The award winning and much loved ME Kongur at £252 is a lot of money, so why wouldn

Breathable waterproof fabrics such as Gore Tex, eVent and Gelanots are highly technical and can be expensive. So it is not surprising that there are numerous products on the market that claim to protect and prolong the life of waterproof clothing. Is it necessary to use these fabric care products or will my waterproofs be ok as long as I simply look after them?

In this post we’re going to look at how best to care for breathable waterproof fabric by categorising garment care into three areas. They are storage, cleaning and re-proofing.

Before looking at these areas of fabric care, a brief sortie into the science of breathable waterproof fabrics is needed to answer the question of why do my jacket and over-trousers need so much TLC?

Why look after Breathable Waterproof Fabric?

If breathable waterproof fabrics are not looked after you will see a reduction in the performance life span of your clothing. To keep your waterproof jacket and trousers in tip top shape there are two main areas to look out for. They are protecting the durable water resistant outer layer and keeping your clothing clean.

Breathable waterproof fabrics (Gore-Tex, eVent and Gelanots) are made up of a number of layers, for simplicity we only need to look at two. These being

1. Waterproof membrane
2. Durable water resistant (DWR) layer.

The waterproof membrane is exactly this, a membrane that does not allow water to pass from the clothing to the skin, whilst allowing your sweat to pass out into the atmosphere.

A simple animation explaining how Gore-Tex works

DWR waterproofing provides water repellency by making water bead on the outside of the fabric, thus stopping water soaking into the outer layers. Without the DWR layer your clothes will still be “waterproof” and you will not get wet from external water. But by repelling water, the DWR layer allows all the layers to breath. If layers cannot breath the heat and perspiration from movement is trapped inside the clothing and turns into condensation. This makes you feel wet and probably very uncomfortable. This is why it is important to use fabric care products such as re-proofing and re-conditioning agents.

Dirt is the other major enemy of water proof fabrics, heavy or prolonged soiling clogs up the fabric, thus reducing breathability and increasing moisture that is trapped inside, a secondary effect of dirt it the abrasion is causes on DWR layer, this is why it is essential to keep your waterproof clothes as clean as possible.

Storage

Most people seem to store smaller waterproofs in a stuff sack or in their rucksack and so long as it is a dry clean environment then this is fine, in an ideal world putting your waterproof clothing away properly is best. Coats and jackets need to be hung in clean dry place, a clothes hanger which distributes the garments weight more evenly is advised.

Cleaning

Keeping waterproofed products clean is vital because dirt impedes the beading of water and breathability. Always make sure that your clean your jacket or trousers when you have finished using them. Simply shake any dust particles off and if needed clean small amounts of dirt off with a damp cloth or, if it is dried in dirt clean with a soft brush. All cleaning will degrade the DWR a little as cleaning is abrasive, but this reduction in water repellency is less than if you leave the item dirty.

Like all clothing, waterproof products have to be washed from time to time especially after heavy soiling. Using the manufactures washing and drying instructions is best. (As in the unlikely event you product is faulty you can not be blamed for its failure.) But for those of us who don’t read instructions, never use Non-Biological washing products as they will strip off the DWR layers. If you don’t use the recommended washing brand (normally Nikwax or Grangers) use biological soap flakes with no perfume, detergent or softeners.

Non-detergent, biological treatment such as Nikwax Tech Wash are designed to protect waterproof fabrics especially DWR layers whilst removing dirt and contamination, and then if needed to apply a reproofing agent such as Nikwax TX Direct Wash which will then re-protect the DWR layer.

Reproofing

It is a common misnomer for people to think that we re-proof breathable fabrics (Gore Tex, eVent & Gelanots) because an item is no longer waterproof. Technically this isn’t correct. If, for example, you never reproof your clothing, the item should still be waterproof, it just will not work so effectively.

Water beading on a surface. Re-proof when beading no longer occurs. Picture by Andrewk100

The six million dollar question is, how often do you need reproof your items? The answer is very simple. It’s entirely up to you! Not a very helpful answer is it? The problem is that your DWR layer will degrade at differing rates depending upon how dirty you get and how much you use your clothing etc. It is also worth noting the UV from the sun will degrade your DWR finish. A simple rule of thumb is that when water starts to stop beading off your clothing properly then this is the time to reproof.

You don’t need to reproof every time you wash your clothing, but it may be a good idea if preparing for a holiday, multi-day walk etc. then you reproof to make sure that your clothing performs well.

