A spring and summer companion for those of us who like to head out onto the trails no matter what the weather, The Berghaus Fast Hike is a 100% waterproof shell jacket that will be right at home in any keen hiker's wardrobe.
The Hydroshell Elite 2.5 layer fabric ensures that no moisture will slip through, even in the pelting rain or, as we know from experience, standing under the odd waterfall. The fabric itself is soft and smooth to the touch and doesn't come with the unappealing crinkly, plastic-y quality that many shells possess. Add to this the taped zips and seams, and you can be sure that you'll stay dry underneath.
Of course, you'll still get some condensation collecting inside, especially if you wear it when you're working up a sweat, but the fabric does have a decent amount of breathability and the mesh pockets help to keep things a little less clammy when opened.
As far as looks go, the jacket comes in three colour combinations; pink/red, blue, and grey/black. Not all that interesting really, but they'll appeal to those of us who value an understated garment that does the job without fuss.
One great thing about this jacket is its feather-lightness. Coming in at just 202 grams for a size 12, you hardly notice the extra weight in your pack. It also packs down small into its own pocket for easy stowage.
The MtnHaus Innovation Team designed hood is comfortable and easily adjustable to fit your head, and features a chin guard so that it can fit snugly around your face for when it's really bucketing down.
The two front zipped pockets are all that's on offer in terms or storage, but they're a good size. We also like the elastic cuffs which sit close to the wrists and kept the rain out, as well as the adjustable elastic hem to keep the jacket tight to the body.
However, the cut of this jacket is very snug. We tested a size 14 on a size 12/14 woman, and it just about fit with a light t-shirt underneath. This is not a jacket suited to layering up. We would have liked to have the option of adding a midlayer underneath for when the weather really starts to close in, so consider this when you're picking your size.
Overall, the Berghaus Fast Hike jacket is great companion to slip into your pack before you head out for a summer's day hike or bike ride, offering great waterproofing in a lightweight package that stuffs down to the size of a mango. Just beware if you're planning to use it in cooler weather.
