Berghaus turned 60 in 2026, and the Newcastle upon Tyne brand is marking the milestone in a fitting way: by finally making its gear widely available in the United States. Founded in 1966 by climbing partners Gordon Davison and Peter Lockey, the company built its reputation in the UK and Europe on a simple idea — outdoor clothing should hold up in genuinely harsh conditions without being miserable to wear. Americans can now shop the range online and at US retailers.
The flagship piece is the Kara-Su 7000 GTX Jacket, built around a three-layer Gore-Tex Pro membrane, which Gore positions as its most protective and durable option. The numbers back that up: a 28,000mm hydrostatic head means serious waterproofing for sustained rain. Sealing out weather goes beyond the fabric, too. Adjustable hems and cuffs (metal snaps on the cuffs), plus Berghaus's Mera Peak hood design with four adjustment points, let you shut out wind and driving rain while keeping your sightlines clear. Five pockets — including a chest stash and two hand pockets set high enough to clear a pack hipbelt — cover the storage side.
Pair it with the Kara-Su Pant, which takes a different approach to foul weather: rather than full waterproofing, it uses a windproof polyamide-elastane blend with a touch of insulation, articulated knees for movement, and adjustable ankle cords so you can roll or cinch the cuffs as conditions change. Belt loops and a snap-button fly handle the fit.
The third piece in the lineup, the Kara-Su Sweater, is the soft end of the range. Brushed jersey fabric, ribbed cuffs and hem, an oversize cut for layering, and retro colorblocking with the embroidered Extrem 7000 logo make it as much a post-hike pub layer as a trail one. That mix of technical pedigree and throwback styling runs through the whole collection.
Why does this matter to travellers? Because gear choices make or break trips to wet, windy places — the Scottish Highlands, Patagonia, Norway in shoulder season. A brand with six decades of mountain experience, and a heritage of firsts like early lightweight rucksacks and Gore-Tex shells, is worth a look when you're investing in a jacket you'll wear for years. Until recently, getting Berghaus kit in the US meant importing it; that friction is now gone. If you're kitting out for a rainy-season hike or a blustery coastal walk, the Kara-Su range is a solid starting point.
