When venturing into the great outdoors, the gear you choose becomes your trusted companion.
Two famous names for outdoor apparel and equipment, especially here in Europe, are Berghaus and Jack Wolfskin. Both are known for quality and reliability.
But, which brand will best suit your adventurous spirit?
Will it be Berghaus with its robust, expedition-ready gear, or Jack Wolfskin with its versatile approach to outdoor lifestyle?
In this side-by-side comparison, we’ll answer these questions helping you make the right choice.
Contents:
1. Berghaus Outdoor Gear
History of the Brand
Berghaus official website
Berghaus was founded in 1966 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, by Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison, both experienced climbers and mountaineers. Initially known as LD Mountain Centre, the brand transitioned to Berghaus in 1972 when the founders began designing and manufacturing their own outdoor products.
Among their early successes were the Cyclops rucksack, notable for being one of the world’s first with an internal frame, and the adoption of Gore-Tex fabric in 1977, making Berghaus one of the first European brands to use this material for waterproof and breathable products.
The Gemini jacket, introduced in the 1980s, featured a zip-in fleece for added warmth and remains in production today. Renowned for their high-quality clothing and gear for men, women, and children, Berghaus, meaning ‘mountain house‘ in German, has earned a strong reputation in the UK and Europe.
Don’t miss:
8 Alternatives to Berghaus: Our Favorites
8 British Outdoor Clothing Brands that We Love!
Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Among the basic materials of Berghaus, polyester and nylon are the main choices. However, the key differentiator lies in their sourcing. Numerous brands are actively transitioning to sustainable and environmentally conscious production, and Berghaus is among them.
Some of the brand’s polyester comes from recycled plastic, which benefits the environment and maintains the final product’s quality. Additionally, the down insulation utilized by Berghaus is responsibly sourced and fully traceable to ensure the humane treatment and well-being of the birds, guaranteeing the high quality of the natural down.
As the first British brand to adhere to the bluesign® system, Berghaus’ manufacturing process eliminates harmful chemicals. At the same time, its Eco fabric, Colourkind, conserves water and reduces chemical usage by 60% during the dyeing process. This process also ensures the fabric’s colorfastness and longevity after multiple uses.
Berghaus incorporates various technologies, including Gore-Tex, Polartec, Hydrodown, Pertex, and Hydroshell, not only in its clothing designs but also in its shoes and backpacks.
The video will be loaded from YouTube.com, a third party. If you play it, you accept their terms of service, and their use of cookies.
Read also: Berghaus vs The North Face: Which is Better?
Where is Berghaus’ outdoor gear made?
Some of Berghaus’ equipment is manufactured in the United Kingdom, while a significant portion of its other items are produced in Asian countries such as China and Indonesia.
Recommended Products
Berghaus Men’s MTN Arete Ultra Down Hoody
Image: berghaus.com
Check it out at Berghaus.com
The Men’s MTN Arete Ultra Down Hoody is designed for harsh mountain conditions, prioritizing warmth and resilience. With a weight of only 440g for a size UK large, the jacket has a three-zone body-mapped insulation system to deliver warmth without bulk.
Its unique features include offset baffle construction with reflective technology, stitch-through baffles for targeted breathability, and micro baffles for advanced temperature control. Reflect Technology is utilized to redirect body heat back towards the core, enhancing warmth.
The dual hem adjustment and dropped hem provide easy adjustability and extra coverage, while reflective detailing ensures visibility in low-light conditions. The hoody’s insulation is powered by 850 fill-power Hydrodown, ensuring an exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio and Liquid Crystal mapping reinforces the jacket’s durability in high-wear areas.
A helmet-compatible hood with a wired peak adds practicality and the jacket offers ample storage with its five-pocket design. A two-way front zip with an internal guard provides added protection.
Don’t miss: Berghaus vs Arc’teryx (Outdoor Gear Comparison)
Berghaus Unisex MTN Guide 45+ Backpack
Image: berghaus.com
Check it out at Berghaus.com
The MTN Guide 45+ Backpack is a versatile, year-round mountain backpack with a base capacity of 45 liters, expandable for longer excursions. Made of 400D recycled nylon and 600D polyester ripstop, it has an external TPU coating for durability and water resistance. The backpack’s plastic components are oversized for added strength and made from recycled nylon.
With a weight of 1670g with all attachments and 1150g when stripped, the MTN Guide 45+ is built for efficiency and versatility. It has full back panel zip access, multiple carrying systems, a rope lashing system, and is compatible with a hydration reservoir of up to 3 liters.
The pack’s design also has daisy chain lashing for external gear attachment, reinforced handles, and a unisex fit with a standard back length. The carrying system is customizable and the pack includes a stashable mesh helmet holder for convenience. The lid can be removed or adjusted to reduce weight or increase capacity.
Read also: Berghaus vs RAB: Which is Better?
Prices
Berghaus has a wide range of prices for different types of customers while remaining affordable on average. The price tag of their jackets ranges between $100 and $600, while their backpacks can cost from $50 to $250.
Are Berghaus products worth the price?
If we consider the reviews and opinions of many satisfied outdoor enthusiasts who have tested Berghaus jackets and equipment, these products are a good investment. They offer good performance and commendable quality for the price you pay.
Must read: 9 Most Expensive Hiking Brands for Clothing and Footwear
2. Jack Wolfskin Outdoor Gear
History of the Brand
Jack Wolfskin’s official website
Jack Wolfskin, a well-known German brand founded by Ulrich Dausien in 1981, has gained widespread recognition, particularly in Europe. Since 1997, the company has been headquartered in Idstein, Germany, and has experienced significant growth, establishing itself as one of the leading outdoor brands in Germany and across Europe.
