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Review: Berghaus Mehan Vented women’s jacket

Written by Fiona

January 11 2022

The Berghaus female-specific Mehan Vented jacket is a performance shell, designed for moving fast and light on the trails. Made of Berghaus award-winning Hydroshell™ 2.5L fabric, its features and design offer both protection and comfort. Part of Berghaus’ MADEKIND commitment to making more sustainable products, the Mehan Vented is made with bluesign® approved materials and includes a PFC-free durable water-repellent treatment on the face fabric. I have been testing the jacket over several months.

Features include:

  • Wet weather protection Hydroshell™ 2.5L fabric
  • Zipped underarms for venting
  • Breathable, stretch fabric made for comfort
  • Soft chin guard
  • Adjustable cuffs
  • Dual adjustment hem
  • Two zipped hand pockets
  • Peaked hood
  • Weight: 300g (UK10; weighed by me)
  • Women’s sizes; UK8 to 18
  • Women’s colours: Blue, black and red.
  • RRP: £150. See Amazon. (I receive a small commission for sales.)
  • See Berghaus Mehan Vented Jacket.

My thoughts: Berghaus Mehan Vented women’s jacket

This is a mid-weight waterproof jacket that is best suited to fast-moving activities, such as walking or run-hiking. It is waterproof enough to cope with rain for hours but not as durably waterproof as mountain jackets, such as the recently reviewed Salewa Fanes Wool Powertex jacket. It would also be useful for all-day running in the hills, although I tend to use the OMM Kamleika jacket as a preference because it fits more neatly and it is more breathable.

The fabric of the Berghaus Mehan Vented women’s jacket is soft to the touch on the outside and quite stretchy. It is very easy to wear.

The inside of the jacket is cool touch / feel and I am not keen on this sort of fabric being on bare skin because it feels a bit clammy. For this reason I’d wear it with a long-sleeved top underneath, rather than a t-shirt.

The under-arm vents are really useful. I wish more jackets had these because they offer a great way to cool down when moving faster but without the need to take off the jacket.

The size is generous. I always find Berghaus jackets quite roomy. The UK10 fits me nicely in the length but it’s a bit wide for me, especially around the hips.

The zipped hand pockets are useful although they are not accessible when wearing a traditional rucksack with a waistbelt. If you have a hydration pack that sits higher on the back and shoulders, you’ll be able to use the hand pockets.

The hood is adjustable and has a small rigid peak, which is very helpful wet it’s raining (especially if you wear glasses, like I do).

In terms of breathability, I’d call this a moderately breathable jacket. If I work too hard, for example, walking fast uphill or when I run, I end up a bit sweaty inside the jacket. I appreciate that it is difficult to balance waterproofing and breathability.

The blue and red are great colours. I am not keen on black colour ways for jackets but that’s a personal thing.

I also like the eco-credentials. The more of this I see among outdoor clothing brands the better.

Be aware that this is not a long jacket, so it might not work too well in sustained rain unless you have waterproof trousers to wear with it.

The price is fair for a jacket by a good quality brand.

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