The Berghaus Extrem Reversa jacket is a lightweight, insulated hoody jacket that has the option of being worn one side or the other. On one side is a more breathable fabric, while on the other is a windproof fabric.
The idea is that depending on the conditions and your own body temperature you can choose to wear it as a warmer layer or as a more breathable and therefore cooler layer.
Berghaus state that the Extrem Reversa jacket has been created for people who want to move fast in the hills. So you could be a walker, runner or mountain biker.
The jacket features “highly breathable” 80g Hydroloft Elite Pro insulation. It’s claimed this will keep you warm even when it’s wet.
Other feature include:
- Pertex Microlight fabric hood.
- Weight (approx.): Women’s: 321g; Men’s: 357g.
- #TestYourExtrem
- Prcie: RRP £170
- See Berghaus Women’s Extrem Reversa Jacket and Men’s Berghaus Reversa jacket
On test: Berghaus Extrem Reversa jacket
I have tested the women’s jacket, which is a great fit and looks smart yet functional. It is useful for a range of activities, including being most useful for walking and being generally outdoors. For cyclists and runners it’s useful because you can easily stow it in a rucksack and use it when you stop for a breather.
I have worn it with success for a variety of situations including hill walking/running, as a just-in-case layer in my rucksack and also to the pub for a meal in the evenings.
The two sides to the jacket are a great idea and they both do as they suggest. I had thought it would make no difference which side I had to the outside but I found there is a difference.
The wind-resistant side keeps you warmer and the more breathable side allows more air to circulate and this is a bonus when you are working harder, such as walking uphill.
Even in quite chilly Scottish conditions in autumn, this jacket kept me warm over a long-sleeved baselayer. Considering it’s so lightweight, I was surprised by how effective it is.
When the rain became heavier I simply added a waterproof jacket for water-resistance and warmth.
It would be great if the jacket had a bit more give in the fabric or some stretch for better freedom of movement.
I tested the jacket for warmth when damp by wearing it while sweating hard. It still kept me remarkably warm. The only problem is that after a while the sweat dries into the jacket and becomes a bit whiffy. That means you need to wash the jacket.
I did this with an outdoor clothing specific washing solution and then tumble-dried the jacket. It returned almost to brand new.
There are zipped pockets on only one side, the windproof side, which is a bit annoying as I’d prefer them on both sides. A two-way zip would be a good addition, instead of the one-way zip.
Men’s Berghaus Extrem Reversa jacket.
Pros: Great fit; clever reversible design; nice colours; versatile; useful hood.
Cons: Bit pricey; sleeves a bit short; needs a bit more stretch; pockets only on one side.
See Berghaus.