FAQS


How did Berghaus start up?

Back in 1966, a day out on the hills or crags could often be spent without seeing a soul. Those people who did get out there tended to know, or at least know of, each other. It was in this environment that two keen climbers and mountaineers from the North East of England opened the first specialist outdoor retail store in Newcastle upon Tyne. The LD Mountain Centre quickly made its mark and joint founders Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison began to build an excellent reputation. The new store imported a range of products for UK distribution and this wholesale arm of the business needed a name. Thus, ‘Berghaus’ was born.


So why the name 'Berghaus'?

The name 'Berghaus' was a translation of the shop name into German. Thus Mountain Centre became Berghaus.


Is Berghaus a UK company?

Yes, Berghaus was started by two Geordie lads, Gordon Davison and Peter Lockey. The company started life as the L D Mountain Centre Limited in February 1966. The Berghaus name was created for products the very next year. Gordon and Peter sold the business to Pentland in 1993.


Who are Pentland?

Pentland is a family owned business based in Finchley in North London. Pentland own several well known brands in the Outdoor, Sports and Fashion markets including Brasher, Speedo, Ellesse, Ted Baker, Kickers and Red or Dead.


How do I wash Gore-Tex or Aquafoil?

  • Check label for wash instructions on internal label and follow them.
  • 40° Wash using pure soap and extra rinse
  • Drip dry
  • When dry or just before put in tumble dryer for 10 minutes on warm setting.


How can I reproof Aquafoil and Gore-Tex?

All Gore-Tex and Aquafoil Garments have a water repellent treatment added to the external face fabric. This prevents the face fabric from holding a large quantity of water which would have a considerable cooling effect on the body. This is sometimes referred to as ‘wetting out’.
The term ‘reproof’ is misleading and we prefer to call the process re-treatment. Re-treatment only needs to be carried out when the original treatment has worn out. Ensure the jacket has been washed in accordance with the washing instructions including the final tumble dry on a warm setting. If the outer fabric will not repel the water then re-treatment is required.
Use only products suitable for breathable waterproofs which come as wash in or spray on versions. The wash in version is much more user friendly. Once the garment has been re-treated once it is likely that it will require re-treatment every time it is washed.


How do I wash Aquafoil?

Wash as for Gore-Tex.


What is the difference between 2 and 3 layer Gore-Tex garment constructions?

A 3 layer garment is made from 3 layer Gore-Tex. The Gore-Tex membrane is sandwiched between the face fabric on the outside and a knit scrim fabric on the inside - all laminated together to appear as one layer.
A 2 layer garment is made from 2 layer Gore-Tex. The Gore-Tex has only the face fabric laminated on the outside. To protect the Gore-Tex on the inside when made up as a garment, a loose lining is added, usually a mesh lining for extra breathability.


How waterproof are Berghaus jackets?

Both Gore-Tex and Aquafoil fabrics are waterproof and will not let water in even where there is pressure from rucsac straps etc. So the issue is how long the garments will be waterproof.
Gore-tex is extremely durable waterproof and many consumers have jackets over 20 years old that still perform well.
Aquafoil is durable and most consumers will get many years usage from their jackets.


How breathable are Berghaus jackets?

There are many ways to measure breathability of fabrics in the lab but results can vary by up to 50% between different methods. Also these tests do not take into account pocket layers, linings and taped seams etc.
At Berghaus we use lab tests backed up with field testing to gain a good understanding of how breathable our jackets are. Using standard Gore-Tex Performance Shell  jackets as a benchmark the following is a guide as to how breathable our garments are.
Gore-Tex Pro Shell 30+% more breathable
PacLite 35 – 40% more breathable
Aquafoil 25 – 35% less breathable


How do I care for my Berghaus rucsacs?

Rucsacs will generally not like a visit to the washing machine. Use a warm damp cloth to remove dirt and allow to dry naturally. A soap agent can be used but rinsing is difficult so do not use unless really necessary.


What is the Berghaus guarantee?

We guarantee our products for the original purchaser against any faults in fabrics / components or construction. We put no time limit on this but the guarantee does not cover wear and tear, misuse or incorrect care.


How do I care for my footwear?

  • Wipe down with a damp cloth after use.
  •  Use newspaper inside if damp.
  • Use care products from Nikwax or Grangers that are suitable for Gore-tex footwear. These products will add water repellence to the outer fabrics without reducing breathability.

How do I fit a load carrying sac?

  • Slacken off all adjustment.
  • Load sac with at least 10 kg
  • Put on back and fasten hip belt around waist and let it slip down to a comfortable position.
  • Tighten shoulder straps.
  • Use cinch straps and shoulder tension straps to take up the slack and make sac more stable. Do not over tighten.
  • Tension strap should go from top of shoulder to sac at about 20 – 30 degrees. If not, adjust back length to suit.