The British Are Coming and You’re Gonna Love It

Back in the 1960s, when pioneering climbers were pushing the limits of alpine exploration, they were ahead of their times—and ahead of the gear and clothing available. So in some cases they made their own. That’s how the British brand Berghaus got started. In 1966, a pair of working-class adventurers, Gordon Davison and Peter Lockey, couldn’t find a kit that was up to the all-weather hill scrambles and alpine climbs they were chasing. So they made their own, and as word spread, they began selling gear to fellow climbers from a shopfront in Newcastle, the urban heart of England’s blustery northeast.

Berghaus quickly earned the loyalty of leading mountaineers and, after Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher gave a legendary performance wearing the company’s signature Meru jacket, the brand became an icon of British street culture. Sightings were rare on this side of the Atlantic, until Berghaus launched its own British invasion last fall. Now the technical apparel brand—famous for its unconditional you-break-it-we-fix-it guarantee—is available at REI stores nationwide. These are a few of our favorite pieces.

Rain-Motion Jacket

What do England’s Northeast and America’s Pacific Northwest have in common? They’re both places you’ll be very, very glad to have a Rain-Motion Jacket. It’s built to keep you comfortable and dry through your longest, wettest adventures. The tough, breathable, and fully waterproof 3L Pertex® Shield fabric repels the hardest rain, but it’s also made for people who keep moving in the worst weather, with an articulated pattern that provides great reach and freedom of movement in a slim profile. A cap-style hood ensures a full field of vision, and the stretch-snug hood, cuffs, and hem enhance protection. Eco-cred: A PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) finish sheds water without the use of forever chemicals.

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Pendower Wind Jacket

Blustery weather is what makes Cornwall’s Pendower Beach a windsurfing paradise. And it’s what the Pendower Wind Jacket is made for. Constructed of ripstop nylon that blocks wind dead and sheds light rain, the Pendower is the perfect jacket for high-effort pursuits in conditions where you need breathability more than waterproofing, and wind protection is a must. A slim fit prevents flapping and makes layering a breeze, and the articulated cut prioritizes mobility. Smart: The zippered chest pocket doubles as a stuff sack.

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Staindrop Hike Jacket

The stretchy and versatile Staindrop Hike Jacket is a fleece for all seasons. Pull it on for mountain morning coffee, a brisk fall ramble, or as a midlayer for winter adventures. Just don’t pack it away in a closet because you’ll crave its warm embrace year-round. The key to the Staindrop’s do-it-all versatility is a four-way stretch fleece with an internal grid structure that blends tremendous warmth to weight with topnotch breathability. As with all Berghaus designs, the details are dialed: Zipped hand pockets are placed for easy access when wearing a pack, the flat seams won’t chafe under straps, and the stretchy hood and cuffs lock in heat.

Staindrop Hike JacketBerghaus

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Kinetic Powerstretch Hoody

If you prize versatility above all, get this jacket. Made with Polartec’s do-it-all Power Stretch™ Pro® fabric, the Kinetic Powerstretch Hoody is warm, breathable, weather-resistant, durable, and exceptionally comfortable. The fabric boasts dual-surface knit construction, which makes it tough on the outside and soft on the inside. You’ll never want to take this hoody off, and you won’t have to because it resists pilling, holds its shape, and provides Goldilocks protection in mixed conditions. And like all Berghaus gear, it’s guaranteed for life. No matter where you rip a stitch or bust a zip—leading pitches on your favorite crag or the center-stage scrum on the Oasis reunion tour—just send it in for free repair. As they say in Newcastle, the fix-up is on the house.

Kinetic Powerstretch HoodyBerghaus

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Founded in 1966 in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, Berghaus is a global leader in premium outdoor outerwear, known for innovative designs and lasting durability. From pioneering lightweight rucksacks to iconic Gore-Tex jackets, Berghaus equips adventurers to tackle the elements.