldn’t consider yourself a serious adventurer unless you were sporting a Berghaus logo somewhere on your apparel. Subsequent refreshes of Extrem have followed in the same vein, but despite this there have been growing whispers in gear shops and mumbles on the pages of website forums that Berghaus as a whole may have taken its eye off the ball.
While other brands have continued to develop their technical ranges and promote themselves as ‘top of the mountain’ gear, Berghaus has, in recent years at least, seemed more inclined to follow the mass market. It seems to be chasing the spending power of those who prefer to wear their outdoor gear on the Northern Line rather than the Northern Highlands.
Berghas Extrem relaunch
But credit where credit is due, Berghaus has admitted and acknowledged this. At the launch event for the new Extrem range, everyone from the marketing folk to the designers at Berghaus were clear in their message: Berghaus has neglected its technical offering, but the new 2022 Extrem range is going to address that, and in a big way.
We got to test some of the gear in the wintery Cairngorms earlier this year, and with the full line-up about to hit shops in preparation for winter 2022/23, we’re pleased to share with you what you can expect. Does it put Berghaus back in the game? Read on to make your mind up.
Berghaus Extrem: five things you need to know
Three mountain clothing categories
The new Extrem clothing range is divided into three categories. The MTN Arete kit is for ski touring and ski mountaineering – it tends to be lighter weight for more intense activity. The MTN Guide gear has been created for mountaineering, ice climbing and Scottish winters, and as such it’s tough, warm and reliable. The MTN Seeker clothing is aimed at those who are mostly walking in winter but may also dabble in some mountaineering – it’s this kit that seemed the best match for us.
Two packs for all
In addition to the clothing there are two rucksacks in the Extrem launch: the MTN Seeker 32 and the MTN Guide 45. Despite the names, both sit across the MTN Guide and MTN Seeker ranges, the main difference being how much you need to carry. For short Alpine days the 32-litre MTN Seeker should suffice. For bigger winter challenges, the 45-litre MTN Guide is the pack to go for.
Top materials
As you’d expect from top end mountain kit, premium fabrics and materials have been used to ensure the best performance. 3-layer Gore-Tex membranes are used in the hard shells, including Gore-Tex Pro Most Rugged in the MTN Guide jacket. Polartec Alpha, Power Wool, and Power Stretch are put to good use in the mid layers, while Pertex Quantum and Berghaus Hydrodown are paired in the Down Hoody.
Gender balance
Unlike some high-end gear where the women’s range is a fraction of the men’s, or clothing is optimistically badged as ‘unisex’, the new Extrem range is split 50/50 for men and women – anything that’s available for men is also available for women.
Mix and match
Although the three clothing ranges are divided by their uses, Berghaus fully intend for elements of the MTN Arete, MTN Guide and MTN Seeker to be interchangeable. Like the MTN Seeker GTX Jacket but prefer the MTN Guide Technical Pants? Not a problem – pick and mix to find your perfect outfit.
Verdict: The kit we’ve used has been brilliant and looks set to reposition Berghaus back at the top where it belongs.
Our favourites
MTN Seeker GTX Jacket
www.berghaus.com
Description
Although not the toughest Extrem jacket on offer (that’d be the MTN Guide GTX Pro), this felt capable of shrugging off all weather with ease. The Gore-Tex Performance 3L fabric is combined with a protective and adjustable wired hood and a cut that’s unrestrictive yet athletic in shape. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where this jacket wouldn’t be all we need.
MTN Seeker GTX Pant
www.berghaus.com
Description
These are tough, weather-beating overtrousers which, like the jacket, use Gore-Tex Performance 3L fabric. The side zips are ¾ length for pulling over chunky footwear and venting, and a studded ankle closure reduces volume around the boot cuff. There’s an elastic backed waist and belt loops and braces attachment points for extra security.
MTN Guide 45+ Rucksack
www.berghaus.com
This versatile pack will do almost anything you want it to. Strip it right back – including removing the floating lid – and it’s a lightweight (1060g) 45-litre daypack. With the lid on and fully extended, the volume expands to around 50 litres for full winter days carrying all the layers and equipment you need. And it feels bomb-proof too.