Berghaus - Brand Profile

For the Berghaus Brand, the start was quite simple.

''It all started when climbers and mountaineers from the North East of England became irritated by what they perceived to be a shortage of quality outdoor gear and decided to import and sell their own.''

The British outdoor gear and apparel company Berghaus Limited was established in Newcastle upon Tyre, North East England, and now has it's main office there. Peter Lockey and Gordon Davidson, two climbers and mountaineers, started it in 1996 with the intention of importing and distributing outdoor gear.

The LD mouintain centre was the name of Lockey and Davidson's outdoor shop in Newcastle. They started creating and manufacturing their own goods in 1972 to sell at their store. They gave their company the name 'Berghaus' which means ''Mountain House'' in German.

 

In 1977, Berghaus became one of Europe's pioneers users of GORE-TEX fabric, a new waterproof and breathable fabric. This was followed in 1979 by the development of the Yeti Gaiter, whose distinctive rubber bands were initially made from old tractor inner tubes. 

Berghaus joined the Pentland family in 1993, and from its early days above a shop in the North East of England, the brand has racked up more than 50 year's experience creating outdoor gear.  Its beautifully designed and built to last to help people get into the outdoors. 

Berghaus - The Ultimate Outdoor Brand for Sustainable Adventurers

When it comes to outdoor gear, Berghaus is a name that needs no introduction. For over 50 years, they've been pushing the boundaries of innovation in outdoor clothing and equipment. But what really sets Berghaus apart is their commitment to sustainability. They're one of the few outdoor brands that have made a conscious effort to minimize their impact on the environment. In this blog post, we'll dive into Berghaus' history, their provenance, and their innovative solutions for sustainable outdoor gear.

History and Provenance

Berghaus was founded in 1966 by two mountaineers, Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison. They started the brand in the North East of England and quickly became a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. Berghaus was the first company to use Gore-Tex in their jackets, which made them waterproof and breathable. This technology revolutionized outdoor gear, and it's now a standard feature in most outdoor clothing.

But Berghaus didn't stop at Gore-Tex. They continued to push the boundaries of outdoor gear innovation by creating their own waterproof and breathable fabric called AQ2. This fabric is now a staple in their product line, and it's a testament to their commitment to innovation.

Sustainability

While Berghaus is known for their innovative solutions, what really sets them apart is their commitment to sustainability. They understand that outdoor enthusiasts have a unique relationship with nature, and they want to do their part to protect it. Berghaus was the first outdoor company to use recycled materials in their products, way back in the 1980s. Since then, they've continued to incorporate sustainable materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton in all their clothing lines.

Berghaus is also dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint. They've made a commitment to reducing waste, increasing recycling, and minimizing their impact on the environment. They work closely with their suppliers to ensure that they're meeting high environmental standards. In 2020, Berghaus became a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, an organization that works to reduce the environmental and social impacts of apparel and footwear products.

Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Gear

Berghaus' commitment to sustainability is evident in their innovative solutions for sustainable gear. They've developed their own insulation called Hydroloft, which is made from recycled plastic bottles. This insulation provides warmth without adding bulk, and it's a great example of Berghaus' commitment to using sustainable materials.

Berghaus has also developed a unique way of dyeing their clothing called Colourkind. This process uses less water, energy, and chemicals than traditional dyeing methods, and it produces less waste. This means that Berghaus' clothing has a lower environmental impact than other outdoor brands.

Conclusion

Berghaus is more than just an outdoor gear brand - they're a company that's committed to sustainability and innovation. Their commitment to using sustainable materials, reducing their carbon footprint, and developing innovative solutions for sustainable gear sets them apart from other outdoor brands. Berghaus has a legacy of outfitting adventurers for over 50 years, and they're showing no signs of slowing down. If you're looking for high-quality outdoor gear that's also sustainable, then Berghaus is the perfect choice.