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Berghaus Extrem Micro Down insulated jacket

Written by Fiona

January 02 2017

Berghaus Extrem Micro Down jacket is one of numerous lightweight insulated jackets on the market. These types of jackets are now so popular with outdoors enthusiasts. Here is my review.

This is what I’d call a mid-range insulated jacket. It’s not a super lightweight version but nor is it the type of jacket that would be chosen for a trip to the coldest regions. It sits firmly in the middle and offers a good quality of comfort and warmth for general UK winter activities.

I would use this jacket for walking, skiiing and simply being outdoors on a cold day. It is also a good jacket for climbers. It can usefully be stuffed into your rucksack for times when you stop mid-walk or mid-ski and need a boost of warmth.

Features of the jacket:

  • Hydrodown Insulation; Hydrodown powered by Nikwax provides waterrepellent down insulation for up to 16 hours, keeping you dry in damp conditions
  • Pertex Quantum CS10 outer fabric offers a lightweight face fabric that is windproof and breathable, with strong abrasion resistance
  • Body-Mapping Technology – Micro baffles under the arms and down the side of the body provide low bulk and thermal efficiency in key areas.
  • Stitch-through baffles to reduce bulk but maintain warmth.
  • The female specific version is designed to suit the physique
  • Helmet-compatible hood with wired peak for added protection.
  • Two zipped hand pockets and a zipped outer chest pocket.
  • Weight (approx.): 390g
  • Price: £190
  • See Berghaus Extrem Micro Down jacket

Men’s Berghaus Extrem Micro Down Jacket.

My thoughts on the Berghaus Extrem Micro Down jacket

This is a great looking jacket. It fits beautifully and has a flattering female shape. The men’s version looks good, too!

The arm and torso length is excellent and while the hood is large enough to fit over a helmet, should you want to use it for skiing or climbing, it also pulls in around the head with elasticated drawcords. The wired peak is a great extra for keeping out the worst of the weather.

At around 390g the jacket feels light when you put it on but offers superb levels of warmth. For a cold winter’s day in Scotland it is enough to wear a single baselayer and this jacket over the top.

It is very effective at keeping out the wind and even manages to cope in wet weather. It’s not a jacket for wearing in torrential rain although it will still keep you warm for a while if caught out without a waterproof shell. However,  if you are in light rain the jacket somehow manages to keep you dry really well. It is that hydrodown that does that!

I did get a bit sweaty when working hard but the damp disappeared fairly quickly and these kinds of jackets do wash well in the washing machine. I use Nikwax wash and dry in the tumble drier with the addition of a tennis ball to re-puff the jacket.

Another feature I really like is the soft feel inner section to the collar so that when the jacket is fully done up it feels comfortable against the face skin.

I also the body mapping design. This means there is warmth where you really need it but reduced weight overall in the jacket because there is no requirement for extra down where you don’t need it.

It’s a lovely jacket and like most Berghaus products I have tried it looks to be long-lasting and durable. Search on-line for cheaper than RRP.

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