Chris Townsend gives his verdict on the Berghaus Hyper Hydroshell jacket – and explains why he chose it as a Recommended Buy
Truly ultralight and as minimalist as is possible this is the full-length zip version of the Hyper Smock that I tested last year.
It does weigh a touch more (19 grams) and cost a little more (the Smock is £100) but for that you get the convenience of a jacket rather than an over-the-head top.
The fabric is so-thin it’s translucent. It has a silky feel and is comfortable to wear. Breathability isn’t bad either.
There are no pockets, drawcords, Velcro tabs, vents or other features. The hood, cuffs and hem are all elasticated. This isn’t a jacket to wear regularly all day or for dealing with winter blizzards.
For trips when a waterproof may not be needed – a summer heatwave say or a hike on the Arizona Trail – this jacket by Berghaus is ideal. It would be useful too if you usually wear a fairly weatherproof but not fully waterproof top much of the time such as a softshell or windproof fleece and just need something to protect it from heavy rain.
Reviewed May 2016
