The Bergans alpine and telemark collection is specially designed for skiing and alpine activities in terms of materials and style and advertises an all-round feel-good winter carefree package. It promises high breathability as well as wind and waterproofness, which is guaranteed by 3-layer Dermizax. I was able to test whether the collection delivers what it promises in outdoor use.
Testers and test conditions
I have been able to test the Myrkdalen jacket and Hafslo jacket from Bergans since the beginning of December 2015. I am 1.75 meters tall, weigh 69 kilos and wear the trousers in size S and the jacket in size M. I deliberately chose the jacket in size M to have enough room to put on a Primaloft or similar underneath - but in principle, size S would have been enough. During the test period, I used the jacket and trousers on several ski touring and freeriding days and in various weather conditions: from warm temperatures and drizzle to snowfall, wind and cold (which has been the exception rather than the rule so far this winter). During the test period, I was able to get a pretty good idea of whether the properties advertised by Bergans are true:
First impression
The combination is made from 3-layer Dermizax, which is waterproof, windproof and extremely breathable according to the advertising. This is confirmed in practical use, as the combination withstands wind and snow as well as rain and you don't sweat in the warm temperatures that are so common this year - so the breathability is really successful. In cold weather, the jacket keeps you nice and warm and the straight cut means that an additional Primaloft jacket can easily fit in.
Overall, the material is well made and feels robust. The waterproof seams and zippers are also robust and hold tight.
The colors of the jacket and trousers are no longer as striking as in previous years' collections. However, I think the slightly more subtle choice of colors is very harmonious and the combination of jacket and trousers is particularly convincing in terms of color and looks fashionable. During the test period, I didn't notice that the color faded on the sleeve edges or under the backpack straps or that the material wore out there. However, the combination not only has a well thought-out style but also has numerous other features.
Test report
The large, adjustable hood of the Myrkdalen jacket can also be worn over a helmet. I found the high collar very comfortable, especially in windy conditions. Two large front pockets offer plenty of space for items needed for ski tours, such as thin gloves, a headband, bar and much more. There is also a chest pocket, a pocket for your ski pass and an inside pocket for your ski goggles - so there is room for everything. It should be emphasized that all outer pockets can be easily accessed even when wearing a backpack with a chest and hip belt. All in all, the jacket offers plenty of storage space. The detachable snow skirt, which can also be attached to the trousers, as well as the longer cut of the jacket, which extends over the hips, and the drawstring at the bottom of the jacket offer protection from snow and keep the back nice and warm. The large ventilation slits under the arms are a good touch and ensure a pleasant body temperature, especially on short hikes and ski tours in bad weather with precipitation.
The Hafslo trousers also have large ventilation slits on the inside of both legs, which can be opened quickly and easily on ski tours. In the meantime, I've gotten used to wearing pants without bibs. Pants without bibs are much more comfortable to wear, especially on ski tours, and the Hafslo by Bergans is no exception. The trousers impressed me with their good fit, which offers sufficient support and can be individually adjusted at the waist with Velcro fasteners. I have also improved the wearing comfort with a belt. Personally, I am very happy with the fit of the trousers: The pants have a straight, loose cut that leaves enough legroom but is not "baggy". They therefore offer good freedom of movement, which is particularly important for hiking and touring. The reinforced fabric at the bottom of the pants reduces wear and tear and the inner gaiters protect against snow on deep snow days. There are also large pockets on the pants. If you don't want to carry your avalanche transceiver on your upper body, you can easily store it in the hip/front pocket without restricting your freedom of movement.
Conclusion
The outfit was able to fulfill the features promised by the manufacturer at all times, whether in almost summer temperatures or in snowfall. The details on the jacket and trousers in particular seem very well thought out and were very useful during the test period. Especially on ski tours, you are very happy to have all the storage options that don't get in the way. I found the cut of the jacket and trousers to be very comfortable and visually appealing. I also particularly like the color scheme of the tested outfit. Overall, I was completely convinced by the combination for freeriding and ski touring. The only thing is that the outfit is not the lightest in terms of weight. All in all, I would recommend this collection.
Advantages & disadvantages
+ Breathability
+ good workmanship
+ many pockets (including large ones) on the jacket and trousers
+ pockets are accessible despite the backpack's chest and hip straps being closed
+ helmet-compatible hood
+ ventilation slits on the jacket and trousers
- no bib on the trousers
- not quite lightweight
Details
RRP:
Myrkdalen Jacket 399,95 €
Haflso Pants 299,95 €
available sizes: Men's S-XXL
Tested color: Jacket: KhakiGreen/ ArmyGreen / Lt SeaBlue Pants: ArmyGreen/ Dp Sea/ Lt SeaBlue
Material: Jacket: 3-layer Dermizax with 2-way stretch. Waterproof, windproof and breathable, weight: 765 g (size L), trousers: 3-layer Dermizax. Waterproof, windproof and breathable, weight: 775 g (size L).
Jacket:
Adjustable, fixed hood with a generous, helmet-compatible fit. High collar, tunnel opening and visor. Front pockets, chest pocket, inside pocket, ski goggle pocket and ski pass pocket. The front pockets, chest pocket and ski goggle pocket are made of mesh for a good wearing climate. The front pockets are positioned so that they are accessible even when wearing a backpack with a hip belt. Slanted ventilation zippers under the armpits. Recco® search reflector.
Pants:
Fixed gaiters on the inside with adhesive rubber edge. Ventilation zippers on the inside of the thighs. Front pockets and thigh pocket with sufficient volume. Suspenders loops and a Recco® search reflector.
Click here to visit the Bergans website for more information on the jacket and the trousers.
This product was provided to PG free of charge by the manufacturer for testing.