Re-proofer generally comes in a spray or liquid to be washed in. The spray although quicker will not provide as good a coverage due to the fallibility of the human eye (you may miss bits!) Therefore at CheapTents.com we recommend using liquid (wash-in) re-proofer which soaks into the item of clothing and will cover all surfaces with an even finish.

Breathable Waterproof Fabric Care – Summary

So there you have it, the best way to look after your waterproof clothes and get a lot of use out of them is to:

1. Store them properly
2. Keep them clean
3. Re-proof when needed

Storing breathable waterproofs correctly helps to reduce wear and keep items clean and dry. Cleaning is vital as it removes dirt and debris from clothing and allows the item to breathe. Re-proofing recreates your garments outer DWR layer to restore water repellent qualities and protect breathabilty.

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.

Wind Proof Jackets

It is a good idea to take a windproof jacket. For example, jackets such as the Mountain Equipment Mistral at 90g or the Salomon Fast Wing Windproof with roll away hood, will stuff into tiny stuffsacks and have enough style to be used on or off the bike. Dependent on the weather, it is also an idea have some lightweight waterproof clothing.

Cycling Shorts

A must for cycling is to protect yourself and your derrière from chafing. Cycling shorts with their padding, stop chafing and provide shock absorption and wick away moisture.

Now I know that  cycling shorts might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and while Lycra shorts as worn by professionals are the traditional image of cycling shorts, they are not the only option. Increasingly popular today are baggy cycling shorts which have a padded Lycra inner and a baggy outer that look like regular shorts. You can also purchase padded underwear and wear your own shorts or pants, so you can get protection without feeling conspicuous in what you wear.

I suppose if you don’t want to wear shorts you can use raw meat as a cushion as professionals did in the early 20th Century, but you may find your circle of friends reduced.

Zip-Off Trousers

Many cycle tourists have commented on the usefulness of Zip Off Pants, they can be used as shorts and trousers. This enables you to use them when it is warm during the day as shorts for example and at night when cooler as trousers. When purchasing Zip-Off Trousers or Convertible Pants it is worth remembering that whilst they are usually slightly more expensive than standard trousers you do not need to buy a pair of shorts as well, so often they work out cheaper. There are many Zip Off pants in the market but when Cycle-touring a pair that have a high UPF/SPF protection rating would make sense as they would reduce the effects of the sun when cycling.

Head-wear

In the UK it is not compulsory to wear a helmet, although it is recommended for all, especially for children. If travelling elsewhere it is a good idea to check local laws as they may differ.

For cycle touring I believe that a Buff is a extremely useful and handy piece of head gear. Originally designed for motorcycling, Buffs can be used in different ways such as a scarf, mask, bandanna, hat or under a helmet etc. Buffs are versatile can be bought with SPF or Thermal ratings, they come in many different designs and are lightweight and pack away easily.

Some Ways To Wear Your Buff - Ideal For Cycle touring

Cycling Footwear

Cycling shoes increase the amount of power when pedalling. Therefore cycling long distances will be easier as your body is more efficient. In recent years manufacturers have released cycling shoes that have recessed cleats, that can be used to ride and explore and have the benefit of looking like walking shoes, trainers or sandals.

Having multi-purpose shoes allows the cycle tourist to reduce weight, gain versatility and have higher pedalling efficiency, an online search of cycle touring shoes will give you an idea of what is available.

Cleated cycle shoes require special pedals, sometimes called SPDs (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) that physically connect the cycling shoe and the pedal. A less expensive alternative is to use toe clips and regular trainers. Toe clips also increase the amount of power transmitted from your legs into forward motion.

The Lowe Alpine Houdini offers the versatility that a cycle tourist needs, by folding into its own stuff sack.

Rucksacks

It is not sensible to ride your bike for long distances with a rucksack on your back. You will need bike panniers to carry your gear. However, you may not wish to ride your bike everyday. You may wish to go hiking or for a walk around a town or city. When off your bike and exploring, a rucksack could be used to carry your clothes, camera, water etc, the Lowe Alpine Houdini Pack folds into its own stow pocket when not in use, and has a carrying capacity of 16L and is well worth a look.

If you think you may need a larger rucksack then Salomon provide a range of 20 and 25L rucksacks for runners, which are of great interest to cycle tourists as they are customisable, with additional water bottles and pockets. The Salomon XA 25 WP Rucksack is also waterproof.

And Finally

There are lots of items that I have not included here such as utensils, torches, hydration sacks or first aid kits etc., this article is not to provide a list but to make you question what you think you may need, we are all different, the underlying message through out this post and my other cycle touring posts  are adaptability and  versatility.

