I have been testing a pair of Berghaus Farren leggings. The leggings – and trousers of the same name – are part of a new collection created with ZonalAdapt. This is described as responsive legwear technology that is engineered to adapt to the way women’s bodies move and change. The product is also part of is part of Berghaus’ innovation initiative MtnHaus.
I need to confess that I am not a huge fan of leggings, at least I don’t like the look of leggings on me. Plus, I have often found that leggings and tights fall down at the crotch.
I prefer a bit of cover up in the upper thigh and bum area and leggings always make me feel rather exposed. One solution I have is to wear shorts or a skort over the top of leggings. It might not be the best look either, but I like to feel comfortable.
Here are my thoughts on the Farren leggings after wearing them for running and hiking.
What is ZonalAdapt?
First, let’s look at ZonalAdapt technology. This is the result of an 18-month project that has been informed by consumer insights. The quantitative research found that more than 50 per cent of women avoid wearing their favourite clothes due to bloating, while seven in 10 feel restricted in leggings when their bodies fluctuate.
Women report feeling self-conscious when bloated, two and a half times more than men.
Features of Farren leggings and trousers
- Responsive waistband. A front panel that redirects pressure from the stomach during bloating.
- Targeted compression zones. Activates the leg muscles and stimulates lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness and fatigue. This also helps to keep leggings in place without relying on a restrictive waistband.
- Lumbar support panel. Grips the lower back to create support at the base of the spine and hold the leggings in place – without adding pressure to the stomach.
The Berghaus Farren products are made with LYCRA® ADAPTIV™ fibre (78% polyamide 22% elastane), which adapts to the body’s shape, delivering stretch, support and comfort.
The legwear is available exclusively at www.berghaus.com. The leggings are priced £100, in sizes from XS (6-8) to XXL (18-20), and the trousers are £135, in sizes from 8-20. Both are available in black and green.
I have the size small Farren leggings in green.
My thoughts: Berghaus Farren leggings
The fit is really good. The leggings felt comfortable as soon as I put them on; like a second skin. I don’t tend to suffer with stomach bloating too frequently thankfully although I know many women who do. The merina coil and menopause have put an end to periods, so PMT bloating is a previous problem. However, I hate tight waistbands, so it has been a welcome blessing to have running and hiking tights with very little pressure on the waist or stomach.
The tights sit up quite high on the waist and over the stomach but without any pressure. The design is a sort of overlap of fabric – it looks a bit similar to pregnancy wear! – that adjusts and moves to fit nicely over the stomach area.
I noticed there is also a lumbar support panel. I am not sure I felt this being a benefit while running and hiking although it definitely wasn’t a negative either. In any case, it all felt very comfortable around the waist, back and stomach areas.
The fabric is light and soft yet also supportive on the legs. The seams do not irritate. I could move very freely in the leggings and there was no pulling. This meant the tights stayed up and they didn’t bunch at the knees.
I felt my bum looked a bit “exposed” in the fabric and I could too easily see the line of my pants through the fabric. I think it would be good to have an extra layer or fabric or more support in this area. I am not talking about the butt enhancing style design that many gym tights and shorts seem to have these days but rather a more durable and robust area of fabric.
The leggings have targeted compression zones to “activate the leg muscles and stimulate lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness and fatigue”. Again, it’s hard to know if this is working, or not, although I didn’t have any negative sensations so it’s possible the leggings did do what they said they would.
I have used the leggings on longer hikes and shorter runs and they felt great. The most impressive aspect is the fit and comfort. My leg muscles also felt good, too.
The fabric weight is better suited to cooler autumn and spring days, rather than full-on winter. On cold winter days with windchill I will be more likely to wear fleece-lined leggings, or pop a pair of waterproof trousers over the top.
Also, it’s worth noting that the lower part of the leggings started to bobble when I used them in the Scottish hills due to lots of deep heather. A tip is to wear gaiters over the top to prevent snagging and unnecessary wear.
I like the addition of two side pockets for carrying items such as a phone.
The price is quite high for leggings although I do understand they have quite a bit of technical input. If you are looking for high comfort leggings for running and hiking and designed specifically for women, especially the clever waist area, the Berghaus Ferren leggings are worth a try.