Offering a diverse range of products, including clothing, shoes, sleeping bags, backpacks, and tents, Jack Wolfskin has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, aligning with the values of other famous outdoor apparel and equipment brands.
The brand’s emphasis on quality, style, and performance makes it an exemplary model of a responsible business, catering to both casual wear enthusiasts and outdoor gear aficionados.
Don’t miss: 9 Alternatives to Jack Wolfskin: Our Favorites
Materials, Fabrics, and Production Process
Jack Wolfskin is committed to utilizing recycled polyester in its outdoor products to minimize its environmental impact.
The brand also incorporates a range of natural and synthetic materials for insulation, including RDS-certified Down, Microguard, PrimaLoft, and Fibercloud.
Next, Jack Wolfskin employs Texapore, a range of proprietary fabric technologies with various performance levels, in its coats and sportswear, offering windproof, breathable, waterproof, and snow-friendly features across various styles.
The video will be loaded from YouTube.com, a third party. If you play it, you accept their terms of service, and their use of cookies.
Read also: Jack Wolfskin vs The North Face: Which is Better
Where is Jack Wolfskin’s outdoor gear made?
Products manufactured by Jack Wolfskin are made in both Europe and Asia. Their manufacturing facilities are spread across various Asian countries such as China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, South Korea, and others. In Europe, they have a presence in Germany, Slovenia, Turkey, and Italy. The raw materials used in their products are sourced from Europe, the United States, and Asia. (source)
Recommended Products
Jack Wolfskin Nebelhorn Women’s Down Hoody
Image: jack-wolfskin.com
Check it out at Jack-Wolfskin.com
The Nebelhorn Women’s Down Hoody by Jack Wolfskin is an advanced jacket built for superior protection in cold weather. Its shell fabric is made from water-repellent and windproof PERTEX QUANTUM, which is composed of recycled polyamide, ensuring both eco-friendliness and weather resilience.
The insulation comprises high fill power, RDS certified down, delivering optimal warmth. The fully adjustable hood provides excellent defense against snow and cold winds, while the snug-fitting internal cuffs enable easy glove-wearing. Additionally, the jacket includes two zipped pockets for secure storage of small items.
This down hoody is both windproof and highly water repellent, offering great warmth, making it an excellent choice for cold weather. It’s made with recycled materials and holds bluesign certification, underscoring the brand’s dedication to sustainability.
Don’t miss: Jack Wolfskin vs RAB Outdoor Gear (A Comparison)
Jack Wolfskin Highland Trail 50+5 Women’s Trekking Pack
Image: jack-wolfskin.com
Check it out at Jack-Wolfskin.com
The Highland Trail 50+5 Backpack is specifically built for women, providing a comfortable fit and tailored features. Boasting a 50+5 liter capacity, it offers ample storage for extended hikes. The pack showcases a height-adjustable X-Transition back system, ensuring comfort, ventilation, and efficient load transfer for carrying heavy loads.
Its dual access to the main compartment allows for flexible packing and gear retrieval from both the top and front zipper. The extended zipper on the lid pocket enables quick access to items, while the large front elasticated mesh pocket is ideal for jacket storage.
The waist belt includes a water bottle pocket, and the pack is equipped to accommodate a hydration bladder. Built from recycled materials, this PFC-free and bluesign-certified trekking pack is made with sustainability in mind.
Read next: Jack Wolfskin vs Arc’teryx: Which Brand is Better?
Prices
Like Berghaus, Jack Wolfskin also offers many affordably-priced products. But they also have more expensive designs. Their jackets and coats cost from $60 to $500, backpacks from $50 to $400, and footwear from $60 to $230.
Are Jack Wolfskin products worth the price?
We think that Jack Wolfskin offers a good quality-to-price ratio. If you need good equipment, you can rely on Jack Wolfskin, as they are recognized for employing excellent materials and the latest technology.
Learn more: Why is Jack Wolfskin Expensive? Is It Good? Is It Worth It?
3. Which is Better? Berghaus or Jack Wolfskin?
At both Jack Wolfskin and Berghaus you’ll find a large selection of products that can satisfy most of your outdoor gear needs. If you can’t decide between them, here are our considerations to make your ideas clearer:
Types of products: Both offer a wide range of outdoor gear, including jackets, pants, shoes, backpacks, and more. Berghaus focuses a bit more on mountain activities.
Quality: Both brands are known for their high quality. Berghaus focuses more on quality mountain clothing and gear, while Jack Wolfskin offers more general outdoor products.
Technology: Berghaus uses the industry-standard, Gore-Tex, for waterproofing and breathability in many jackets, while Jack Wolfskin has its own range of fabric technologies called Texapore. Both brands also have other proprietary technologies (see above).
Fit and Comfort: They’re similar and usually fit true-to-size. Jack Wolfskin may fit a bit bigger in some products.
Prices: They’re similar in this category too, for most products. Berghaus is slightly more expensive for some high-end jacket designs.
Sustainability: Many outdoor companies are now focusing on reducing their environmental impact and Berghaus and Jack Wolfskin are among them (see above). Jack Wolfskin, for example, has created eco versions of its original Texapore fabrics.
Brand Reputation and Reviews: These brands are placed in the mid-to-high end in the outdoor gear market. Berghaus may have a slight edge for mountain gear.
In the end, they’re both great for general outdoor wear. In this case, Berghaus would be our choice for mountaineering, climbing, and other alpine activities. Jack Wolfskin would be a good option for more general and casual activities at a more affordable price.
Read next: 8 Eco-Friendly Outdoor Clothing Brands: Our Favorites
