Gear Review: Berghaus Smoulder Hoody Fleece

Gear Review: Berghaus Smoulder Hoody Fleece 10/10
If I had to note brands that had gone down in my estimation over the years, Berghaus would be on that list, maybe it's because they have aimed their products at the high street over the hills, but I have definitely noticed a drop in some of their product quality and design.  All that being said they do pull off some rare gems, and this hoody is one of them!  It's Polartec power dry so is pretty warm stuff for the weight (it's brushed on the outside to increase durability and weather resistancy whilst using a micro-grid technology on the inside to increase wicking power).  It's also odour-resistant treated so it doesn't pong on the hills unlike some synthetic fleeces.  The hood is in the same material and is designed to go under the helmet + is proper warm!  The zip is offset so it doesn't catch your chin, and it's a long 3/4 providing good venting without the zip becoming irritating (stuck) beneath a harness.  There's an external pocket (which I plonked my ski card in / gps depending on my location).  Sure, it's not the same high-grade Polartec like that used in Haglofs Treble hood or the insulation properties of say Arcteryx's Hercules Hoody but then they're on the market for  £110 and £120 respectfully: The Berghaus SRP is £70!! Which in my book is an absolute bargain.  It's a super super base layer or mid-layer on the hills, exactly perfect for British weather, an excellent investment.  I can't rave about Polartec Powerdry micro-grid technology too much (Patagonia cap 4 is pretty awesome too) someone will starting shouting that I work for them...(I don't)
SPEC: 

 technical stretch mid layer constructed using Polartec® Power Dry®. Great for use as a mid-layer or as an expedition weight base layer.

• The Polartec® Power Dry® fabric has a smooth face for good durability. The brushed grid structure on the inside delivers great compressibility, exceptional thermal insulation, good airflow and quick drying times.  The fabric is also treated with an odour resistant finish.
• The hood is perfect for cold weather use and is designed to be used underneath a helmet.
• The offset three-quarter front zip maximises venting during periods of high activity and a chest pocket is positioned alongside for easy to reach small essentials such sun creams and glasses.
• WEIGHT: 360g

SRP: £70.00 / €99.95