The Xpanse back on the Extrem 8000 Pro
An innovative top-of-the range waterproof jacket from Berghaus has struck gold at a major European show.
The Sunderland brand’s Extrem 8000 Pro Jacket is the product of more than two years’ design and development.
The jacket gained the ISPO Gold Award at the huge trade show held annually in Munich. It topped the three-layer outer section of the outdoor clothing category. Following the assessment of a panel of expert judges from across Europe, the Extrem 8000 Pro was named the best on show.
It is the third year in a row that a product created by the Berghaus MtnHaus design and development team has won an ISPO Award.
Berghaus said it believes the new Extrem 8000 Pro is the most advanced mountaineering waterproof jacket now available. “Key to that claim is the new Berghaus Xpanse concept, designed to provide the ultimate level of adjustable apparel technology for mountaineering,” a company spokesperson said.
The 8000 Pro incorporates an Xpanse back, hood and faceguard.
Marcel Geser of DNS (Development Never Stops) was a member of the ISPO Awards jury and commented about the Extrem 8000 Pro jacket: “A great construction – very innovative and clean. It provides a new and enhanced level of freedom of movement.”
Richard Leedham, Berghaus brand president, said: “The Extrem collection represents the pinnacle of Berghaus product innovation, fuelled by our hugely talented team of designers, materials experts and product developers.
“The Extrem 8000 Pro has been in the pipeline for over two years and I’ve seen close-up just how much hard work and attention to detail has been put into every single element of the jacket. We’re really proud of the final product, which is a very worthy successor to every piece of Extrem kit that has gone before it.
“And we are delighted that the ISPO Awards jury has recognised the jacket’s qualities in this way – it’s a great start to Berghaus’ 50th birthday year.”
The Berghaus Extrem 8000 Pro struck gold at Munich
Three of the team behind the Extrem 8000 Pro jacket will be attending ISPO: product manager and innovation lead Paul Cosgrove; lead MtnHaus designer James Hodgson; and mountaineer and sponsored athlete Mick Fowler.
The Xpanse back offers a new and unique approach to stretch and garment construction. A stormproof box pleat and internal lightweight stretch mesh provide freedom of movement across the back and shoulders, for when a climber needs to reach the harder moves.
Providing around 20 per cent better freedom of movement than standard construction, the Xpanse back also amplifies ventilation at the rear of the jacket. Xpanse also has a revolutionary approach to hood construction, using a system of magnets that allow it to expand for use with a helmet. When the helmet is not needed, the hood snaps back into place.
The package is completed by the Xpanse faceguard and Berghaus said the combination of all three elements delivers unparalleled levels of adaptability and comfort.
Extrem 8000 Pro jacket is made from three-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell, and uses a combination of two face fabrics, including an exclusive lightweight 40 denier face, developed in partnership with WL Gore especially for the jacket. “Not only is it extremely tough, but it also delivers outstanding water shedding performance, helping to maintain its light weight and breathability during extended use,” the spokesperson said.
“The Extrem 8000 Pro has been built to allow the most committed climbers to achieve their objectives during long, arduous days and the worst weather.
“Berghaus has created a jacket that promises to equal the performance and reputation of any product that has gone before it in the 30 years since Extrem was first launched.”
Tested extensively by Berghaus athletes Mick Fowler and Leo Houlding, the 8000 Pro is part of an all-new collection of Extrem garments for autumn-winter 2016. The new range incorporates waterproof shells, down, softshell and fleece.
The range will be available from September.
