The History of Berghaus from Newcastle to Global Outdoor Icon
Berghaus has been shaping the outdoor clothing industry for decades. Known for technical jackets, rucksacks, and expedition gear, the brand has grown from a small shop in Newcastle to a globally recognised name.
If you want to explore the latest pieces, you can shop our full Berghaus collection here.
Who Started Berghaus?
Berghaus was founded in 1966 by two climbers, Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison. The pair ran a specialist outdoor store called LD Mountain Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne. Frustrated by the lack of quality equipment available in Britain, they decided to design their own gear that could handle the toughest conditions.
They named the new brand Berghaus, meaning “mountain house” in German. Early products quickly earned a reputation among climbers and mountaineers for being durable, innovative, and reliable.
Their commitment to technical design still runs through today’s range. Explore it in our Berghaus collection.
Where Are Berghaus Based?
Berghaus was founded in Newcastle, UK, and has always remained close to its roots in the North East of England. Today, the brand’s headquarters are located in Sunderland, Tyne & Wear.
Despite becoming an international brand, Berghaus has kept strong ties to the region where it all began and continues to create products built for the harshest outdoor environments.
Who Owns Berghaus?
Today, Berghaus is owned by the Pentland Group, a British family owned company that also owns brands such as Speedo, Ellesse, Canterbury, and Mitre.
Pentland acquired Berghaus in 1993. This move helped Berghaus expand globally, increasing investment in research and development while staying true to its heritage of designing gear for serious explorers.
This ownership has allowed Berghaus to grow while continuing to innovate in technical outdoor clothing.
The Growth of Berghaus Through the Decades
The 1970s – Innovation in Rucksacks
In the early 1970s, Berghaus made its name with ground breaking rucksack designs. Models like the Berg 172 and Berg 272 led to the launch of the Cyclops internal frame rucksack in 1972 — one of the first of its kind in the world, setting new standards for durability and comfort.
The 1970s – Early Gore-Tex Adoption
By 1977, Berghaus was one of the first European brands to incorporate GORE-TEX® technology into its jackets, offering waterproof yet breathable outerwear. This innovation changed the game for mountaineers who needed protection without overheating.
The 1980s – Technical Outerwear Expands
The 1980s saw Berghaus strengthen its position in technical clothing, creating lightweight, durable waterproofs and layering systems that cemented its reputation among serious outdoor users.
The 1990s – Extrem Range and Pentland Acquisition
In 1993, Berghaus became part of the Pentland Group, gaining the resources to expand internationally. Around this time, the Extrem range was introduced, designed specifically for elite mountaineers tackling the world’s toughest conditions.
The 2000s–Today – Sustainability and Modern Design
In the 2000s and beyond, Berghaus has focused on both performance and sustainability. Many of today’s products use recycled materials and environmentally responsible production methods, while still pushing forward in technical innovation.
From rucksacks to waterproof jackets, you can browse the latest innovations in our Berghaus collection.
Berghaus in Fashion Today
While Berghaus was built for the mountains, it has also become a fashion statement in recent years. The clean designs, bold logos, and retro inspired pieces have made Berghaus popular in streetwear culture and everyday style.
You’ll often see Berghaus jackets and fleeces worn not just on hiking trails, but also on city streets, music festivals, and in fashion circles. Collaborations with designers and the resurgence of 90s inspired outdoor wear have helped Berghaus cross over into lifestyle fashion.
This blend of performance and style has made Berghaus a brand that works both for the outdoors and for everyday wear.
Berghaus Today
More than 50 years after its founding, Berghaus remains at the forefront of outdoor gear. From advanced waterproof jackets to technical fleeces and lightweight packs, the brand continues to deliver high performance clothing trusted by athletes, explorers, and fashion conscious customers alike.
If you are ready to upgrade your outdoor wardrobe, shop the full Berghaus collection.
FAQs About Berghaus
When did Berghaus start?
Berghaus was founded in 1966 in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Who started Berghaus?
Berghaus was started by Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison, two climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Where are Berghaus based?
The brand’s headquarters are in Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, in the North East of England.
Who owns Berghaus?
Berghaus is owned by the Pentland Group, a British family company that also owns Speedo, Ellesse, Canterbury, and Mitre.
When did Pentland acquire Berghaus?
Pentland acquired Berghaus in 1993.
What were Berghaus’ first major innovations?
The Cyclops internal frame rucksack (1972) and the early use of GORE-TEX® (1977) in jackets.
Final Thoughts
From its beginnings in Newcastle to becoming a global leader in outdoor equipment, Berghaus has built a reputation for innovation, durability, and performance. Today, it’s not only trusted by mountaineers and adventurers but also embraced as a stylish everyday brand.
