Just for the record, I'm an avid trekker and mountain walker who's been all over Europe's finest trails in my 20-plus years. I've been to France, Germany, Switzerland, Romania, and many other places. I especially enjoy mountain walking in the wintertime as the snow and cold add something unique to the experience. And this winter, I'm planning an extended trip to the Canadian Rockies with my wife and another couple. It will be our first time in North America, and an experience I am really looking forward to.
As I pack my bags for this trip, I promise you that the one thing I will not leave home without is my hunter socks and Rab Bergen jacket. I never go mountain walking without this jacket. In fact, of all the winter jackets I've ever owned, nothing even comes close to my Rab Bergen. Its quality, comfort, warmth, and usability make it the finest mountain walking and trekking jacket ever made; hands-down. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, seeing as how Rab is one of the most well-known names in Alpine mountain gear.
One of the greatest things about this jacket is the one-hand adjustment feature which makes adjusting it a snap, even if I'm wearing gloves. As an example, the waistband adjustment features two draw strings which can be grasped by a single hand and pulled down to quickly make the waistband smaller. I can't tell you how many times I've needed to adjust my jacket but didn't want to take off my gloves. Being able to grab and go with one hand is something you can't appreciate until you've actually had the need to do so.
Another great feature of this jacket are the three pockets; to external, and one internal security pocket. The pockets are just large enough to be very convenient yet not so small that they are useless. I'm able to carry a GPS, compass, map, and several other handy little items knowing they will remain securely inside my pockets. What's more, the weather flap on the outside of the jacket covers the front zip and protects it from the weather. And having used this jacket in rain, hail, and snow, I can confidently say it's as weatherproof as any other I've owned.
Ever since I first got my beloved Rab Bergen jacket, I've used it on all of my mountain walking trips. When I head to Canada next month I may forget my toothpaste or my camera, but I guarantee you I will not forget my Rab. Walking in the mountains without my favourite jacket is like walking naked down a Liverpool street. Rest assured that's not going to happen.