The most challenging ascents to highest mountain peaks are clearly not the realm of the amateur. Perilous precipices, high altitude loose gravel, crumbling rocks, icy mountain passes and the windswept exposed ridges are amongst the challenges facing the professional mountaineer. Months in the planning, expeditions are painstakingly prepared to deal with the challenges from the most extreme environments known to man and clothing and footwear needs to respond. In these extreme environments Berghaus has long been the mountaineer’s choice of performance gear. First on the list of essential purchases for any full-on assault, Berghaus performs on the world’s most treacherous climbs. Innovators in performance kit, these industry leaders have earned their esteemed reputation by providing the best performance equipment on the market.
In 1966, while the nation had football fever, two North East English climbers had another sport on their mind as they launched the Berghaus brand. Aiming to provide performance gear up to the high standards they required for their own climbs, they started to offer fellow mountaineers the benefit of their experience through their extreme clothing range. Slowly building up a reputation in the industry, in 1974 Berghaus turned innovator and launched the first internal frame rucksack providing the benchmark which all would follow. Leading explorers and extreme sportsmen flocked to the brand and some of the most famous climbs have been achieved with Berghaus gear. Sir Chris Bonnington, Doug Scott and Alan Hikes OBE have chosen Berghaus for their perilous ascents, and the 23,901 ft Baintha Brakk has put Berghaus to the ultimate test. The Ogre, as it is otherwise known, offers one of the world’s most dangerous and difficult peaks, no short wonder that it took 24 years between the first and second successful ascent.
Following the first epic success, the Yeto Gaiter mountaineering boot was launched which rapidly set the industry standard. This highly acclaimed boot became the footwear of choice due to the exceptional protection provided in the most challenging environment on earth. The second successful conquering of the Ogre in 2001 saw the Thomas Huber party kitted out in Berghaus as they provided the highlight of the climbing season. No greater accolade can be bestowed on an extreme performance brand that being the kit of choice for the most challenging climbs on the planet. However it was for the 1994/1995 season that a full footwear range was fully launched and there has been no looking back since. The 10-year anniversary of the footwear range saw the launch of the Adventure Travel line, which utilises the experience gained from high altitude and extreme environments and puts it into the world of trail running, hiking, and walking. Multi-purpose performance wear and continued innovation keeps the brand at the top of the mountaineering and climbing brand names.
What really positions Berghaus at the pinnacle of design is the technology which goes into each shoe. It all starts with the all important grip; what keeps your feet firmly placed in all conditions. Alpha Compound™ provides the most durable, highest quality rubber for the hardest wearing environments whereas an Optistud™ design is used for a more universal grip on combination surfaces. To protect and cushion the feet, Evabreathe® Matrix Foam Technology moulds perfectly to the foot and generating airflow to stop the feet sweating. This is wrapped in an Ergonomic Holding System™ designed to dissipate the lace tension around the whole foot reducing stress and foot roll. For comfort in small tents, the Ortholite® Comfort Foam fights odour producing bacteria.
Every gram counts in the oxygen depleted high altitude environment, and extra weight carried makes for extra exertion. Berghaus construct shoes to be super-light to conserve energy levels, and foam moulded Phobic® technology repels water to keep the shoes dry and not to absorb extra weight. To cushion the most important load bearing areas of the foot, pressure distribution plates absorb shock impact to lessen potential injury to the heel and ball whilst providing support and flexibility when needed. , Low Profile Protection™ protects shoe and foot from the stresses of climbing. The latest Explorer range has been biomechanically engineered from anatomical studies to offer a masterpiece in protection and comfort fitting. When ascending the most challenging high altitude peaks there is no substitute for Berghaus.