A new waterproof shell, the Storen by Bergans of Norway, promises maximum weather protection, outstanding breathability and freedom of movement.
I have tested and worn Bergans of Norway gear before and liked it very much. It is high quality and well designed although the price is usually quite high. The Storen sells for £380, which isn’t cheap.
Features of the Storen jacket:
- 3-layer Dermizax NX (100% nylon) fabric
- 2-way stretch material
- Waterproof and windproof with excellent breathability
- Shorter design at the front, relative to the back, to prevent interference with hip flexor movements
- Articulated elbows
- Comfort fit to allow the wearing of a heat-insulating layer underneath
- Extra wide opening at the wrists for fitting the jacket over gloves
- Velcro wrist adjustment on sleeves
- One-hand elastic drawstring at hem
- Climbing helmet-compatible hood
- Long underarm zip vents
- Two hand pockets
- One chest pocket
- Inner mesh pocket for optimum breathability and ventilation
- Reflective details
- Low weight (460g) and minimal packing volume.
What’s good about the Bergans of Norway Storen jacket
Wider cuffs of the Bergans of Norway Storen jacket.
The first thing that I really, really like is the wider sleeves at the wrist. For years I have struggled to fit the sleeves of my waterproof jacket over winter gloves. If you have the sleeves inside the gloves all the rain runs down the sleeves and into the gloves.
Yet most women’s waterproof jackets have very narrow sleeves. So, thank you Bergans for sorting this out.
The general fit is also good. It’s a generous sizing to allow for mid-layers under the jacket. This is a good idea for winter walking, skiing, climbing or ski touring. Yet the jacket doesn’t look baggy or unflattering. It’s just a bit roomier in all the right places than other winter waterproofs.
The jacket is also lightweight for a winter waterproof jacket. But the fabric still offers great weather-proofing. It feels strong and durable and certainly keeps out the rain and wind.
Breathability is great as well and I didn’t feel too sweaty when working hard climbing a hill in fairly warm autumnal conditions.
I also like the stretch in the fabric. Lots more brands are adding stretch to fabrics and this offers extra freedom of movement. These days you do not expect a jacket to feel stiff and uncompromising, rather you expect it to be soft, slightly stretchy and still very weather-proofed.
The jacket also packs down into a small space if you want to stow it in your rucksack.
Other thoughtful features are the long underarm zips. For activities, such as ski touring, these are a godsend because you will become hot on the way up the slope, so you can unzip the underarms for extra air, yet you’ll probably want to zip up the underarms when skiing back down the slope.
There are lots of pockets, including hand pockets that do not interfere with a hip belt when carrying a backpack or wearing a harness.
Another nice detail is the soft fabric at the top-back of the zip. When the zip is fully zipped up the soft fabric is against the chin so there is no irritating rub of more abrasive waterproof fabric.
Longer back of the Bergans of Norway Storen jacket.
The longer back and higher front isn’t something I would imagine to be that useful but if you are climbing or bending over a lot, for example while skiing, I can see this design being useful because it means the front of the jacket will not get in the way of your hips flexing.
Having a longer back is good for stopping the wind and rain making your butt cold and wet!
What’s not so good about the Bergans of Norway Storen jacket
I do not like the pink too much. The jacket I have been testing is “hot pink” and purple with mustard details. I would choose another colour from this range.
I found the two-way front zip to be a bit cranky when first connecting it together. It feels stiff but it might well ease off with use.
I do think that £380 is a lot for a waterproof jacket but it comes with the acclaimed Bergans of Norway branding and it looks like a jacket that would last a good number of seasons.
Also, you tend to pay more for good designs. Creating a lightweight winter waterproof that also copes well with bad weather takes a lot of thought and design input.
Buy from Cotswold Outdoor. Bergans of Norway women’s Storen and Bergans of Norway men’s Storen.