The Cape Wrath waterproof hiking jacket uses Gore Tex Active as its proprietary fabric, this differs from 'normal' Gore Tex in that it has been optimised for use on the move.
We used the Cape Wrath jacket in a range of environments from hot, humid and rainy, to cold and windy. We found that it works excellently for fast hiking. It keeps you dry on the outside, but not at the cost of getting a sweaty soaking from the inside. The fabric has taped seams to ensure that not a drop of water can get through, and in our experience the Cape Wrath has proved to be reliable, even when wearing a pack.
The cut is somewhere in-between athletic and casual, there's enough space for layering underneath with anything from a thin fleece to a fat puffy. Berghaus mention arm articulation in their sales spiel and we found this to be good in the Cape Wrath, reflecting their experience in the climbing world.
The hem is a good length covering most of the bum, it's also adjustable via a drawcord which can be operated one handed - useful when you're mid-hike and don't want a fiddly job to attend to. The hood is baggy for over helmet use, this could be off-putting for the helmet-less brigade but the good range of adjusters successfully brings the size back down, and the hood is then effective during sustained use. The hefty wired peak keeps the rain off your face and the high chin has a fleecy backing and a zip garage for maximum comfort.
The hand pockets are mesh lined so can provide some ventilation when unzipped, there aren't any under arm vents but the mix of breathable material and mesh hand pockets has proven to be enough. The pockets are big enough for general hiking bits and pieces and the zips have chunky pullers for easy operation with gloved hands.
Overall the Cape Wrath jacket is an accomplished hiking jacket and as such has become one of my go-to pieces of outdoor clothing, I find that it strikes the perfect balance between weight, protection and features so is well worth the £250 price tag. Having said that, if you do your research and happen upon a good deal online it is possible to get something that will be nearly as good for a lot less.
