Review and Analysis of Bergans Roros Down Light w/Hood
Introduction
I have extensively used the Bergans Roros Down Light Jacket during a wide range of outdoor activities, including winter expeditions to the mountains of Yakutia with extreme temperatures as low as -70°C, numerous alpine climbs, and summer expeditions. This jacket has proven to be a reliable and versatile companion throughout these adventures, offering exceptional performance and warmth in a wide range of weather conditions.
Advantages
Warmth: The Roros Down Light Jacket’s 90/10 duck down and feather insulation with a fill power of 700 cuin provides remarkable warmth. I’d say, despite the down being only 700 cuin, its quality is so high that the jacket felts like the cuin is 750-800. This jacket keeps me comfortably protected even in harsh and very frigid environments of Yakutia. I had it on as the main protection against -45 C. Its ability to maintain insulation in extreme cold is commendable.
Versatility: The jacket’s design and fit allows it to be used as both an outer layer as well as a mid-layer in truly freezing temperatures. This adaptability is ideal for the fluctuating weather patterns experienced during alpine climbs. This is further amplified by the fact the the jacket has Water Repellent Down. The water repellent properties of the down used in this jacket offer a significant advantage over other models. It allows me to wear the jacket in humid conditions without the fear of the down getting wet quickly and losing its insulating ability, which is crucial during prolonged outdoor activities.
Ultralight Design: Weighing only 385g (size L), the Roros Down Light Jacket impressively combines warmth and functionality with an ultralight design. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to minimize the weight of their gear. You barely notice the weight of this jacket in the backpack.
Windproof Pertex Quantum® Material: The Pertex Quantum® outer material effectively blocks wind, further preventing heat loss and ensuring that the down can perform optimally. This windproof feature is vital during winter expeditions and alpine climbs, where wind chill is a significant concern. I attest it again using my Yakutia experience: when on the final (long) summit ridge, I did not only have -45 C of the absolute temperature, but on top of that, the winds very strong, and I believe the felt temperature was well below -65-70 C.
The jacket has a number of additional advantages. First, it’s flexibility and mobility. Specifically, the jacket’s design and construction allow for undisturbed movement, which is vital during demanding climbs. I never felt restricted by the jacket, and its flexibility further enhances the overall outdoor experience. Simultaneously, it does have a nice slim fit. Next, it is very robust: despite its lightweight nature, the Roros Down Light Jacket has demonstrated remarkable durability. It has withstood the rigors of expeditions and intense activities. Moreover, it comes with excellent breathability: The jacket’s breathability is an added advantage, preventing overheating and excessive sweating. Finally, what is worth mentioning, is the fact that the jacket is produced based on sustainable down: The use of Down, which is made from recycled down sourced from used clothing and bedding, highlights Bergans’ commitment to sustainability. This approach reduces waste; the fact that recycled down performs just as well as new down is impressive.
Points of Improvement:
While the Roros Down Light Jacket boasts numerous advantages, one noticeable point of improvement is its length. The jacket is a bit short, which means that when bending or reaching overhead during climbs, the back might get a bit exposed. Although this feature contributes to its ultralight design, it would be beneficial to have a slightly longer variant (of choice) in the future to address this aspect.
Conclusion
The Bergans Roros Down Light Jacket with a hood is a great piece of outdoor gear that has accompanied me through extreme winter expeditions and alpine climbs. Its warmth, repellent properties, ultralight design, flexibility, and breathability make it my standout choice for my winter activities.
You can order the jacket at the Sklep Gorski online shop.