If you look at Kevin Shannon’s round the world cycle kit list as compared to John Houseago’s for holiday cycle touring you will see how they differ, and why you need to think about what you need.

Happy Cycle Touring!

Sleep at night on your cycle tour, with these handy hints
Image by Greg Williams

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.

The following information is a guide to some of the kit you may need and questions to ask yourself. In this post shelter and sleeping are examined, the next post on this subject will examine clothing.

Shelter When Bicycle Touring

Tents

If you decide to camp then it is a good idea to use a tent that has a large porch so you can have separate spaces for your bike, your gear and for sleeping.  Ideal lightweight tents include the Mountain Equipment Dragon Fly 2XT, Wild Country Duolite Tourer or Vango Spirit 200+. All three weigh under 3kgs, are two person tents and have extended porches. The component parts of the tent, i.e. flysheet, inner, poles and pegs, can be distributed into different panniers to help balance out the weight across your bike. If you are cycling with together with a partner the components of the tent can be shared across two bikes.

For vehicle supported tours where weight is not an issue, a larger three season tent such as The North Face Trailhead 8 or Vaude Division Dome gives a combination of ample storage and spacious living quarters. Offering berths for 8 and 5 respectively; these allow the whole family to come, or for smaller parties have a little bit of privacy where you can zip up that internal door and relax.

Tents, Not For You?

You could always push the boat out and take a camper van for that extra comfort and the feel of home. If you are hiring a camper van or mobile home you will find that prices depend upon the season and the berth. Make sure that it is well maintained and roadworthy and that you are aware of any terms and conditions such as mileage quotas and insurance stipulations.

If you are going to stay in a hotel or B&B, there are many ways in which you can find somewhere to stay and shelter your bikes. The Internet is an obvious place to look for accommodation with many sites offering the ability to compare and contrast accommodation. Local Tourist Information Centres should be able to recommend places to stay and there are also organisations that use the various rating systems to look at. As with camp sites prices for accommodation depend on the season, rating, location, number of people and number of nights your going to stay, so do your research.

Book Ahead Or Take A Chance?

Booking accommodation or campsites in advance removes some of the flexibility of Cycle Touring, as you will have to plan and stick to a route in order to have a roof over your head. You can of course book accommodation as you move along and take the chance that you will get shelter, but in areas where accommodation is limited you may need to cycle a lot further than planned in order to find a place stay. Booking as you go along is not for everyone so think carefully before you do. If you have a large party, children or are touring in high season then it is best to book ahead.

A Peaceful Nights Sleep

Sleeping Bags

The Cumulus Quantum 200 packs down to 11 x 11 x 25 cm. Which is ideal since space in your panniers will be at a premium. It is a full size bag weighing only 495g, with 870 fill power and comfort temperature rating of 0°C.

Rest rebuilds your energy for the next stage of your journey, therefore sleeping arrangements are worth paying attention to. On a self supported tour weight is a concern, down sleeping bags whilst more expensive, are lighter and pack down smaller than synthetic ones. Using a sleeping bag liner will provide additional warmth and prolong the life of your bag.

Sleeping Mats

There are a wide range of sleeping mats to choose from. But why use a sleeping mat? Sleeping mats reduce heat loss, provide insulation and are much more comfortable then lying directly on the ground. So which ones are best? The answer again depends upon how much you want to pay, how heavy you want the mattress to be, whether you want self inflating or blow up your self and so on.

For ultralight weight and small size the best option is the is the Therm-a-rest NeoAir.

More traditional Therm-a-rests provide insulation and are self inflating, less expensive but heavier than NeoAir. the range has many variables including length, thickness and warmth. For the budget minded traveller Mulitmat have a range of inflatable sleeping mats, that are cheaper but generally heavier than Therm-a-rests.

ZZZZZZzzzzzz WAKE UP!

I did not realise all this talk of tents, sleeping bags and mattresses would send you to sleep . Unfortunately I probably will not be invited on your cycle tour, so you cannot rely upon me to send you to sleep every night! It is probably a good idea for you to think about the equipment you need from this post, so you can rest and relax whilst on that tour!

Please see the next post for clothing hints and tips.

Happy Cycle Touring!

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.

