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Our new Adivce Page

 

Hi Everyone,

It dawned on me that I get all this good advice from my walking club that I should be sharing it on to you. So I have created an advice page, have a look and let me know what you think.

If you have any good advice and would like to share it, please email it to me and I will post on my site.

You can contact me at Martin@berghausjackets.net

 

Hiking Safety Guidelines For Mud Season

Hi everyone, just another post on safety advice. It’s important you keep safe and enjoy yourself.

As the ground begins to thaw and rain and melting snow saturate the environment during late winter and early spring, hiking trails become especially muddy. This is whats called mud season. Some parks ask hikers to remain off the trails during this period, while others remain open but really should be given caution.

If you cannot wait to get a jump on the trails this springtime and intend to brave mud season hiking, keep these considerations in your mind:

Walking Safety Suggestions

Hiking trails can change considerably during mud season, and a route you understand well throughout the summer can throw you for a loop during early spring.

--Trailheads that seem dry may result in increasing mud as you continually climb.
--Runoff causes streams to swell up, while ice and snow can hang around at higher elevations well into late spring.
--Rocks could have become loose and unstable caused by water seeping into crevices and freezing, then thawing. Rockfalls are more liable during this time period.

When hiking this early in the year, it's a wise idea to play it safe and adhere to fairly flat trails at lower levels as well as in hardwood forest areas. The safest trails are usually the designated recreation paths in parks and forests.

While trekking, exercise care, especially if climbing over rock scrambles. Never stop beneath outcroppings or steep rock walls. If a trail becomes especially muddy, appraise the situation before continuing:

--Will this trail become steep enough to get unsafe from the slippery mud?
--Are mudslides a hazard as a result of rises or drop-offs near the trail?
--Will the mud slow the hiking party down enough to discourage you against reaching your destination inside a reasonable amount of time?

If your response to any of these questions is yes, your safest bet would be to turnaround or choose another path.

Safeguarding the Environment

Not only do trails are more dangerous during mud season, but nature gets to be more vulnerable. Soil becomes especially prone to erosion, in addition to a high-traffic mud season might cause permanent damage to some trails. Never trample over the vegetation along the side of a trail to be able to bypass a muddy spot.

A great deal of traffic at the begining of spring also can result in the trail to need more maintenance through the rest of the year. Some parks departments will spread wood mulch on popular trails in order to make them safer for walkers. A heavy population of pine trees can provide a great all natural mud deterrent, as pine needles mix well with the mud to make safer walking beds.

Bringing the best Hiking Gear

Essential gear for mud season hiking is significantly exactly like for almost any other season, with just a few additions:

--Thick socks and sturdy hiking boots with good traction. At higher elevations, it's a wise idea to bring crampons and trekking poles for added help past the slippery areas.
--Long pants or jeans to protect your legs and keep you warm when the weather turns.
--A waterproof jacket or poncho in case there is a downpour.
--Plenty of food and water.
--Emergency supplies such as bandages, antibiotic ointment, an LED flashlight along with a cellular telephone. Additionally it is good to hold a survival knife or multi-tool available.

Walking during mud season is often rewarding, yet it does require extra planning, extra caution and extra awareness of the requirements of the environment.

Winter Hiking -Techniques for Winter Hiking You Must Know

Hi Everyone, just thought I’d share some techniques from walking club that were given out at our last meeting, enjoy and be safe.

Merely because its cold and wet or perhaps snowy outside does not mean you will need to put your walking on hold. Winter walking can be fun and invigorating. However, there's something you should know. Listed here are techniques to winter walking that will assist you have fun and keep you safe.

Winter hiking results in a completely new meaning towards sport. Trails you are acquainted with when it's warmer take on a new look in the winter months. Similar trails may be completely different with new challenges.

However you should be smart when venturing out for any winter hike. One must always prepare yourself. Failure to prepare adequately can make the hike dangerous.

The first thing to be aware of is the fact that in the wintertime weather conditions can alter very dramatically immediately. You have to dress to keep warm and dry. And everything you wear ought to be layered. This way when the weather changes or your activity level increases or decreased you may either remove clothing or increase it.

Start out with a good pair of thermal under wear. This is an excellent first layer given it can assist you with sweating. You need this underwear to be of a material that should wick (or draw the moisture from the skin). Cotton will not wick well; it's going to hold on to the moisture and cause you to chill. Find thermal underwear produced from synthetic material or wool blends.

