Berghaus
1966 - 1970
In 1966, outdoor equipment didn't really exist. It must be said that the needs at that time were very different from today. The story of Berghaus (which means "mountain house" in German) began with Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison, both climbers from the northeast of England who, faced with the lack of quality equipment at the time, decided to create their own brand. They opened their first store in Newcastle-upon-Tyne under the name "LD Mountain Centre" and quickly gained an excellent reputation by selling high-end and recognized equipment. As success continued, Lockey and Davison decided to design their own equipment, test it in conditions, and then sell it if the tests were conclusive. This range, inspired by the needs and desires of climbers, was called Berghaus. The brand was born.
1970 – 1980
Backpacks used to be bulky, uncomfortable, and made climbing much more difficult. Berghaus wanted to change that. Given their climbing background, Lockey and Davison knew there was a market opportunity for a backpack that could distribute the load optimally. They decided to have a new backpack made to these specifications in their new factory in Washington. The first Berghaus backpacks, like the Berg 172 and 272, had external frames and simple compartments. These two backpacks were followed two years later by Berghaus's first real revolution: the Cyclops, probably one of the first backpacks with an internal frame. With its reinforced and padded architecture, the Cyclops proved to be very comfortable and became one of the most popular backpacks. In fact, one of its variants, the Cyclops III, is still widely acclaimed today. The late 70s saw many innovations, and Berghaus was, of course, at the forefront. In 1977, Berghaus incorporated GORE-TEX® fabrics into some of its products, becoming the first European brand to do so. This was followed in 1979 by the development of Yeti® gaiters, unanimously recognized as the brand offering the highest level of foot and leg protection on the market. This is still seen today as one of the greatest advances in the world of outdoor clothing. Berghaus continued to make its way in Europe by exporting more and more products.
1980 – 1990
The outdoor world was changing. The early 80s saw Berghaus supplying equipment to many expeditions around the world. It was at this time that the brand decided to introduce a new concept. Indeed, the Gemini jacket, a precursor of the InterActive system used today, was the first jacket designed with a fleece lining. This innovation changed the way people perceived outdoor clothing. It was also during this period that the AB (Adjustable Back) and Occipital Cavity systems appeared with the release of the Dart backpack. All these innovations helped Berghaus strengthen its status as a leader, not just as a backpack manufacturer, but as an outdoor product manufacturer in general. By exploring new territories and developing new ranges for climbers, Berghaus continued to act as a leader, where other brands were content to follow. After winning over many serious and renowned climbers, Berghaus created a range specifically for extreme adventurers. The aptly named Extrem range was launched in 1986 with the Trango jacket, which quickly became a classic. Another innovation, the Attak sole, was introduced the following year and exported worldwide. All these products and innovations earned Berghaus the "Queen's Award Export" and the "Northern Business Award" as Exporter of the Year in 1988. A well-deserved reward for the company that did not rest on its laurels and began designing outdoor equipment specifically for women. This is how the very popular Lady Pulsar Rucksack appeared.
1990 – 2000
A new communication strategy and a change of ownership marked the beginning of this decade at Berghaus. Nevertheless, the company did not deviate from its principles or its standards and continued to innovate. In 1993, another major change occurred in the brand's history. Pentland Group PLC, already the owner of brands like Speedo and Ellesse, acquired Berghaus with the project of developing the brand and making it the best outdoor equipment company in the world. Following this, Berghaus entered the footwear market and released its first collection. The range included the Storm boot, considered at the time to be the best 3-season hiking boot. Backpacks were not neglected: the FGA system appeared in 1993. In 1995, Berghaus adapted and improved its Extrem range to allow climbers to handle objects, zippers, and other fastenings with one gloved hand. A small innovation, but one that proved to be very important when you are at 3000 meters. In 1997, Berghaus introduced the Simplex concept, proving that the brand was still ahead of its time. The idea was to minimize fabric layers and get rid of the superfluous to obtain a breathable, lightweight bag perfect for energetic outings. And it worked! In 1999, a new range was introduced: GORE-TEX® Paclite®. All products in this range are windproof, waterproof, breathable, and quickly became industry staples. The Nitro, a backpack launched in 1998, with its ultra-modern design and compression system, also marked the decade. And not just among industry specialists. The British Design Council was so impressed that it awarded it the "Millennium Product Award."
2000 -2010
Already ahead of its time with the release of the first GORE-TEX® products, Berghaus did it again with the launch of GORE-TEX® Summit XCR® products in 2001, a durable, breathable, and waterproof fabric that met with great commercial success. The release of the Extrem Light range followed shortly after, aiming to offer a wide choice of lightweight clothing, shoes, and bags to help climbers go faster and further without compromising on comfort. In the same vein, the Berghaus Adventure Travel range was introduced in 2004, offering high-performance technology products with optimal comfort. Indeed, the fabric used had technical characteristics such as Healthguard™ protection and the Dri Release™ concept, which prevents the proliferation of odor-causing bacteria. The Adventure Travel range was at the top of innovation and represented the quintessence of Berghaus. But the brand didn't stop there and, in 2005, launched the Bioflex® design, designed to work with the natural movements of the human body. This technology was awarded the "ISPO Award" for innovation. 2006 arrived, and the company celebrated its 40th anniversary. And to celebrate this anniversary, Berghaus received a royal award, the Queen's Award, for its innovations and the development of outdoor products. With its team of top athletes (including Leo Houlding, Mick Fowler, and Philippe and Anna Gatta), Berghaus continued to move forward and strengthen its strong position. Three stores opened in the UK (Gateshead, London, Bristol), and a 60-second advertisement was produced and broadcast in major cinemas across the country in 2008.
Since 2013….
Berghaus continues to innovate and strengthen its partnerships with top athletes. Leo Houlding formed an international team and succeeded in the first ascent, on a new route, of the Ulvetanna peak in Antarctica, at 2930 meters. And with his Berghaus backpack on his back... In this year 2016, the brand is celebrating its 50th anniversary. "Hats off" Berghaus!
* Hats off
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