Simply Hike Camping Equipment and Outdoor Clothing have sent me this fleece to review. Arrangements were finalised on Thursday and the product delivered on Friday but, as yet, I haven't had a chance to wear it other than indoors. Once I've used it for a couple of weeks I'll add to my first impressions given below.
This fleece is part of the Advanced Thermals (AT) range which is a "collection of fleece fabrics developed exclusively for Berghaus". The RRP is £50 and is selling at Simply Hike for £40.45, a saving of 19%. The fabric, AT-Micro has a luxurious, soft velour feel which is quite different from my other fleece tops. The stretch panels are made from AT-Stretch. The manufacturer's product description and details are given at the end of this post.
- the item is manufactured to a high quality standard all internal seams being flat locked.
I would agree with the Berghaus Active Fit description as "Not body conscious, Not baggy. Just streamlined for every kind of activity." The medium size fits me perfectly (36" chest) worn over a base layer and although that suits my needs, some might prefer a size up if they want to wear anything bulkier than this under it.
Use
The advanced Thermals range is a collection of fleece fabrics developed exclusively for Berghaus to meet our exacting standards to ensure excellent thermal insulation properties, pilling resistance and great visual finishes.
Not body conscious. Not baggy. Just a streamlined cut for any kind of activity.
This fleece is part of the Advanced Thermals (AT) range which is a "collection of fleece fabrics developed exclusively for Berghaus". The RRP is £50 and is selling at Simply Hike for £40.45, a saving of 19%. The fabric, AT-Micro has a luxurious, soft velour feel which is quite different from my other fleece tops. The stretch panels are made from AT-Stretch. The manufacturer's product description and details are given at the end of this post.
Initial Observations:
- the item is manufactured to a high quality standard all internal seams being flat locked.
- the cuffs, hem and top of the collar are elasticated and the quality of the sewing here is excellent
- the collar is quite high compared with my other zip tops. I like this.
- there is a baffle behind the front zip and it has a chin guard.
- there is a small zipped chest pocket
Berghaus Active Fit
I would agree with the Berghaus Active Fit description as "Not body conscious, Not baggy. Just streamlined for every kind of activity." The medium size fits me perfectly (36" chest) worn over a base layer and although that suits my needs, some might prefer a size up if they want to wear anything bulkier than this under it.
Weight
The quoted weight on Simply Hike's web site is 346g.
Thermal Insulation
0.6 - 0.7 CLO
Use
Details are for a subsequent review but I expect this fleece to be used as a mid layer in pretty well any conditions in the UK. Even at this early stage I think I'll enjoy wearing this fleece in a variety of conditions.
Manufacturer's Product Details.
Berghaus Advanced Thermals Range
The advanced Thermals range is a collection of fleece fabrics developed exclusively for Berghaus to meet our exacting standards to ensure excellent thermal insulation properties, pilling resistance and great visual finishes.
AT-Micro
- breathable
- lofted fibres trap air, retaining body heat
AT-Micro is a lightweight packable micro fleece made from 100% polyester micro denier yarns, designed to offer a comfortable velour touch. The micro fleece has a non-pilling face to ensure its performance and looks are retained after repeated washing.
AT-Stretch
- 4 way stretch: 93% polyester, 7% elastane
- breathable
- wicks away moisture
- lofted fibres trap air, retaining body heat
AT-Stretch Fabrics have excellent stretch characteristics to ensure a long lasting, great fit that doesn't restrict movement. The raised inner structures are designed to trap air to maximise thermal insulation whilst ensuring that moisture is wicked away from the skin to keep you warm and dry.
Berghaus Active Fit
Not body conscious. Not baggy. Just a streamlined cut for any kind of activity.
9 comments:
Simplyhike's marketing peeps are getting busy!
Hello Mike
A new company to me, so it worked! I'm still warming up after reading about your last jaunt btw.
Hi Gibson,
Looks nice, although i don't know why but i expected from the picture that it would be a bit lighter.
I do like the collar and the length of the back looks good.
A good addition to the kit list.
Hi Alan
Your views are always welcome on the gear front (as well as other matters of course!)
When it took it out of the parcel it felt like any other fleece in terms of weight and when I discovered it was 346g it didn't feel any heavier!
TNFs Men's Khyber 1/4 Zip with no chest pocket comes in at 400g but I know there some fleece tops out there in the 240gm-ish range and you'll probably know of lighter ones. I don't have sensitive enough scales to weigh my other stuff.
Nothing wrong with the weight for this fleece. My first impressions of the photo was that it was a micro fleece like the Montane Chukchi.
I appreciate your opening sentence btw.
Look forward to reading your views on the fleece in a few weeks time.
Of all the assorted garments I wear over the course of a year I'd probably put lightweight 1/4 zip fleeces as the most useful and versatile, so I'll be really interested to read what you think of this item, Gibson.
I'm pleased to see that you've been able to take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy some new gear, Gibson. And it may seem to be free, but if you were to cost out the time you take to compose the review postings you'll soon realise that 'everyone's a winner'.
Me too Dave which means I've got lots to compare this item with in terms of fabrics and manufacturers ,although I've never had a fleece with stretch panels before 1/4 zip or otherwise.
Some traces of your past life appearing here Martin!! I wish someone had sent me my BlackBerry for review!
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