HikingBerghausWaterproof jacket
Berghaus Deluge waterproof jacket review: durable, dry, and great value
A resilient jacket that bridges town and trail with solid protection — the sweet spot between durability, function and everyday usability.
By Adrian Wilson
✓ RecommendedBerghaus Deluge Waterproof Jacket
RRP£120Weight291gWaterproofingHydroshell DWR
The good✓ Durable Hydroshell fabric
✓ Adjustable double hood
✓ Solid waterproofing for UK conditions
✓ Year-round versatility
✓ Packs down small
✓ Quiet in use
The not-so-good✗ Limited breathability — no pit zips
✗ No stow pocket
Check price →
At a glance
| Brand | Berghaus |
| Model | Deluge Waterproof Jacket |
| RRP | £120 |
| Weight | 291g |
| Construction | 2-layer Hydroshell |
| Waterproofing | DWR + storm flap |
| Best for | Hiking, UL wild camping, daily wear |
| Not for | Fastpacking, deep winter |
Buy the Berghaus Deluge at Amazon →
Overview
Berghaus is a proper British institution, born in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1966, now headquartered in Sunderland — specialising in tough outdoor gear and known for its Hydroshell waterproof fabrics and sensible durability. The Berghaus Deluge sits comfortably between a hardy outdoor shell and a city-ready layer, designed for versatile UK use from wild camping to the morning commute.
At 291g, it's a touch heavier than the Helly Hansen Loke (219g), but that extra weight brings a tougher, longer-lasting fabric. It packs down to roughly 20x6x6cm — reasonable for a daypack. At £120, it sits alongside the Loke and above the Marmot Precip Eco (£90, 291g), offering a more robust build than either.
| Ready for your next adventure?Walk Britain's national parks with an expert who knows themJoin guided day hikes across the Lake District, Dartmoor, Eryri and more.Browse hiking trips → |  |
How we tested
We tested the Berghaus Deluge on Dartmoor hikes where it handled strong winds and persistent drizzle well. The storm flap behind the zip kept moisture out, the DWR finish caused rain to bead nicely, and the double-adjustment hood cinched down against headwinds without losing the view ahead. We also used it for daily commuting and dog walking, where its balance of style and function really showed.
Features and performance
Waterproofing and wind protection
The Hydroshell fabric sheds heavy showers and locks out wind on exposed ridges. It's not a 3-layer alpine shell, but for the persistent drizzle and gusts that define most British days, it more than delivers. The YKK Vislon zips run smoothly even in wet conditions, and the internal storm flap worked properly — after an hour of steady rain, no water crept through the zip area. Taped seams throughout quietly build your trust.
Fit and feel
The elasticated cuffs are simple, unfussy, and stop that sneaky trickle of rain running up the sleeves. The double-adjustment hood is where the Deluge feels properly dialled in — easy to cinch down against a Dartmoor headwind without losing your view of the path ahead, and quick to loosen when the rain softens. The jacket is also notably quiet — no incessant swish-swish every time you swing your arms.
Breathability and packability
Breathability is the Deluge's weakest point. Without pit zips or mesh panels, it can feel clammy in humid conditions or during high-intensity activity. For low to medium effort in cool, wet conditions — the bread and butter of UK hiking — it works well. It scrunches down neatly without a stow pocket (it just twists and packs into its own pouch), packing to around 0.5L.
Buy the Berghaus Deluge at Amazon →
Our verdictQuiet, competent, and built to last — a reliable everyday shell for British conditions.Across moorland, coastal paths, and city streets, the Berghaus Deluge delivered with the kind of quiet competence you want from an everyday shell. It shrugged off short bursts of heavy rain, blocked the wind, and stayed comfortable in persistent drizzle.Breathability is the trade-off for durability, and that's an acceptable one for most UK use. It's the jacket you can trust to live in your pack — for the dog walk, the windswept headland, or the last push back to camp on a wild camping trip. Buy now →
FAQs
Is the Berghaus Deluge waterproof?Yes — the Hydroshell fabric provides solid waterproofing for several hours, ideal for UK showers and day hikes. Like most 2-layer shells, it may wet-out in prolonged heavy rain if the DWR treatment wears off — reproof regularly for best performance.
How breathable is the Berghaus Deluge?Moderate breathability. Without pit zips or mesh vents, it can feel warm during high-intensity use. For low to medium activity in cool, wet conditions, it works well.
How packable is the Berghaus Deluge?It packs to around 0.5L (roughly 20x6x6cm) — perfect for daypacks. There's no built-in stow pocket, but it packs easily by twisting it into itself.
Is the Berghaus Deluge worth the money?At £120, yes. It's one of the best lightweight waterproof jackets in its class, offering durability, comfort and versatility for everyday UK use. More robust than most rivals at this price point.