The subsequent layer will assist you to insulate the body and keep in your body heat. The most common form of materials for this are wool, down or fleece.

The surface you wear should not only insulate but also be waterproof. Ensure that you steer clear of water resistant products. They normally are not nearly as good at keeping water out as those labeled water-proof. Gortex is an excellent product that is made to be waterproof.

It is a fact that the body will lose warmth by your head. Be sure you wear some kind of protection for the head that properly covers the head and ears. Make sure this head protection is insulated and water-proof.

For the opposite end, wear thick socks that also have wicking characteristics. Common blends that work well are: Smartwool and Thorlow. Be sure your hiking boots are waterproof.

Whenever you hike in the winter the body will almost certainly keep working harder at staying warm and will also cause it to use-up more calories. For that reason you should eat more high calorie energy food than you'd probably on warmer weather hikes.

Hydration should invariably be at the top of the list for hiking every time. Don't be fooled that simply because the sun isn't beating down you will want less water. Take a good amount of water. The thing you need to be concerned for is usually to keep your water from freezing. You can get special designed hydration packs that are insulated and in some cases the straws are insulated. Some hikers start with the water in their pack warm or hot, understanding that it will cool when they head outdoors.

Walking in Fog, Snow and Sub-Zero Temperature conditions

Hi Everyone, I know it’s been a while, but I thought I’d start the New Year with some safety advice.

The elements in high mountain ranges are typically volatile every now and then. Snow, fog and extreme cold not simply occur in the cold winter months but also in summer as well.

Walkers should be ready for the cold and wet problems that they can encounter at least with their hiking and camping equipment. Hypothermia is really a major threat so take great consideration to safeguard against it.

Fog

Fog usually happens in unsettled weather for example , in the high mountains, on moorland, and along some coastlines. A bank of fog may come in a short time and there is not a chance to outrun it.

Fog dangerously obscures the landscape so hikers be afflicted by navigation. Landmarks could become impossible to distinguish which almost renders your map and compass useless. A GPS receiver could well be invaluable at this point to search out your exact position.

It is cold, wet and quite often windy in a bank of fog. Once you see a bank of fog coming your direction, you should definitely slip on another layer of clothing and remember your raincoat and waterproof pants.

Combine layers if you want to stop more frequently to navigate. Keep in close contact when you are in a group to guarantee not one person gets lost. Use a whistle to grab attention.

Unexpected Snowfall

Snowstorms may happen anytime on the world's highest mountain ranges, even during summer. The snowfall might be small but every so often it can last for prolonged periods, covering your trail.

Could very well be delayed a little but summer snow melts fast to ensure you have a chance to catch up. However, summer trails are not created with snow in mind. Even a thin layer of snow makes crossing rocky, uneven terrain hazardous. A walking stick or trekking pole will assist you to help keep your balance.

Finding your way can be hard when the trail is covered with snow. You will have better luck navigating to a new visible destination instead of seeking to adhere to a trail buried under snow.

Sub-Zero Temperatures

Sudden and extreme cold is actually achievable in mountain ranges. A dangerous situation arises in summer when cold temperatures will probably be coupled with rain. This adds to the probability of hypothermia.

You have to stay dry. In the event you get wet, it's essential that you get hot rapidly.

Avalanches

In the winter months or late springtime, avalanches are most likely to occur. They are most frequent over the sun facing side on the slope in addition, on the leeward side of the ridge.

Avalanches continue with the same path continuously, so slopes with sheared off trees are a sure sign of danger and so is a clear chute below a cornice.

Most avalanches occur on slopes which are at an angle of 30 - 45 degrees. They're almost certainly going to happen in the 24 hours following a heavy snowfall.

This risk of avalanches increases as the temperature rises throughout the day so cross avalanche slopes in the early morning. Always check if the snow is solid enough and be cautious the spot where you step.

If you see an avalanche coming, run immediately downhill clear of it. If you're trapped beneath the snow, move both hands in front of your mouth to clear an air hole. Your walking stick of trekking pole can be employed as the beacon so rescuers can locate you.

Saltoro Review

Hi Everyone,

Martin again, I'm just about packed ready but I thought I would get this post on-line before I go, enjoy.

The Berghaus Saltoro is an ideal jacket for the summer months with its lightweight and extremely breathable soft shell design; it also comes with a great added feature of being wind resistant. The Saltoro really blocks out the wind with out the need for a hard-shell on top, which comes in handy when those summer days aren’t as summery as we’d like.