Discover the full Berghaus collection on our website today
The History of Berghaus from Newcastle to Global Outdoor Icon
The History of Berghaus from Newcastle to Global Outdoor Icon
Berghaus has been shaping the outdoor clothing industry for decades. Known for technical jackets, rucksacks, and expedition gear, the brand has grown from a small shop in Newcastle to a globally recognised name.
If you want to explore the latest pieces, you can shop our full Berghaus collection here.
Who Started Berghaus?
Berghaus was founded in 1966 by two climbers, Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison. The pair ran a specialist outdoor store called LD Mountain Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne. Frustrated by the lack of quality equipment available in Britain, they decided to design their own gear that could handle the toughest conditions.
They named the new brand Berghaus, meaning “mountain house” in German. Early products quickly earned a reputation among climbers and mountaineers for being durable, innovative, and reliable.
Their commitment to technical design still runs through today’s range. Explore it in our Berghaus collection.
Where Are Berghaus Based?
Berghaus was founded in Newcastle, UK, and has always remained close to its roots in the North East of England. Today, the brand’s headquarters are located in Sunderland, Tyne & Wear.
Despite becoming an international brand, Berghaus has kept strong ties to the region where it all began and continues to create products built for the harshest outdoor environments.
Who Owns Berghaus?
Today, Berghaus is owned by the Pentland Group, a British family owned company that also owns brands such as Speedo, Ellesse, Canterbury, and Mitre.
Pentland acquired Berghaus in 1993. This move helped Berghaus expand globally, increasing investment in research and development while staying true to its heritage of designing gear for serious explorers.
This ownership has allowed Berghaus to grow while continuing to innovate in technical outdoor clothing.
The Growth of Berghaus Through the Decades
The 1970s – Innovation in Rucksacks
In the early 1970s, Berghaus made its name with ground breaking rucksack designs. Models like the Berg 172 and Berg 272 led to the launch of the Cyclops internal frame rucksack in 1972 — one of the first of its kind in the world, setting new standards for durability and comfort.
The 1970s – Early Gore-Tex Adoption
By 1977, Berghaus was one of the first European brands to incorporate GORE-TEX® technology into its jackets, offering waterproof yet breathable outerwear. This innovation changed the game for mountaineers who needed protection without overheating.
The 1980s – Technical Outerwear Expands
The 1980s saw Berghaus strengthen its position in technical clothing, creating lightweight, durable waterproofs and layering systems that cemented its reputation among serious outdoor users.
The 1990s – Extrem Range and Pentland Acquisition
In 1993, Berghaus became part of the Pentland Group, gaining the resources to expand internationally. Around this time, the Extrem range was introduced, designed specifically for elite mountaineers tackling the world’s toughest conditions.
The 2000s–Today – Sustainability and Modern Design
In the 2000s and beyond, Berghaus has focused on both performance and sustainability. Many of today’s products use recycled materials and environmentally responsible production methods, while still pushing forward in technical innovation.
From rucksacks to waterproof jackets, you can browse the latest innovations in our Berghaus collection.
Berghaus in Fashion Today
While Berghaus was built for the mountains, it has also become a fashion statement in recent years. The clean designs, bold logos, and retro inspired pieces have made Berghaus popular in streetwear culture and everyday style.
You’ll often see Berghaus jackets and fleeces worn not just on hiking trails, but also on city streets, music festivals, and in fashion circles. Collaborations with designers and the resurgence of 90s inspired outdoor wear have helped Berghaus cross over into lifestyle fashion.
This blend of performance and style has made Berghaus a brand that works both for the outdoors and for everyday wear.
Berghaus Today
More than 50 years after its founding, Berghaus remains at the forefront of outdoor gear. From advanced waterproof jackets to technical fleeces and lightweight packs, the brand continues to deliver high performance clothing trusted by athletes, explorers, and fashion conscious customers alike.
If you are ready to upgrade your outdoor wardrobe, shop the full Berghaus collection.
FAQs About Berghaus
When did Berghaus start?
Berghaus was founded in 1966 in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Who started Berghaus?
Berghaus was started by Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison, two climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Where are Berghaus based?
The brand’s headquarters are in Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, in the North East of England.
Who owns Berghaus?
Berghaus is owned by the Pentland Group, a British family company that also owns Speedo, Ellesse, Canterbury, and Mitre.
When did Pentland acquire Berghaus?
Pentland acquired Berghaus in 1993.
What were Berghaus’ first major innovations?
The Cyclops internal frame rucksack (1972) and the early use of GORE-TEX® (1977) in jackets.
Final Thoughts
From its beginnings in Newcastle to becoming a global leader in outdoor equipment, Berghaus has built a reputation for innovation, durability, and performance. Today, it’s not only trusted by mountaineers and adventurers but also embraced as a stylish everyday brand.
Discover the full Berghaus collection on our website today