Did you know?
The name Berghaus is a literal translation from the German for "mountain house"
1971 - 1975
Revolutionizing Rucsacs
One of the first things our founders decided to change was the crsacs. Gone are the days when crucsacs hampered rather than improved the climbing experience. Lockey and Davison knew the market was there, and from their new Berghaus factory in Washington, they began creating the first Berghaus rucsac - the Berg 172.
Lockey and Davison's work evolved over the next two years, culminating in the revolutionary Cyclops rucsac - the world's first self-built backpack. Eventually it became one of the most popular rugs of all time - so popular, in fact, that a version of the Cyclops is still present in our elite Extrem range today.
Did you know?
Rucsac takes its name from the German for back ('ruck') and packaging ('bag')
1981 - 1985
From here, the outdoor clothing world changed forever - with Berghaus leading the way.
The early 1980s saw us begin providing our elite outdoor clothing to keep adventurers warm and dry around the world. We introduce a new concept - The Gemini. Gemini is an early version of the InterActive system we use today for ultimate layered all-weather protection. It was the first time a hiking jacket was designed with a zip-up fleece jacket, changing the way people thought about outdoor clothing.
But Davison and Lockey weren't resting on their laurels. It was also around this time that they introduced the original AB (Adjustable Back) Transport System and the Dart rucsac - innovations that cemented Berghaus's position as a leader in outdoor performance wear.
Famous faces
In 1985, one of the world's greatest adventurers, Sir Chris Bonington, used the Berghaus to climb Everest for the first time. We also started working with Alan Hinkes - who would go on to become the most successful extreme altitude climber in the UK.
1986 - 1990
By this time, we were exploring new territory and developing a clothing line that helped climbers do the same.
Already trusted by the most serious climbers, Berghaus has created a range designed for extreme adventures. The Extrem line was launched in 1986 and included the Trango Jacket, which became an almost instant classic. Shortly thereafter, Berghaus received the Queen's Award for Export in 1988 and the Northern Business Award for Exporter of the Year.
Closer to home, Berghaus became one of the first companies to develop outdoor equipment for women. Working closely with top climbers, mountaineers and adventurers to create bespoke performance gear, we created the Lady Pulsar backpack, which was greeted with a surge of popularity.
Remarkable innovation
In 1990, we teamed up with true pioneer Bob Gore and his company WL Gore Associates to introduce GORE-TEX® into our products for the first time. GORE-TEX® Dry Socks shoe lining helped eliminate damp feet and created a product that still exists today.
1991 - 1995
A new decade saw us continue to innovate, especially in our advertising. In 1993, we launched the now iconic 'Man Cut in Half' ad, telling the story of how we layer our products – a pioneering method that is critical to giving all outdoor enthusiasts the best protection and comfort.
In 1993, we were acquired by Pentland Group Limited, which was already home to leading sports brands Speedo and ellesse. We've become one of the best resourced outdoor companies in the world, so we decided to try our luck on footwear. We launched our first shoe line in the early 1990s, including the Storm boot; at the time, considered the definitive hiking boot for the three seasons. Rucsacs have not been forgotten either - the FGA Adjustable Backpack System was developed in 1993.
Remarkable innovation
In 1995, Berghaus adapted its Extrem line to ensure that all features, such as zippers and zippers, could be adjusted with a gloved hand. A simple but important innovation, especially when you're 3000 feet tall.