 

The Saltoro jacket has a great packable design, it can be stowed in your rucksack simply and you probably won’t even feel the weight on your back.

 

The jacket also features Durable Water Repellent coated fabric that gives the Saltoro a much longer life span than other jackets in its class. This gives it the ability to be a multi activity jacket making it suitable for casual use, hiking, hill and mountain use. The Saltoro’s durable feature also makes it an ideal jacket for climbing with its durable face fabric.

 

The Saltoro is manufactured with a 4 way stretch fabric that allows for uninhibited movement and flexibility, which is what you come to expect from Berghaus Soft-shell’s. The jacket really comes across as a well thought out piece of design that makes it a really wearable midlayer jacket for the summer months and cooler weather.

Product Features

 

• 91% nylon, 9% Elastane , 4-way stretch double weave AF Soft Shell fabric
• Wind resistant
• Durable Water Repellent finish
• Technical fit
• Exposed reversed coil centre front zip with internal baffle
• 2 zipped chest pockets, 1 zipped sleeve pocket
• Elasticated & adjustable hem drawcord
• Weight: 350g (large)

 

What others thought:

 

“I bought the Berghaus Men's Saltoro Softshell Jacket in black just before the April/May bank holiday for hiking/camping trip to the Lake District and Loch Lomond and have to say it was and still is excellent.
Designed to be a technical fit, it is lightweight and breathable, although i think it is worth trying on a size larger than normal as it is quite tight-fitting.

I found the top very versatile with 4-way stretch fabric for freedom of movement; it is also wind resistant and has a DWR finish which worked well during light downpours. Surprisingly there was no heavily rain in the Lakes or Scotland, so can't comment on how it would perform in that.
The jacket also has two main pockets and arm pocket as well. I have used it climbing mountains as well as recreation and sport and for me has been a great purchase.”

For more information on the Saltoro Jacket or other Berghaus Jackets, click here and come back here to post your comments about it. I’d love to hear your feedback.

 

Paclite II Review

Hi All,

 

Martin here from Berghaus Jackets, I have written this quick review as I won’t be around for the next few days. I am going on a trip as me and a friend have signed up for Rudolph’s Romp a long distance walk and we need to prepare. We are going to start with the three peaks and work up.

It’s a short review so I have added a video that also gives you a review of the Packlite 2 and some comments from other reviewers, enjoy.

The Berghaus Paclite 2 is a superlight and super breathable jacket that is ideal for a multitude of activities. It features Berghaus’s Gore-Tex Paclite Helium fabric and the Paclite membrane means it is totally waterproof with added bonus of 40% additional breathability compared to its predecessors. The Helium fabric also gives the wearer fantastic durability again adding to its all round suitability

It comes with an active fitted cut and a roll away hood, with volume adjuster and stiffened peak for keeping dry in wet weathers.

The Paclite 2 waterproof jacket comes with its own mesh stuff sack allowing the jacket to be placed in your rucksack, making it so compact it will take up the minimum of space. This feature along with its lightweight structure makes it ideal as a multi activity jacket.

The jacket comes with excellent features like external venting pockets adjustable cuffs and adjustable hem draw cord. The Paclite 2 is an ideal waterproof all year round.

Some of the Paclite 2’s Features

• Roll away hood with stiffened peak and volume adjuster for a better fit.
• Two large mesh venting pockets with water resistant zips
• Hang loop located beneath hood cover
• Includes own mesh stuff sac that makes it highly compressible and easy to store when it's not needed.
• Adjustable and elasticated hem drawcord
• Adjustable cuff with hook and loop adjustment
• Gore tex extreme wet weather guarantee - waterproof, breathable, windproof and durable.
• Weight: 340g

For more information on the Paclite 2 Jacket or other Berghaus Jackets, click here and come back here to post your comments about it. I’d love to hear your feedback.

Comments from other reviewers:

“A great lightweight waterproof to carry on summer treks, or when travelling, "just in case". Mine has a chest pocket (big enough for a map) which is invaluable.”

“Lovely lightweight jacket: equally good cycling to work, walking around town or stowed away taking up next to no space in the bottom of my rucksack.

Have taken a few tumbles on the bike and the fabric has held its own. Great technical features but feels light and comfy to wear. Great product - haven't taken it off yet since I bought it!”

Fast Tube by Casper

For more information on the Paclite 2 Jacket or other Berghaus Jackets, click here and come back here to post your comments about it. I’d love to hear your feedback.

