UK outdoor brand Berghaus is launching a unique new concept in waterproof jackets for fast paced adventures. Due in store this spring, the Vapour Storm is the world’s first waterproof venting jacket and Berghaus’ most ambitious multi-activity product ever.
It combines extremely breathable GORE-TEX Active fabric with front, side and rear vents to offer a stunning waterproof for high adrenaline outdoor activities. With a patent pending and a wealth of outstanding lab and outdoor test results and testimonials, Berghaus believes that the Vapour Storm is about to set a new standard in its field and make a big impact on the outdoor industry.
Available in men’s and women’s specific versions, the Vapour Storm is the latest product to emerge from MtnHaus, Berghaus’ dedicated innovation team, and went through an extended development process before being added to the range. Berghaus has used the very latest fabrics and product design techniques, and put the jacket through a testing programme involving athletes running, biking, trekking and climbing in eight countries. The jacket is part of the new fully integrated Vapour Light collection of clothing, footwear and packs.
Features on the jacket have been tailored for multi-sport enthusiasts. On one hand, the Vapour Storm meets the standards that outdoor adventurers demand from a waterproof jacket, while on the other it offers technology and performance levels that are intended to set a new benchmark. Waterproof storm vents allow for the active circulation of air even in the wettest conditions, with side and front and back yoke vents creating a chimney effect that allows cool air in and humid air to escape.
The jacket has a fixed hood with a stiffened peak cut for active use, providing un-obscured peripheral vision, with an efficient single cord adjustment system (internal adjustment eliminates flapping or snagging cords). Other features include 360 degree reflectivity, asymmetric cuffs with internal thumb loops, a drop tail hem with single pull rear adjustment, a water resistant full length front zip and one zipped chest pocket. The Vapour Storm jacket weighs just 329g (men’s size large) / 301g (women’s size 12).
The Vapour Storm has been developed with input throughout from leading figures in the world of adventure racing, such as Berghaus athletes Philippe and Anna Gatta, Steve Birkinshaw, Helene Whitaker, Leo Houlding, Rob Jarman, Mick Fowler and Jason Pickles. Along with the rest of the Vapour Light products, the jacket was designed to help competitors tackle the daunting prospect of the Dragon’s Back Race. Staged only once before, in 1992, the Dragon’s Back Race is widely regarded as the toughest adventure race ever held and over five days takes runners across the roof of Wales, covering over 200 miles and close to 15,000 metres of ascent.
In September 2012, the Dragon’s Back Race returned and many competitors used the Vapour Storm during their race. Steve Birkinshaw was one and won a race that was only fully completed by 29 competitors (out of an elite field of 91 starters). Two decades after her victory in the first Dargon’s Back Race, Helene Whitaker returned to the mountains of ales and was the first woman to finish (and fifth overall).
