Review – Berghaus Rain Motion Jacket

The new, trail focused, lightweight rain shell from Berghaus has all the features you’ll need for long days out on the summit.

The lightweight rain jacket is a very saturated part of the outdoor clothing market. Every major brand will have one in their range and have to work hard to make their jacket stand out. We have featured plenty on the site and we would recommend every mountaineer carry one in their pack, there’s no excuse as they are light, compact and will fit into the smallest pack space.

Legendary UK company Berghaus have used their wealth of knowledge to produce a great, lightweight shell that is waterproof and has all the features you would need to be safe on the hill when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

The Berghaus Rain Motion Jacket is light and minimalist. The stated weight is 270g and the trusty CGR scales weighed it in at 289g (size Medium) so it’s light enough to pack on any mountain adventure as it worked just as well as a windproof jacket on breezy ridge days. 

The main material is made with 3L Pertex Shield, I reviewed this in another jacket at the back end of last year. I mentioned then that Pertex Shield is probably the best of the Gore Tex competitors and it does help keep the jacket at a sensible price point. That doesn’t mean to say it doesn’t perform, it is more than adequate at keeping out the worst summer rain.  The 20 000mm hydrostatic head means that it is fully waterproof in any weather and the micro rip stop polyamide (called Diamond Fuse) face fabric is tough enough to take the knocks and scrapes of mountaineering. The fabric is finished with a PFC free DWR that beaded well and kept the moisture out for at least 30 mins of continuous rain before it began to wet out. A quick tumble dry did refresh it. It’s worth noting that the face fabric is made using discarded fishing nets to improve the environmental footprint.

Pertex Shield is also pretty breathable, its rated at 20,000g/M2/24hrs. Not quite as breathable as Gore Tex Active Shell but then you would be paying £150+ more for the jacket if it was. So it’s a decent compromise and I found it perfectly fine for the hiking activities I have been using it for. To be honest, I run pretty hot and find I sweat in any jacket so paying extra for not that much more breathability doesn’t make sense. In all the hiking activities, whether hiking uphill in showery weather or longer spells of summit ridges in windy conditions the Pertex Shield material has performed perfectly well and I have been warm and comfortable.

In terms of fit, Berghaus state it is an active fit and I would agree. I am usually a Medium fit with a 40” chest and the jacket worked well with just a t shirt, a quarter zip long sleeve and even a thicker mid layer. It felt a little tight with an insulated mid layer, but it did work with my lightest one. You should remember, though, that the jacket is designed as an ultralight shell and not a full mountain shell. With that in mind the fit works well for its purpose. Not too generous, but adequate enough to fit over a lighweight insulated mid layer if you need it to.

The Rain Motion jacket is also packed with great features, specifically designed to perform when you need them. All seams are fully taped with extra dots at high stress areas (the corners of the pockets) and the fully laminated label keeps everything flush and comfortable. There is a bar tacked jacket hanger for hanging in the drying room  and there are two printed, reflective logos for night wear. The main zip is a YKK Aquacoil, which also has a full, internal storm flap that has a press stud fastener to help keep the jacket in place when the zip is fully undone. For example, when I was on a recent speed hiking day, I needed the jacket fully undone for ventilation but as it was breezy I could keep the jacket together using the press stud  to stop it flapping about. It worked pretty well and I was impressed. 

There are also three pockets: two zipped side pockets, again with YKK Aquacoil zips and a mesh, zipped interior security pocket that doubles as a stow pocket. This has a decent sized tab that will fit a carabiner for attaching to a pack or harness. Other features include, articulated arms for total freedom of movement, elasticated reflective cuffs and hood tensioners, elasticated hem – so no toggles and a micro-fibre chin guard. The hood has pre tensioned sides and an adjustable rear tension toggle so the hood can be fine tuned to fit either a cap or helmet, there is also a stiffened peak. The hood is well cut and worked OK with a helmet. I used it mostly with a cap and found it kept rain out very well and stayed in place when the breeze picked up.

So, if you are looking for a lightweight, minimalist hardshell that is suitable for 3 season mountain use then the Berghaus Rain Motion Jacket is definitely worth considering. It is light, soft and compact, and though feels minimalist has plenty of trail specific features that will keep you dry and warm whatever the weather throws at you. Although 2026 has proved a very tricky year for testing waterproof jackets – still there is always winter to look forward to!

Also, if the jacket needs a repair then the Repairhuas is opening in the new, dedicated Berhaus store in Manchester.

The Berghaus Rain Motion Jacket comes in sizes XS-3XL and four colour options. There is a female specific version that comes in sizes UK8-20 and three colour options.

The SRP is £240 and it can be purchased directly from Berghaus UK and specialist retailers.

Disclosure – CGR reviewers and writers are never paid to provide a review and the website does not take advertising or link to affiliate sales. We are a bunch of keen climbers and travellers who accept sample products and offer an honest and independent review of the item.