 

 

Ignite Review

Hi All,

Martin from Berghaus Jackets again, I have heard a lot of good things about this Berghaus Ignite Jacket.  I decided to review it for you, so glad I did, enjoy.

The Ignite jacket from Berghaus, a Primaloft-filled mountaineering jacket belonging to the Extrem range which has a Pertex Microlight shell.

While it is part of the technical Extrem range, we'd say the Ignite jacket is more of an all round mountain jacket

The Ignite is a superlight insulating jacket that gives an incredible weight-to-warmth ratio, its ultra lightweight insulated layer along with a snug fit provides you with warmth anytime and anywhere you need. As a result its among the most versatile jackets designed for climbing, hiking and general outdoor activities. The Ignite jacket is insulated with PrimaLoft for warmth, breathability and excellent compression plus the Pertex exterior delivers extra protection from the elements.

Designed for high wind resistant with a Durable Water Repellent finish to shed rain, this Berhaus jacket can be thrown on when you find yourself taking a break for food and drink, should the sun decide to show itself the Ignite can be stored away without difficulty.

There's enough protection giving mid-weight fleece levels of insulation, but the highly wind resistant Pertex Microlight windproof outer means it's a warmer option in real world use and can be layered over outer clothing when necessary

If that’s your plan, it’s possible you might have to go up a size as its cut normal rather than oversized. Good to see a hood, which is easily accessible and protecting you from the elements. This can also be said for the hand pockets for warming purposes.

Weight of a medium is around 500 grams and the jacket comes with a stretch mesh stuff sac.

Product Features
• PrimaLoft One insulation
• Pertex wind and water resistant shell
• 2 Zipped external pockets
• 1 Zipped internal pocket
• Elasticated and adjustable hem drawcord
• Stretch bound fabric cuffs
• Separate Mesh Stuff sac
• Weight: 389gm

During my search for others thoughts on this jacket I came across this review, I thought it summed up everything about this jacket:

“I love this jacket. Warmth to weight ratio is excellent, completely cuts out wind and packs down much smaller than a fleece of same warm ratio. Really light and comfortable to wear, cant see me buying another fleece.”

The best thing about this jacket is thats its been reduced to around half price, so it seems a winner all round.

For more information on the Ignite Jacket or Berghaus Jackets, click here and come back here to post your comments about it. I’d love to hear your feedback.

Elite Half Zip Review

Hi Everyone,

 

We have started the fresh season by reviewing Berghaus’s new spring / summer range 2011.

 

My first assessment from the 2011 range is the new Elite Half Zip. It’s a lightweight emergency shell jacket that delivers 100% waterproofing using Bergahus's own brand AQ 2.5.

 

From what I have seen this Berghaus jacket is definitely amongst the firm favourites for spring 2011, the Elite Half Zip is an extraordinary lightweight waterproof jacket well suited for the active outdoor enthusiast.

 

the lightweight jacket possesses a weight of 199g on a large men’s. Similarly the ladies version is a mere 165g. So if you are looking for a lighter jacket, the Elite Half Zip is up there with the lightest in its class.

 

The Elite Half Zip is not only fully waterproof, but it also comes with Berghaus engineered sealed seams giving outstanding breathability. Allowing you to continue your activity but remain dry and comfortable. It also comes with an adjustable hood with a stiffened peak which is ideal for keeping the rain off your face, it also sports a drop tail rear hem which gives the wearer added waterproof protection.

 

Another great feature of the Elite Half Zip is its lightweight Ripstop fabric. Ripstop allows the jacket to be packed tightly, meaning it will take up minimum of space.

 

This Berghaus Jacket is ideal for the unpredictability of the spring / summer weather. Its practical ultra lightweight and finally it’s a great looking waterproof. It would be ideal for running, cycling climbing or even if you are just walking the dog.

 

Elite Half Zip Features:

•           AQ™2.5 15 denier nylon Ripstop fabric

•           AQ™2.5 fabrics give you lightweight, packable clothing.

•           Waterproof, breathable & seam sealed

•           Highly advanced micro porous Polyurethane coating

•           Unique dry touch micro grid technology for breathability

•           Active fit

•           Centre back length 73cm

•           Peaked hood with volume adjuster

•           Lock down zip

•           Drop tail rear hem

•           Weight: 199g (Size Large)

 

For more information on Elite Half Zip or Berghaus Jackets,click here and come back here to post your comments about it. I’d love to hear your feedback.