Berghaus’ Hyper 100 arrived in our office to great expectations after bagging two major industry awards – a gold prize at the 2016 OutDoor Show and then gold again at ISPO 2017 trade show. Trying one on, it quickly became obvious why the waterproof jacket was such a desirable bit of kit.
It weighs next to nothing, and is (as Berghaus say) the lightest three-layer jacket in the world. The development of the Berghaus’ previous Hyper model, this is packed with innovative technology and intricate details to keep the weight down.
Of course, the latest tech on the market always comes with a bit of a price tag, and at £260 the Hyper 100 isn’t cheap. But what you get for that is truly impressive – it’s not about more for your money here, it’s about less. A lot, less. Tipping the scales at a frankly incredible 97 grams (less than an iPhone!) the jacket is roughly half the weight of some of its competitors. Slip one of these on and it feels like you’re dressed in gossamer – except that gossamer could never be this waterproof or breathable.
“Tipping the scales at just 97 grams (less than an iPhone!) the jacket is roughly half the weight of some of its competitors.”
The jacket is the work of Berghaus’ elite MtnHaus design team – who focus on pushing the technological envelope for the brand’s top of the range product. It’s made from the feather-weight 3L Hydroshell Elite Pro material, which makes it not only sensationally light but also one of the most breathable waterproofs the brand have ever produced. You won’t be turning yourself into a sweatbox when you’re out on the trails wearing this, the fabric remains comfortable next to your skin no matter what your pace or the conditions you’re facing.
The super minimal design features state-of-the-art precision seaming and pattern-cutting. There’s only one small pocket but there’s no adjustability in the cuffs, hem or hood, to keep the weight down. There is however a storm-flap to keep the wet out.
The Hyper 100 packs away into a tiny stuff sack, so it won’t take up any extra space in your backpack either. This will keep you dry on treks and mountain walks – and due to the fact it packs up incredibly small it can work as a great emergency softshell replacement – but it’s really designed for athletic use; trail-running, mountain biking, mountain marathons or other disciplines where you’ll be working up a sweat and saving a few grams on weight can make all the difference.
