In this series about bicycle touring, we have looked at the types of cycle tour and sleeping and shelter issues. In this article the question of clothing is examined.

The Mountain Equipment Mistral like the Salomon Fast Wing Hoodie is versatile, lightweight, windproof and stowable.

Clothing

The order of the day is versatility. Versatile clothes are essential when space and weight are important, Zip-Off Trousers are ideal when travelling light as they can be worn as a pant or shorts. Wicking items can be easily layered, washed and dried.

• Bicycle Touring – An Introduction
• Cycle Ride for Charity in Chile
• Mountain Marathon Gear Advice

Bicycle Touring is an exciting, healthy way to spend your free time, either on your own, with friends or even your family! In my previous article An Introduction to Bicyle Touring the main forms of touring were defined. For most Cycle Tours the gear needed will essentially the same, although it will depend upon how much each individual cyclist is prepared to carry, what they view as essential items, what level of comfort is required, what terrain and distance the tour will cover and whether there are any support vehicles to carry equipment.

• Bicycle Touring – An Introduction
• Kendal Mountain Festival 2009: Dates Confirmed
• Clothing For Your Bike Tour

After my recent post on bamboo fabrics Graham left a comment stating that bamboo might not be as environmentally friendly a fabric as I had first thought. Had I been greenwashed? Is bamboo eco friendly? Well after some research I discovered the answer is yes and no.

The process of producing the raw bamboo does have a low environmental impact. However when it comes to processing the bamboo into a fabric there can be a significant ecological impact. Basically there are 2 ways in which bamboo can be turned into a fabric, mechanically or chemically.

• Bamboo and Cocona – Eco Friendly Fabrics!
• Scottish Natural Heritage Provides Eco-Camping Tips
• Possibility of eco-huts along 109 mile UK trail

Nowadays everyone is becoming more environmentally aware, trying to be carbon neutral, buying organic, and minimising their impact on the environment. Outdoor gear manufacturers have been quick to jump on the bandwagon and are  offering  outdoor clothing made with eco friendly fabrics. What I want to know is what exactly are these green fabrics, how do they preform and are they actually any good for the environment?

Bamboo Clothing

Bamboo growing - Source : steve webel flickr

What is Bamboo fiber?

• Bamboo an Eco-Friendly Fabric or Not?
• Scottish Natural Heritage Provides Eco-Camping Tips
• SPF, UPF and UV Protective Clothing

Outdoor People

Outdoor gear, sports and camping are definitely our thing.  Each of the team at CheapTents.com, enjoys their own range of outdoor sports and activities from leisurely walking to travel and triathalons, or from climbing to mountain biking and bivouacking.  For this reason, we take a great interest in a wide range of outdoor gear and how it performs for it’s designated purpose.  So for this matter we thought we would plant this knowledge down into a library of outdoor resources for others to share…

• Are you a heavyweight, lightweight or ultralight?
• Glossary of Outdoor Gear Terms
• Which is the best tent for you?

 

Check-out CheapTents.com’s new sale items including discounted outdoor gear and camping equipment in the online shop!  Click here to be sent directly to the page:

 

OUTDOOR GEAR SALE!

 

• Christmas Presents and Special Offers from CheapTents.com!
• Launching the CheapTents.com blog!
• REVIEW YOUR OUTDOOR GEAR…and get 10% OFF at CheapTents.com

Waterproof Jackets and Trousers

Waterproof Jackets & Trousers

Waterproof clothing is one of the most versatile and vital pieces of outdoor clothing.  A waterproof jacket can help keep you dry, warm and comfortable in the harshest of conditions.  In addition to the 3-layer clothing advice page, here’s a little extra on waterproof clothing.

I guess you could say that waterproofing technologies for clothing has come on a bit in recent years. Many now see them as the ultimate testament to the quality of outdoor gear seen in camping shops around the world – a sort of flagship product maybe.

• Gore-Tex Pro Shell Technology for Waterproof Clothing
• New Winter Waterproof Jackets now in stock!
• Summer Waterproof Jackets Round-up

If you’re really into camping and outdoor sports, then you’re really into wearing the right outdoor gear.  The simple reason is that it helps you perform better and makes it easier to enjoy your time in the great outdoors!  Outdoor clothing is so important

Note: This blog post takes some information from the main outdoor clothing help and advice page on the website, as well as the outdoor clothing shop.  So for more information on outdoor clothing take a look at these pages too.

Three most common challenges when camping or enjoying outdoor sports:

• Being too hot

• Berghaus Tech-T Review by Country Walking
• Which Mid-layer Fleece is best?
• Waterproof Clothing Technology

Welcome to CheapTents.com’s blog – providing help, advice and a bundle of information to help you buy the right camping gear and outdoor equipment…

Being such a prominent online outdoor and camping shop, we thought it only right to allow access to our amazing outdoor gear brains, expertise and modesty!  Experience tells us that choosing the right gear for the job is vital for enjoying the outdoors – so we’re more than happy to help.

• Glossary of Outdoor Gear Terms
• 50,000 visitors each month – thank you!
• Feedback on our awesome outdoor blog!