Advnture Verdict
Supplying reliable waterproofing minus the stiff Gore-Tex price tag, this jacket offers three-season service, but you’ll need to get something heavier for winter.
Pros
- +
Fit
- +
Lightweight
- +
Packable
- +
Eco credentials
Cons
- -
Short torso
- -
One-way zips
- -
Not hardcore enough for winter
You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products.
Berghaus Women’s Mehan: first impressions
Designed specifically for the female physique, the Berghaus Women’s Mehan waterproof jacket is lightweight and packable, and ideal for warmer-weather wet hiking.
It is constructed with Hydroshell, which is Berghaus’ own waterproof and breathable technology. The lightweight 2.5-layer construction offers waterproofing, yet allows any perspiration that does build up inside the jacket to quickly transfer out.
The Mehan is also one of a collection of more eco-friendly products and is has a PFC-free DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment for further waterproofing.
The fabric is stretchy, allowing plenty of freedom of movement, and there are useful zipped underarms for venting.
Other features include a soft chin guard, adjustable cuffs, dual adjustment hem, two zipped hand pockets and a peaked hood.
But how did it fare under test conditions for our best women’s waterproof jackets buying guide? Read on…
• RRP: $N/A (US) / £150 (UK) / €180 (EU)
• Waterproofing: Berghaus Hydroshell 2.5L (with 50% of recycled fabrics) >15,000mm HH
• Breathability: MVTR is 20,000g/m2/24 hrs
• Weight: 300g / 10.5oz
• Sizes: 8-18
• Colors: Black / Blue / Red
• Compatibility: Hiking and hill-walking in soggy three-season conditions (spring-summer-fall) in the UK
Berghaus Women’s Mehan: on the trails
This is a simply designed and easy-to-like waterproof jacket. There are no extra features to annoy you, just the right level of details for a jacket that you can stow in your rucksack and pull out on a summer’s hike if the rain comes on (see more ways to stay dry when hiking).
This is not to say you can’t wear the Mehan for an entire outing, but in our opinion it is more likely to be packed as a just-in-case measure.
The waterproofing and windproofing are perfectly adequate for summer weather but this is not a jacket to protect you on wet and windy winter mountain days.
The pit zips are really useful for extra breathability (I wish more jackets had these) although I wish the front zip and the pit zips were two-way, instead of one.
The stiff, peaked hood is decent enough for summer hikes, and all-round I found the fit to be good (although the torso is a little short for me), and the stretchy fabric is a bonus.
I wore the jacket on several outings on Scottish trails and in the mountains. I am a UK 10 size and I was able to fit a couple thin baselayers and a lightweight insulated jacket underneath but still feel comfortable (because layering is important).
A plus is the range of sizes from UK 8 to 18, which is great. Berghaus offer a generous female fit and shape. The blue is a great color and more turquoise than blue-blue.
If you are looking for a jacket that is reasonable priced, the Berghaus Mehan is a great choice. You get waterproofing and breathability but without having to pay for Gore-Tex.
