Gear Review - Berghaus Faroe Softshell Jacket

Berghaus see this as "a Windproof & Lightweight Summer Barrier". The jacket is designed to remove windchill and is constructed from WINDSTOPPER® Softshell fabric. The 4-way stretch softshell fabric is designed to ensure that the jacket does not constrain movement.

The jacket was tested on a showery day with a decent breeze making the clouds race across the sky. It wasn't particularly cold so the jacket wasn't tested to its limits but it certainly kept out the cold although the mesh pocket liners do need some more thought as they do let in draughts if you leave the zips open!

I was satisfied by the overall fit although those with expanding waistlines might find it tight across the stomach. Despite this reservation the stretch material worked well and there was no restriction on body movement. The way the jacket stayed in place when clambering over stiles was particularly good. I'm quite conservative when it comes to colour tending to wear clothing that blends with the natural landscape. The bright blue under arm patches were not to my liking and I would have preferred a choice of more subdued colouring.

Construction seemed to be generally good with high quality zips throughout. There were no badly finished seams with cotton dangling loose. One area that needs attention are the elasticated cuffs which seemed to be of lower quality than the rest of the garment and didn't look too robust. The pockets are fine for keeping valuables and other items safe and I did mange to stuff an Ordnance Survey map inside although it was a tight squeeze.

Disadvantages? Sadly the jacket is not showerproof which would be a great benefit especially in the British climate. Perhaps more generous sizing would be useful too as the jacket is a neat fit although the designers might argue that is what was intended.

Will I wear it again? Certainly. It ticked many of the boxes for this type of barrier layer especially in summer.

Review date - 16th January 2014- Reviewed by OW