Our review: Nifty jacket combining insulation with stretchy panels for movement and breathability
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First impressions
After finding the fit in some of the other down jackets on test a little restrictive, we were keen to try the Tephra 2.0 combining as it does an insulated jacket with long, stretchy lycra panels under the arms and on the sides to increase range of movement. It also includes a harness/hip-friendly 2-way zipper which again helped with movement on hilly hikes.
How was the fit?
We loved the fit of this jacket – aided by that bit of stretch it felt true to size and was easy to zip up and move in. Over a t-shirt it had room to move, over a fleece it was a snugger, cosier fit but still with room to move and not at all restrictive. The sleeves were a good length and easy to push up out of the way if needed, thanks to that fleece panel.
How does it feel?
Soft and flexible, this was one of the easiest jackets we tested to be able to move in. A small fleece panel and zip garage keep it comfortable when zipped up. Our only gripe would be that if you let those fleece panels get wet they do feel a bit cold and clammy!
Does it have a hood and is it any good?
Yes, this version came with an insulated hood. It was a nice fit, but there were no adjustable features on it which meant usefulness was limited in the wind or when used under a helmet. The hood cannot be stashed away.
What’s it made of?
The Tephra is made from 100% Polyamide with Stretch Panels comprised of 84% Polyester and 16% Elastane. The fabric is Pertex Quantum, which is tightly woven to create a light and soft fabric. It is treated to be water-repellent and this proved good in testing, with water beading and running off the facing fabric. The fleece under the arms and on the sides of the jacket did absorb water, though in use these areas would tend to be sheltered by the body. As with any of the down jackets though, we’d only use them in light showers.
The stretch panels on the side are soft and stretchy Polartec fleece – though be warned, the soft inner was magnetic for fluff and animal fur (which we discovered when our white cat rubbed against us!).
What’s it filled with?
The jacket is filled with 80% down and 20% feathers which are RDS certified. Berghaus have a transparent policy online around use of ethical materials which describes their use of each animal product and states: “Any animal-derived materials used must be a by-product of animals farmed and slaughtered for the food industry, and sourced from suppliers with good animal husbandry.”
How durable is it?
The jacket proved durable enough in testing – though the fleece panels under the arms would likely be at risk of snagging and bobbling with repeated use. We would have liked sturdier pulls on the zip pockets and this one isn’t included with a stash bag/pocket which we like to help keep jackets packed away neatly and cleanly.
How sustainable is it?
Berghaus are B-Corps certified and have a wide range of policies online relating to modern slavery, sustainability and positive impact. They also have ‘Repairhaus’ which offers product repairs as well as thorough product care and wash guides online to make sure you are able to care for your product once bought. Repairs are free in line with their guarantees and based on the expected lifespan of the product, which for an insulated jacket is either two or four years.
Is it good value?
For the RRP of £200 we were happy with the jacket – we liked the flexibility of movement it offers and that fact that it’s a bit different to the others on test. It’s a shame the hood can’t be adjusted, which would make us consider the gilet (£150) or non-hooded version (£190) for active use where you’d likely wear a hat in colder weather anyway.
Best used for:
Hikes and adventures where you want to be able to move – we’d even throw this one into the mix for trail running on a very chilly day where it’s hard to get warm. Just bear in mind it isn’t packable.
Facts at a glance: Berghaus Tephra 2.0 Hooded Insulated Jacket
Sizes: W UK8-20, M
Weight: 388g (UK10)
Fill power: 700
Down type: 80% down and 20% duck feather
Face fabric: 100% Polyamide with Stretch Panels comprised of 84% Polyester/16% Elastane
Type of zip: 2-way zipper
Pockets: 3, all zipped
Packable? No
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