Mechanical Processing of Bamboo

Bamboo Close Up - Source pietroizzo:flickr

Mechanical processing involves crushing the bamboo plant and then using natural enzymes to break down the bamboo into a pulp which can then be combed and spun into yarn. Bamboo fabric produced in this manner has a low impact and is generally known as bamboo linen. However this is not generally used for clothing due to the fact it is more labour intensive and costly.

Chemical Processing of Bamboo

There are a few different chemical processes that bamboo can go through to be transformed into fiber, some of these are more eco-friendly than others.

Hydrolysis alkalization with multi-phase bleaching

The process used for producing bamboo fabric is known as hydrolysis alkalization with multi-phase bleaching. It consists of the following stages;

1. Bamboo leaves and the soft, inner pith from the hard bamboo trunk are extracted and crushed;
2. The crushed bamboo cellulose is soaked in a solution of 15% to 20% sodium hydroxide at a temperature between 20 degrees C to 25 degrees C for one to three hours to form alkali cellulose;
3. The bamboo alkali cellulose is then pressed to remove any excess sodium hydroxide solution. The alkali cellulose is crashed by a grinder and left to dry for 24 hours;
4. Roughly a third as much carbon disulfide is added to the bamboo alkali cellulose to sulfurize the compound causing it to jell;
5. Any remaining carbon disulfide is removed by evaporation due to decompression and cellulose sodium xanthogenate is the result;
6. A diluted solution of sodium hydroxide is added to the cellulose sodium xanthogenate dissolving it to create a viscose solution consisting of about 5% sodium hydroxide and 7% to 15% bamboo fiber cellulose.
7. The viscose bamboo cellulose is forced through spinneret nozzles into a large container of a diluted sulfuric acid solution which hardens the viscose bamboo cellulose sodium xanthogenate and reconverts it to cellulose bamboo fiber threads which are spun into bamboo fiber yarns to be woven into reconstructed and regenerated bamboo fabric.

Source:LotusOrganics.com blog

What are the effects of the chemicals used to process bamboo?

Carbon Disulfide(CS2)
At very high levels, carbon disulfide may be life-threatening as it affects the nervous system, at low levels of carbon disulfide can cause tiredness, headaches and nerve damage. It has a quick affect on wildlife especially aquatic life and has long term effects including; shortened lifespan, reproductive problems, lower fertility, and changes in appearance or behaviour.

sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
Low levels of exposure to sodium hydroxide can cause irritation of the eyes and skin while high levels can chemical burns, scarring, and blindness.

So we can see that the chemicals used in the hydrolysis alkalization, the most common method of producing bamboo fabric definitely can have an impact both on the environment as well as the workforce.

Other methods of chemically processing bamboo

Newer manufacturing facilities have begun using other technologies for processing bamboo which are more eco-friendly. The chemical manufacturing process used to produce lyocell from wood cellulose can be modified to use bamboo cellulose. The lyocell process, also used to uses N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide. This lyocell processing is much safer for workers and more eco-friendly due to the N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide is claimed to be non-toxic to humans and the chemical manufacturing processes are closed-loop so 99.5% of the chemicals used during the processing are collected and recycled to be used again.

Bamboo growing - Source shenxy:flickr

Summary

The commercial growing of bamboo is quite an eco-friendly process, however the way in which it is processed and turned into fabric currently is not, as well as having health consequences for the workers involved.

I do however believe bamboo does have a future as an environmentally friendly fabric. The bamboo should be easily sustainable, the material has fantastic properties all that is needed is for manufacturing processes to become more eco friendly, which seems to be starting to happen. So in my opinion there definitely is a future for truly “green” bamboo fabric.

Before I finish I have to thank Graham for commenting and providing the impoteus to write this article. “Question everything people!”

Bamboo Clothing

Bamboo growing - Source : steve webel flickr

What is Bamboo fiber?

Bamboo fiber is a fabric which is very similar to cotton in its unspun form. To make bamboo fiber, the bamboo is heavily pulped until it separates into thin component threads of fiber, which can then be spun and dyed before being woven into cloth.  It can be bleached to turn the material white although for an organic material this process is not carried out.

What are the benefits of bamboo fiber?

Bamboo fabric is softer than cotton with a texture similar to silk. This eco friendly fabric also has natural antibacterial properties. Other fibers such as cotton may have a chemically added anti-bacteria function that could cause skin allergies, but bamboo is naturally hypoallergenic. Bamboo fabric is 3-4 times more absorbent than cotton. So it wicks  moisture away from the body very effectively.

What are the environmental benefits of bamboo clothing?

