Kit review: Berghaus Bowscale Gore-tex jacket

2011/11/14

Envy is not a strong enough word to describe the G-Force and his reaction to my Gore-tex Active Shell test jacket. Then, as if by magic (or thanks to the kindness of me, his partner) the opportunity arose to test a Gore-tex jacket of his own. While it is not made of Gore-tex’s super new active shell fabric, the Berghaus Bowscale Gore-tex jacket still ticks a good number of outdoor clothing wish list boxes – and helps to make the G-Force feel a little better about his waterproof jacket wardrobe. (I overheard him mumbling: “But you have a waterproof jacket for all occasions, and a rucksack, and it doesn’t feel very fair.” I kid you not!)

At £140, the Berghaus Bowscale is for hill walking in all weathers and one of the more affordable Gore-tex jackets on the market. This doesn’t mean that quality is compromised. Gore-tex ensure that all their waterproof jackets meet exacting standards on waterproofing, breathability and design. The Bowscale is meant to offer masses of protection against wind, rain and sweat.

Berghaus Bowscale Gore-tex waterproof jacket

The blurb says: Face the wettest weather and hike on with the Men’s Bowscale GORE-TEX® Jacket. And…Delivering all the protection you would expect from a Berghaus garment – the Bowscale is constructed of 2-layer GORE-TEX® Performance Shell and features a roll away, adjustable, peaked hood ensuring you stay dry whatever the weather.

The technical detailing says:

A comfortable and unique fit is achieved with the elasticated and adjustable hem drawcord and bonded self fabricated cuffs with hook and loop closure.
Essentials can be kept close at hand with the two external zipped pockets and internal zipped pocket.
Guaranteed to keep you dry. GORE-TEX® technology has been helping people explore the outdoors for over thirty years by guaranteeing their dryness and comfort.

What the G-Force says: “First impressions are, nice shape and no unnecessary extras. There is so much choice when it comes to Gore-tex jackets so you really need to think about what is is you’ll use the jacket for. This is not what I’d call a hi-tech winter mountain jacket but more of a great all-round waterproof jacket, ideal for summer and lower level winter walking.

“The fit is great. It’s a snug fit but still with room for being active. So you could use the jacket for a range of outdoors activities, including walking and cross country skiing. What I like, too, is that this jacket would be great for also wearing when going to the pub or to the shops on a wet day. It’s sort a smart-look outdoors jacket.

“Again, this is not the lightest or most technical waterproof jacket out there but most people do not need a jacket that is too hi-tech. You pay for all those extras such as internal skirts, extra durable shoulders, more pockets etc. This Bowscale is ideal for day hikes in the hills in summer, winter walking on trails and enjoying fabulous beach walks with the family. That kind of thing.

“I like the feel of the jacket, too. It has a nice and flexible fabric and when windy and rainy this jacket has really stood up to the conditions. The two layers, with a softer, inner layer is great if you just want to wear a short-sleeved or thin baselayer underneath. Many Gore-tex jackets feel cold and sticky against the skin, but this Bowscale doesn’t at all.

“I’m really impressed with the look and performance of this jacket for just £140 and would recommend it to anyone who likes their outdoor walking but doesn’t want to pay masses of money for a mountain-style waterproof.”

The G-Force was then seen hanging up his new Gore-tex jacket alongside three of his other jackets. The smile on his face said it all: “Ah, a wardrobe of waterproof jackets that might one day match FionaOutdoors!”

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