Berghaus, The Pioneer Of Outdoor Gear
Founded in the North-East of England in 1966, British brand Berghaus is the champion of the waterproof jacket and one of the first companies to pioneer the use of GORE-TEX fabrics and technology. Founded by two Geordie climbers, who simply wanted to create better kit, over 50 years on the brand is still making beautifully designed walking boots and outdoor clothing with a product lifetime guarantee that’s built to last.
Whatever your kit list is missing, men’s Berghaus jackets, women’s Berghaus jackets, Berghaus backpacks or even our exclusive berghaus tents, it’s all here, at Blacks, at a price that won’t break the expedition budget.
Whether you’re looking for a technical jacket for hiking up your first peak or need some serious cold-weather kit for tackling more treacherous adventures, you’ll find something to suit your journey, in our extensive range of British designed, mountain-ready gear.
Berghaus Origins
Berghaus was founded in 1966 by two passionate alpinists, Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison. The Newcastle-based company started life as a small import and export business servicing the climbing needs of their owners and their friends. Tired of compromising their ambitions because of inadequate gear, the duo started producing their own equipment. Designing and making rucksack from the top floor flat of their shop, LD Mountain Centre.
After several years tinkering with the traditional rucksack design, the breakthrough came in 1972 when they put the frame on the inside of the bag - revolutionary then - now a fundamental design principle. The Cyclops rucksack became a huge success. Over the next two decades, Berghaus continued to innovate backpacks, winning awards for their adjustable back systems, ventilation, and compression technology. Their packs became iconic performers and the latest generations, such as the Freeflow pack, can trace their lineage back through a rich product heritage. Finding their stride in the equipment market, Berghaus turned its attention to waterproofs, introducing Europe to GORE-TEX® as early as 1977. A long-standing partnership which has continued to develop with the introduction of GORE-TEX® Paclite®, Pro® and other innovative solutions. Motivated to solve kit problems faced by outdoor fans. Berghaus continued to innovate, introducing the World’s first waterproof gaiters and the concept of “layering systems” to the outdoor market.
At its heart, Berghaus is a climbing brand. In the 90s, Berghaus introduced its Extrem® range. This capsule is designed for serious, high-altitude mountaineers. The flagship range remains the gold standard of outdoor clothing.
Berghaus’ Head Quarters is still located in the Northeast of England. The company has outgrown its original store and is now located in award-winning offices on the outskirts of Sunderland. The offices contain a world-class testing laboratory and sample fabrication facilities. Berghaus remains a product company focused on solving problems with innovative designs.
Improved by Athletes
Berghaus has become synonymous with Britain’s best climbers. Sir Chris Bonnington, Leo Houlding and Mick Fowler all proudly wear the Berghaus emblem. The brand has become part of our climbing culture and has been instrumental in supporting some of the world’s most ambitious projects.
Its athlete partnerships are more than a branding exercise. Field testing is still an intrinsic part of the design process - every garment is rigorously tested in Berghaus’ on-site lab and in extreme environments around the world by its athletes. It is feedback from first-hand experiences in the field which makes Berghaus gear so dependable and innovative. Scrutinising a seam to eliminate cold, lifting a pocket to improve belay, one-handed glove zip-pull, every detail is considered, no matter how small, and it is this attention to detail which has built the brand’s reputation for reliability and function.
Committed to The Environment
Whichever way you spin it, Berghaus cares about the outdoors. The team understands the business’ impact on the planet, both positive and negative.That’s why Berghaus has created a sustainable, ethical, and accountable approach to production. It’s called MADEKIND™, and those who care about sustainability can trust products if they see the stamp. Berghaus’ COLOURKIND™ initiative is reducing the water and energy required to dye fabrics, and the company only uses R.D.S. (Responsible Down Standard) approved down.
Berghaus backs its footwear, apparel, and packs with a lifetime guarantee. Its Repairhaus, a free repairs service that fixes worn and weathered items, helping to increase an item’s lifespan, goes hand-in-hand with its approach to design - replace obsolete materials and features which will inevitably fail for more hard-wearing alternatives which can be repaired easily. If there is a genuine fault or defect, Berghaus will repair or replace it for free, no questions asked!
In 2022, the company’s efforts and commitment to more sustainable production were recognised with BCorp certification.