Bamboo fibre for clothing - Source : Sewing geek flickr

The process for creating bamboo clothing has a very small impact on the environment. Bamboo naturally grows rapidly, without using any pesticides or fertilizers. bamboo grows to its maximum height in about 3 months and reaches maturity in 3-4 years with a growth rate sometimes exceeding 1meter per day. It is sustainable as bamboo is arguably the most renewable resource on our planet. It has an extensive rooting system and needs little water, growing 4–6 new shoots per year. It is, in fact, considered to be the fastest growing plant in the world. Bamboo absorbs nearly 5 times the amount of greenhouse gases and produces 35% more oxygen than the same amount of trees. Bamboo is rain-fed only and helps to reduce soil erosion. As it is a grass, bamboo is cut, not uprooted which helps soil stability.

Cocona Clothing

What is Cocona fabric enchancer?
Cocona is a fabric enhancer with activated carbon made from coconut shells. The technology was designed as a coating for a Chemical Defense program to adsorb chemical agents into the carbon pores so that they would not come into contact with the users skin. The coatings ended up being too “messy” to use for apparel. So, Dr. Greg Haggquist invented a way to permanently embed the activated coconut carbon into polymers for high performance outdoor clothing.

What are the benefits of cocona in clothing?

Unprocessed coconut shells - Source : Skiing Flea Flickr

Cocona fabrics offer a natural solution incorporated into the yarns and fibers which provides enhanced performance without adding steps and costs for additional finishes. By using natural ingredients incorporated into yarns and fibers, there are no harsh chemicals or topical treatments to irritate the skin.

It rapidly moves perspiration over an enormous surface area which is created by the pores of the activated carbon leading to enhanced cooling. These carbon pores also absorb and trap surface odours to prevent any bad smells, so after a long day on the hills you can head out to the pub and not worry about no one wanting to stand next to you. Cocona also has a UPF 50+ rating which indicates that 98% of UV is blocked.

What are the environmental benefits of cocona?
Cocona technology utilizes recycled coconut shells that would have gone to landfills. Suppliers convert the coconut shells into activated carbon, primarily for the air and water filtration industries. Cocona uses the particles that are too small to use in water and air filters, apply their processes and then combine it with other fabrics. While this is not a completely “green” process it is much better than using chemicals to treat the materials.

So there you have a short summary of 2 eco fabrics being used by some outdoor manufacturers today. I have to say in my opinion both preform very well, although obviously bamboo has more environmental benefits over cocona along with the fact that cocona has to be used with another fabric so the environmental impact of the other fabric still applies.

Personally I think its great that outdoor gear manufacturers are starting to provide outdoor clothing made using these green fabrics. I hope they continue to increase their ranges using eco friendly materials as well as investing in the development of new technologies to increase their performance.

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…

Outdoor Resources Galore

In addition to the resources available on our outdoor blog, we also provide extra helpful tips and advice on a wide range of camping and outdoor topics, including:

• Tent Advice
  • Mountain Tent Advice
  • Lightweight / Ultralight Tent Advice
  • Bothy Bag Advice
• Sleeping Bag Advice
• Outdoor Clothing Advice
• Walking Boots and Footwear Advice
• Camping Advice
• Camping Equipment Advice
• Ultralight Backpacking Tips
• Travel and Gap year Advice
• Glossary of Outdoor Terms
• Scout Info and Discounts
• Climbing Gear Advice
• Camping Stoves Advice
• Ice and Walking Axes & Crampons
• Head Torch Help and Advice
• Festival Gear Advice

…and that’s in addition too all the great products we have available in the outdoor shops of outdoor shops!  We continue to discount year round in order for you to be reassured that you’re getting a great price, always!

And for those seriously into lightweight gear and who consider themselves to be an ultralight backpacker, runner or mountain biker, take the ultralight quiz to find out!

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!

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.

Modern Waterpoof Clothing

A waterproof jacket used to be simply called a Mac, after the designer Mackintosh who found a way to rubberise materials.  Now though, there are a variety of different synthetic materials that waterproof clothing and other items, as manufacturers recognised the need of outdoor sports people to have clothing that was suitable for there needs:

• Hardwearing
• Ultralight / lightweight / heavyweight
• Snag-free minimal design
• Rip-stop material
• Hood / hoodless / climbing helmet hood / hood peak
• Storm flaps
• Deep chest pockets
• Map pockets
• Breathable
• Warm
• Windproof
• Cinch cords
• Weatherproof / waterpoof zips
• Soft collar
• Full length, 3/4 length or half length
• Active sports cut design
• Long-tail cut
• Poncho style
• Compact and compressible possibly with stuffsack
• Resistance to contaminants such as body oils, cosmetics, salt water insect repellent and other environmental contaminants.

