Berghaus vs Craghoppers — UK Outdoor Clothing Compared

Brand Overview

Berghaus — Newcastle, UK. Founded 1966. Known for technical mountain clothing, Hydroshell waterproofing, and collaborations with BMC. Positioned as serious outdoor brand.

Craghoppers — Batley, UK. Founded 1965. Known for travel and outdoor clothing, NosiLife insect-repellent range, and versatile walking trousers. Positioned between fashion and function.

Head-to-Head: Waterproof Jackets

Winner: Berghaus — GORE-TEX is a significant advantage for sustained rain.

Head-to-Head: Walking Trousers

Winner: Craghoppers — the Kiwi Pro is one of the best walking trousers at any price. Comfortable stretch, excellent pockets, versatile styling.

Head-to-Head: Fleeces

Winner: Draw — Berghaus is lighter and slightly better quality, Craghoppers is significantly cheaper.

Unique Strengths

Berghaus: Technical mountain gear. If you're climbing, scrambling, or walking in serious mountain weather, Berghaus is the better choice. Their Extrem range competes with Arc'teryx at lower prices.

Craghoppers: NosiLife range. Clothing treated with permanent insect repellent — brilliant for travel, midgie-infested Scottish summers, and tick-prone areas. No other UK brand does this as well.

Verdict

Choose Berghaus if: You need technical mountain clothing, the best waterproofing under GORE-TEX's premium brands, and you're doing serious UK hill walking. Worth the premium for performance clothing.

Choose Craghoppers if: You want versatile walking/travel clothing, excellent trousers, and the NosiLife insect range. Better value for everyday outdoor use and travel.

Product Recommendations

The NosiLife Factor

Craghoppers NosiLife range with permanent insect repellent is brilliant for Scottish midges (June-September), tick-prone areas, and overseas travel. No other UK brand does this as well.

Making Your Decision

When choosing between these two options, consider your actual use case rather than aspirational use. Where do you walk most often? What conditions do you typically face? How much weight are you willing to carry? The best gear is the gear that matches your real-world needs, not the gear with the most impressive specifications.

Both options reviewed here have proven themselves across thousands of UK outdoor enthusiasts. Neither is objectively wrong. The question is which one suits your specific combination of budget, planned activities, and personal preferences.

Where to Buy

Both brands are available through specialist UK outdoor retailers including Cotswold Outdoor, Go Outdoors, and Blacks. Online retailers like Amazon UK, Ultralight Outdoor Gear, and the brands' own websites also stock these items. Try before you buy where possible, especially for items like packs and boots where fit is personal.

Long-Term Value

Consider the total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price. A more expensive item that lasts 10 years costs less per year than a cheaper item that lasts 3 years. Factor in maintenance costs, replacement parts, and warranty coverage when making your decision. Quality outdoor gear is an investment that pays dividends in comfort, safety, and enjoyment over years of use.

Sizing and Fit

Berghaus tends to run true to UK sizing with a slightly athletic cut. Craghoppers offers a more relaxed fit that suits a wider range of body types. Both brands offer regular and short leg lengths in trousers, which is a welcome touch for those of us who are not six feet tall. Try both in store if possible — Cotswold Outdoor stocks both brands.

Layering Compatibility

Both brands design their clothing to work as part of a layering system. Berghaus waterproofs are cut to accommodate mid-layers underneath. Craghoppers walking trousers work well with base layer leggings in cold weather. Mix and match between brands freely — the layering system is universal, not brand-specific.