Bergans Stegaros Soft Shell Mid Layer for Men and Women
Product Review & Walking Gear Test

Bergans Stegaros Soft Shell Mid Layer for Men and Women Bergans Stegaros Soft Shell Mid Layer for Men and Women
Stegaros Soft Shell Mid Layer for Men and Women

Vital Statistics:

Colours:
Women: Hot Pink/White, Light Primula Purple/Neon Green
Men: Timothy Green/Bright Cobalt, Black/Bright Cobalt

Weight:
645 gms (Men's large size)

SRP:
£150.00

Bergans says:"Technical jacket in windproof and water-repellent softshell material, designed for a versatile and active outdoor lifestyle."

Features to Note:

In-use Test:

Soft shells seem to sit on a spectrum between a fleece and a full waterproof jacket in the expectation that a reduction in waterproofness is compensated for by an improvement in other aspects of technical performance - eg breathability, weight or freedom of movement.

The Stegaros from Bergans is certainly a extremely stylish example that seems to be located closer to the full jacket end of the spectrum; it looks and - to some extent feels - like a waterproof jacket. The exterior has a relatively hard feel- and does rustle quite a lot (for a soft shell!); the interior does have a much softer feel.

I was wearing my usual size and found that the fit overall is very generous - there's certainly room for a good thermal layer underneath if necessary. The sleeves are actually a little too long and I found I had to roll them up a little - not a situation I usually face! It's a good long length with a drop-tail back for extra protection.

My several outings wearing the Stegaros have been on a number of day walks in the Staffordshire Peaks in some quite variable September weather. It's certainly windproof and is pretty breathable although I was glad of the good long pit zips during higher energy periods. It's ok in light drizzle but definitely not in anything resembling heavy rain. There's some insulation but overall I think its strength is its wind resistance. The fabric does have a slight stretch in it and I must say the freedom of movement overall is pretty good.

The Stegaros isn't a particularly light weight garment but it's not too bulky to stow quite happily at the bottom of a daypack. In fact it's less bulky than my Paramo fleece.

Generous enough to wear over a helmet, the hood is overall quite impressive. There's a decent volume adjuster and a good peak; a minor gripe is there is a tendency for the closing toggles to flap around a bit but once its adjusted it provides very good protection and does move with you when you look around.

The main front zip is one-way only and just about usable with gloved hands.

Finally the pockets - there's one front chest pocket (handy for phone etc) and two large side pockets which are big enough to take a folded OS map. However, these side pockets aren't really conveniently accessible if you're wearing a daypack/backpack which is a bit of a nuisance.

As I've come to expect from Bergans, the overall build quality is very good.

Buying Advice:

Bergans' Stegaros is probably one of the most stylish garments I've seen for a while. At it's best as part of a layering system in drier weather, for higher energy activities particularly if there's a biting wind. (I'd certainly include it in my luggage for ski-ing - will look great on or off the piste!) However, if you're looking to make just one major investment for all year hill/mountain walking in the UK - when rain is probably a given - then you're better off looking at a full waterproof jacket.


What do you think?

Have you got a Bergans Stegaros Soft Shell Mid Layer for Men and Women?

We would love to hear what you thought of it - good, bad or indifferent. Perhaps you simply disagree with the verdict above - or feel an important feature has been negelected.

Let us know by clicking this link - What I think of Bergans Stegaros Soft Shell Mid Layer for Men and Women - so we can publish your important views below.




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