Not only have the design specifications of waterproof jackets evolved to meet the requirements of a variety of different outdoor activities and sports.

Breathable Waterproof Materials

One of the most impressive evolutions in waterproofing clothing has come from the design of highly waterproof jackets and trousers that can also breathe.  This means that the material does not allow water droplets into the

More tests for waterproof clothing

Many of the best outdoor clothing manufacturers put their clothing through sever tests using rain rooms and other tests, but many have also learnt about the resistance of the material to pressure (sitting on the floor in waterproof trousers can sometimes saturate them and cause them to leak), and temperature (hot and freezing) and humidity for breathability.

Examples of waterproof materials and technologies include:

• eVent
• HyVent
• Watergate
• Triplepoint Ceramic
• HydroDry
• Aquafoil
• Nikwax Analogy
• Paramo
• Gore-Tex
• Gore-Tex Performance Shell
• Gore-Tex Paclite
• Gore-Tex XCR
• Gore-Tex Pro Shell
• Gore-Tex Soft Shell

These technologies have been designed and adopted by some of the top brands in the outdoor industry, namely Berghaus, The North Face, Paramo, Lowe Alpine, Sprayway, Brasher,  Scarpa and may more.  You can see a wide range of waterproof clothing from these outdoor brands here.

Queries?

If you’re unsure of which waterproof jacket or waterproof trousers are most suitable for you, please feel free to contact us via email or give us a call on 01925 411 385.

Share!

What’s your favourite item of waterproof clothing?  Any there any that you’d recommend for a particular activity?  Which material do you find most breathable?  Why did you choose your last waterproof jacket or trousers?

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
• Being too cold
• Being too wet

For each of these conditions, there is outdoor clothing that performs in a way that helps tackle these problems.  Weather needn’t restrict you in enjoying and performing well at what ever you do, as the right gear is there too help you…

Outdoor Clothing, Baselayers and Temperature

Being too hot can dramatically reduce your performance.  Typical internal body temperatures are around 37 degrees Celsius, but a few degrees either way can dramatically change the way you feel.  For this reason it’s important to wear the right clothing to manage your temperature as best as possible.

One of the most versatile items of clothing for climate control, both in hot and cold climates, are baselayers (or base layers).  These are either long-sleeve or short-sleeve t-shirts, or vests, which use a variety of different thermal and cooler materials, to control the body’s temperature.

Baselayers for warm conditions

For warm conditions it is good idea to get a loose fitting baselayer to help the air next to your body circulate.  The best thing for me about baselayers in warm conditions is that they are highly breathable, helping moisture wick (or be drawn) away from your skin.  This baselayer wicking helps keep your body cool and dry whilst be active outdoors, and baselayers come in a variety of different ‘weights’ (warmths) then you cna manage your temperature much more easily.

Baselayers for cold conditions

This same wicking action of a baselayerhas great benefits for colder consitions too.  Remember the last time you went hiking in the winter; it was relatively cold and blustery when you began, but as you started moving you soon warmed up.  What happens when you stop though is that your body’s sweat sits on the surface of your skin and cools down, giving you those dreadful shudders down your back.  Your body then begins to cool down really fast and makes you want to get going again 9or worst, go home!).

Baselayer Conclusion

Baselayers should be worn as part of a layering system (see image below), to optimise wicking, breathability, wind-resistance, thermal exchanges and waterproofing.  See the outdoor clothing help page for more infromation.

Baselayer as part of the Layering System

Mens and womens breathable and wicking base layers therefore become vital for keeping you going, comfortable, and regulating your body’s temperature, as they can be bought in a variety of thermal and lighterweight materials, they are great for a variety of conditions.  Whatever outdoor sport you’re doing, I highly recommend using a a base layer, especially as they are so cheap for the quality of the technology and research that goes into many of them.

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.

We live and breathe outdoor gear and, so if you have any queries, tit-bits, questions, challenges, research dilemma’s let us know.  One of the big things about this outdoor gear blog it opens up doors to allows customers a chance to provide advice, guidance and their own thoughts on a topic.

If you want to tell everybody about your amazing climb at the weekend, a new mountain bike route, the number of miles you have walked this month or travel and camping stories.  A forum, a blog for anything – post your comments and we’ll do the same.  ENJOY!

And remember, a soggy walker is not always a happy walker!!