Compass: Charting the Evolution of Outdoor Gear

Berghaus History

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1966

founded by Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison, as LD Mountain Centre shop

1968

Berghaus name adopted as a subsidiary to LD to manage import agencies like Italian footwear brand, Scarpa

1972

began designing and making own products: rucksacks and outerwear, with 12 employees, under 'Berghaus' label

1973

import ski brands such as Nordica and Atomic

1974

released Cyclops rucksack, Europe's first rucsac with an internal frame

1975

begin exporting, first to Italy, (then to West Germany, France, Holland, Norway, Australia, US and Canada)

debuted the Bergbuckle, first non-slip, adjustable, quick release buckle for rucksack hipbelts

1977

first European brand to release Gore-Tex garments commercially

first to use injection moulded plastic buckles on packs

1978

developed Cordura fabrics suitable for rucksack use

1979

introduce Yeti gaiter with integrated rubber rand (initially from reused tractor inner tubes). Originally called the Alpine.

first British manufacturer to use 3M Thinsulate insulation in ski and outdoor clothing

Berghaus packs and clothing first exported to the USA

Cyclops Serac packs scores five stars (for excellent quality) in Backpacker magazine review

1980

develop AB (adjustable back) on packs

1981

Gemini concept launched with insulated garments connecting to shell layers with zips

Sir Chris Bonington becomes a Berghaus sponsored climber

1982

launched Stormbeta fabric, an exclusive waterproofed polyester/cotton blend

received contract with British Ministry of Defence (MOD) to supply Falklands war equipment, including Yeti gaiters

1983

launched new AB packs with with Occipital Cavity for unrestricted head room

Released Dart range of day packs

employed about 300 people

Berghaus receives the Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild's Golden Boot Award at the Camping and Outdoor Leisure Association Show

1986

launched Extrem mountaineering apparel products, including the famous Trango jacket (for British K2 expedition)

1987

debuted Attak sole (on Scarpa footwear), which had a special groove for linking with Yeti gaiters

1988

Queen's Award For Export and also named the Northern Business Awards Exporter of the Year.

1990

launched Gore-Tex Dry Sock

1992

Turnover were about £20 million, with a little over half from the UK

1993

Lockey/Gordon Davison receive Outdoor Writers and Photographers Guild's Golden Boot Award at the Camping and Outdoor Leisure Assoc Show

Pentland Group acquires Berghaus and its mountaineering apparel, footwear and accessories for £4 million

Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison no longer on the Board, though Davison offered 12 months as consultant

Sale did not include LD Mountain Centre, which was retained by Lockey and Davison

principle of 'layering' highlighted by the famous 'cut in half man' advertisement

Turnover of £20.1 million, with £11.8 million from the UK

1994

end long term distributor arrangement with Scarpa footwear

launched own brand footwear with 21 styles, including the Storm fabric/Gore-Tex boot

Turnover of £24.3 million, with £15.8 million from the UK

1995

Turnover of £26.8 million, with £18.2 million from the UK

1996

debuted completely revised Extrem range at ISPO trade show, with gloved hand access to pockets, zips and drawcords

Special European focused ski wear line, called Alpine Horizon

Turnover of £26 million, with £18.3 million from the UK

1997

launched Simplex range of highly breathable, lightweight hillwalking apparel, with external mesh pockets

Simplex was initially developed with assistance of Berghaus co-founder, Gordon Davison, providing design consultancy support

1998

release Nitro pack with integrated Limpet carrying and compression system. Wins a design Council Millennium Product Award

2000

Thomas Huber, joins the Berghaus team of sponsored climbers

2001

launched Gore-Tex Summit II and Summit II XCR

2003

debut Extrem Light

2004

release Adventure Travel range

2005

introduced Bioflex pack suspension harness and won ISPO Innovation award for same

Sponsored mountaineer, Alan Hinkes becomes first Briton to summit all 14 peaks over 8,000 metres

2006

win Queen’s Award for Innovation

2007

open Berghaus flagship store in UK Metro Centre

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