Berghaus
Pentland Group (Pentland Brands) · United Kingdom
Berghaus is a British outdoor clothing and equipment brand founded in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1966 by climbers Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison. Part of the Pentland Group since 1993, it is known for technical waterproof jackets and was one of the first European users of Gore-Tex.
| Founded | 1966, Newcastle upon Tyne |
|---|---|
| Founders | Peter Lockey, Gordon Davison |
| Owner | Pentland Group (since 1993) |
| Headquarters | Sunderland, United Kingdom |
| Name meaning | 'Mountain house' in German |
| Segment | Outdoor clothing and equipment |
| Website | berghaus.com |
What is Berghaus?
Berghaus makes outdoor clothing and equipment, including waterproof jackets, fleeces, baselayers, legwear, rucksacks and footwear. The name is German for 'mountain house'. The company is based in Sunderland in north-east England and has been owned by the Pentland Group since 1993, alongside Speedo and Ellesse.
History
Climbers Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison started the business in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1966 as an importer and distributor of outdoor products, operating above a shop. Berghaus launched its own rucksacks in 1970, and the 1972 Cyclops design is regarded as one of the first with an internal frame. In 1977 it became one of Europe's pioneer users of Gore-Tex. The Yeti gaiter followed in 1979, the Extrem range and Trango jacket in 1986, and the Attak sole unit in 1987. The company received the Queen's Award for Export in 1988.
Products and positioning
Berghaus sits in the premium outdoor segment and positions itself on performance and durability. Its in-house design team, MtnHaus, was formed in 2011, and later developments include the Vapour Storm jacket and lightweight waterproof ranges. It competes with technical outdoor brands across Europe.
Business model and distribution
The brand sells through outdoor specialists and sporting goods retailers, its own e-commerce and a network of own shops in the UK, including stores in London, Manchester and Bristol and several outlet locations. Pentland's international infrastructure supports distribution beyond the UK.
Why it matters
Berghaus is one of the founding names of the British outdoor industry and an early adopter of waterproof breathable membranes in Europe. As part of a diversified family-owned group, it is also an example of a technical specialist brand inside a multi-brand sports portfolio. Its history is closely tied to the wider development of technical outdoor apparel.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Berghaus?
Berghaus is owned by the British Pentland Group, which acquired it in 1993. It sits in the Pentland Brands portfolio with Speedo, Ellesse and other labels.
Is Berghaus a British brand?
Yes. Despite its German name, Berghaus was founded in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1966 and is headquartered in Sunderland in north-east England.