Berghaus is celebrating after its latest product innovation was crowned the best in class at the 2016 ISPO Awards. The Extrem 8000 Pro jacket is the flagship product from the all new Extrem range for autumn/winter 2016 and has won ‘Gold’ in the three layer outer section of the outdoor clothing category. Following the assessment of a panel of expert judges from across Europe, the Extrem 8000 Pro was named the best on show. This is the third year in a row that a product created by the Berghaus MtnHaus™ design and development team has won an ISPO Award.

The result of more than two years of extensive design, development and testing, Berghaus believes that the new Extrem 8000 Pro is the most advanced mountaineering waterproof jacket now available. Key to that claim is the new Berghaus Xpanse™ concept, designed to provide the ultimate level of adjustable apparel technology for mountaineering. The 8000 Pro incorporates an Xpanse™ back, hood and faceguard.

The Xpanse™ back offers a new and unique approach to stretch and garment construction. A storm proof box pleat and internal lightweight stretch mesh provide unrivalled freedom of movement across the back and shoulders, perfect for when a climber needs to reach the harder moves. Providing around 20% better freedom of movement than standard construction, the Xpanse™ back also amplifies ventilation at the rear of the jacket. Xpanse™ also promises a revolutionary approach to hood construction, using a system of magnets that allow it to expand for use with a helmet. When the helmet is not needed, the hood snaps back into place – in either state, the Xpanse™ system delivers exceptional fit and weather protection. The package is completed by the Xpanse™ faceguard and the combination of all three elements delivers unparalleled levels of adaptability and comfort.

Made out of 3L GORE-TEX® Pro Shell, the Extrem 8000 Pro jacket uses a combination of two face fabrics, including an exclusive lightweight 40D face, developed in partnership with WL Gore especially for the jacket. Not only is it extremely tough, but it also delivers outstanding water shedding performance, helping to maintain its light weight and breathability during extended use.

The Extrem 8000 Pro has been built to allow the most committed climbers to achieve their objectives during long, arduous days and the worst weather. Berghaus has created a jacket that promises to equal the performance and reputation of any product that has gone before it in the 30 years since Extrem was first launched. Tested extensively by Berghaus athletes Mick Fowler and Leo Houlding, the 8000 Pro is part of an all new collection of Extrem garments for autumn/winter 2016. The new range incorporates waterproof shells, down, softshell and fleece.

Marcel Geser of D.N.S. (Development Never Stops) was a member of the ISPO Awards jury and commented about the Extrem 8000 Pro jacket: “A great construction - very innovative and clean. It provides a new and enhanced level of freedom of movement.”

Richard Leedham, Berghaus brand president, adds: “The Extrem collection represents the pinnacle of Berghaus product innovation, fuelled by our hugely talented team of designers, materials experts and product developers. The Extrem 8000 Pro has been in the pipeline for over two years and I’ve seen close up just how much hard work and attention to detail has been put into every single element of the jacket. We’re really proud of the final product, which is a very worthy successor to every piece of Extrem kit that has gone before it. And we are delighted that the ISPO Awards jury has recognised the jacket’s qualities in this way – it’s a great start to Berghaus’ 50th birthday year.”

Three of the team behind the Extrem 8000 Pro jacket will be attending ISPO: product manager and innovation lead Paul Cosgrove; lead MtnHaus™ designer James Hodgson; and mountaineer and sponsored athlete Mick Fowler. All will be at the Berghaus stand (412 in hall A1) and can be made available for interviews or photographs.

The Extrem 8000 Pro jacket is part of the Berghaus autumn/winter 2016 collection, which will be available from September at www.berghaus.com and selected specialist outdoor retailers.