Kirsty Pallas rarely heads into the hills without the Berghaus Extrem MTN Seeker Synthetic Hoody. Find out why it’s awarded her Best Buy.
The Berghaus Extrem MTN Seeker is an insulated jacket that I’ve struggled not to pack because it works so well, whether it’s just a quick layer thrown on while I have a bite to eat, or to put on at the base of a winter route for the rest of the day. It’s warm enough when be stationary for a while, but still manageable when moving without immediately overheating, thanks to the zoned fill which is lighter on the back and underarms. The whole garment is made with over 50% recycled content as well.
- Stars: 4.5/5
- Price: £200
- Weight: 318g
- Pros: Good pocket placement, double zip, fit
- Cons: none
Fill: 60gsm Primaloft Gold Active+ in main body and 40gsm underarms and centre back | Shell: lightweight ripstop with PFC free DWR treatment | Hood: elasticated with stiff wire peak and adjustable drawcord | Cuffs: elasticated stretch material | Hem: dual drawcord | Pockets: 2 handwarmer, 1 internal chest, all zipped | Sizes: UK 8-18 | Men’s version: Yes
The handwarmer pockets sit high enough to be compatible with a hip belt or harness, and the internal chest pocket is just big enough for a phone but not much more. One of the best features of the Berghaus Extrem MTN Seeker is the hood. It’s big enough to go over a helmet, with a gaiter at the front to hold it in place nicely, but also a drawcord adjustment to cinch it in. The wired peak helps hold its shape but is flexible enough for packing away.
There’s a couple of nice touches that give it a climbing edge; a double zip, so it can be opened from the bottom to allow access to a harness loop, and the cuffs are very neat to the wrists, but stretchy enough you can get a winter glove through them.
My only slight hesitation would be on the durability, the shell fabric feels very light and potentially easy to tear, but it is ripstop fabric. The cuff fabric may also bag out over time, especially if it sits over gloves frequently.
Overall, the Berghaus Extrem MTN Seeker is the jacket I packed the most, year round. The features all feel very well thought out, and the fit is neat for under a waterproof, but still with room for layers underneath.
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