Women Berghaus Womens Extrem MTN Arete Ultra Down Hoody

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The Mountain Down Hoody is part of Berghaus’ top end Extrem range return, which offers a high level of durability and exceptional warmth for its weight and size. Designed to be a now frills bombproof jacket it does feature some very cleaver features that make it perfect for the harsh winter conditions on the hills or slopes. 

Berghaus says: 

‘Be bold, start cold’, so the old saying goes. But for the coldest mountain days, either on exposed ridgelines facing driving snow and biting wind, or enduring shiver-belays in dark gullies, staying warm, comfortable and protected is essential.

Our Verdict

Part of Berghaus’ move back to their high end Extrem the Mountain Arete Down Hoody offers a top quality down jacket that focuses on the basics in keeping you very warm and also being very durable. 

While a lot of brands focus on trying to cram in the features into their products, Berghaus have tried to focus on the things you actually need which is providing a high level of warmth and a product that will take a good beating and still perform.

The Arete Down Hoody is one of the most durable down jackets around due to the Liquid Crystal fabric that they have developed, which provides a very good level of abrasion resistance in the high wear areas on the shoulders and arms, so there is no need to get the duct tape out after a winter scramble. 

In terms of warmth the 850+ fill power is very good for the weight of this jacket meaning that it is designed as an outer layer for dry conditions and will keep you warm in the depths of Scottish winter or on the Alpine slopes. The use of Berghaus hydro down means that if you are caught out and the down does get wet it the down will be quick to dry and loft back up. However While the outer fabric is treated it would definitely be advised to use with a shell in really wet conditions.  

Berghaus are usually a larger fit and not renowned for their tailored fit however in this case it is beneficial as you can get some other layers underneath to provide extra warmth without feeling too restricted. The use of micro baffling under the arms also allows for a good range of movement for a larger down jacket. 

In terms of other features, the hood is adjustable with a drawcord on the back, but I did find this a bit uncomfortable when drawn in, because I could feel the elastic, but if you had a hat or helmet on then you wouldn’t feel it. There are two decent sized pockets on the front and two good sized elasticated pockets on the inside which would be perfect to warm something up in, they are where my climbing shoes will be going during winter in-between climbs. 

This jacket while seeming basic has a lot of good features and its level of durability and warmth is high meaning that it is a top performance down jacket suited for weekend warriors and pros alike. 

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

• HYDROSHELL ELITE™ – Ultra-lightweight waterproof protection with incredible breathability and 6D ripstop durability
• POLARTEC® ALPHA® – Strategic bonded panels providing active insulation that regulates temperature Harness & pack compatibility – With 2 raised hand pockets 
• 850 fillpower hydrophobic goose down Incredible warmth to weight ratio.

Specifications

• XSmall (UK 08) weighs: 379g
• Small (UK 10) weighs: 389g
• Medium (UK 12) weighs: 403g
• Large (UK 14) weighs: 418g

Material & Construction

• BODY: 100% RECYCLED POLYAMIDE
• UPPER BODY: 100% POLYAMIDE
• LINING: 100% RECYCLED POLYAMIDE
• INSULATION: 100% DOWN (90% DOWN & 10% GOOSE FEATHER)
• MESH: 86% POLYESTER / 14% ELASTANE
• CONTAINS NON-TEXTILE PARTS OF ANIMAL ORIGIN

Help & advice:

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