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Outdoor wear

In our shop you can find an increasing number of functional Jackets, Why?

Whether for actual outdoor use or only to ride your bike to work; a warm, waterproof jacket has become an essential item in ones wardrobe.

Luckily, times, when one could only find functional clothing in flashy colors and odd cuts, are over. Today‘s outerwear has a contemporary cut and comes in a variety of subdued colors. Black has become a standard within the color palette. New technology enables the manufacturers to laser cut edges and tape seams. All of which are not only functional but look good as well.

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Nowadays, the generally-accepted way of getting yourself dressed for Hiking and Outdoor Activities is to use a Three-Layer System. Much of the Outdoor Clothing you can find in outdoor shops is part of this system.

1. Base Layer / Thermal Underwear

Base Layer & Thermal Underwear The Base Layer is the first layer of clothing you put on and it is in direct contact with your skin. For Outdoor Activities, it is very likely that you will be sweating, cooling down, sweating, cooling down, etc. It is important that your clothing works in a way that it can cool down quickly but not too much. This is where the base layer comes in:

Purpose of the Base Layer

A common problem in many Outdoor Activities is ‚after-exercise chill‘. Cotton T-shirts and other common underwear capture the moisture of sweat in their fabric and after your body has already cooled down and stops sweating, the wet cotton will keep on cooling your body down. Not only is this uncomfortable, it also forces your body to increase its heat production and it increases the chances of under cooling. The base layer should not retain moisture but transport it away from the skin, thereby countering ‚after-exercise chill‘.

Base Layer Materials

The materials used for Base Layers change constantly as manufacturers come up with new high tech synthetic fabrics or re-invent older materials like wool. In general, they all have common characteristics:

- The materials absorb only a very small percentage (< 1%) of their weight in moisture. In practice, this means that they retract moisture from your skin and dries very quickly. - The fibers are very lightweight but very durable. - They are treated to decrease the tendency of base layers to itch and smell due to body odors and/or fungi.

2. Insulation Layer

The Insulation Layer is the second layer of clothing which is put on after wearing the base layer. The purpose of the Insulation Layer is to retain body heat and the best way to do so is by creating a layer of still or dead air around your body. This still air will seriously decrease the heat exchange between your body and the outside world.

Fleece / Bunting / Pile

The Insulation Layer mostly consists of polyesters that are treated in a way that makes the fibers stand up and trap air between the fibers. This trapped air forms the protective layer of still air forming the main insulation. The most popular materials are:

Fleece

Fleece is mostly made out of polyesters. A dense knit of polyester fabric is taken and passed through a ‚napping‘ machine. On one side of the fabric, the machine will pick out and rake up the fabric loops, creating a fabric with a tight solid weave on one side and a fluffy air retaining surface at the other side.

Bunting

This is fleece that has been ‚napped‘ on both sides, creating a tight solid weave with wooly air retaining at the surfaces on both sides.

Pile

This is single-sided Fleece that has undergone more ‚napping‘ and has been processed further to create a much thicker open fabric.

Characteristics of Fleece / Bunting / Pile

Fleece, Bunting, and Pile combine a few characteristics that make them so suitable as Insulation Layer materials. First of all, they posses the ability to retain still air which insulates and prevents body heat loss as outlined above. Besides this, the treated Polyesters used have almost the same moisture-transporting qualities as Base Layers. They transport moisture to the outer layer and dry very quickly.

3. Outer Shells

Outer ShellThe Third and final Layer in the Three-Layer System is the Outer Shell which is the only layer with direct contact to the outside world. The Outer Shell serves three main purposes:

Before high tech fabrics were developed, these purposes were performed by separate pieces of clothing. Nowadays, however, Outer Shells can be waterproof, shock-absorbing, and breathable windbreakers.

Outer Shell Materials

The theory behind Outer Shell materials is the fact that a water drop is much larger in size than a water vapor molecule. In essence, combining waterproofness with breathability boils down to finding a membrane with a pore size much smaller than a water drop but much bigger than a water vapor molecule. In 1976, Gore-Tex was developed which is a membrane of a petrochemical polymer called polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE). Since 1976, many variations of Gore-Tex have been developed which fall under the category name of PTFE laminates.

Judging Waterproofness

Keeping outside moisture out is probably the most important task and, unlike breathability, waterproofness depends on more than just the fabric. Here are some guidelines on judging waterproofness:

The most important factor remains the fabric. As explained in our section on Tent Characteristics, the waterproofness of a fabric is measured in pounds per square inch (psi) of water pressure. Standard ISO 811 signifies the testing of the waterproofness of fabrics under their actual usage conditions. For an outdoor clothing Outer Shell, a score of 40 psi would signify a good state of waterproofness.

Seams - Just like in Outdoor Tents, seams are the vulnerable spots in Outer Shells. Seams should be sealed and coated well to prevent leaking. If possible, look for as little seams as possible and avoid seams in vulnerable places such as shoulders and upper back.

Zippers - Zippers are another weak point in your defense against moisture. Nowadays, waterproof zippers do exist so ask around. Otherwise, look for zippers that are well-shielded. Using this Three Layer System gives you the best possible protection from outdoor conditions. At the same time, the system is flexible enough to change specific parts for better, worst, or specific conditions. In most cases, the Three Layer System pertains to upper body clothing. The torso and neck area are the most important things to insulate as they protect your body core. In extremely cold conditions, however, this Three-Layer System can be used for full body protection.

Materials:

Gore Tex

Gore-Tex fabric makes strong and durable outerwear. The Gore-Tex fabric can stand the driving wind and rain of extreme wet weather as well as abrasion from rock, ice and snow encountered during demanding outdoor sports. Total protection from extreme wet weather.

Gore Tex Paclite

The Gore-Tex Paclite membrane is laminated to lightweight, strong nylon textiles to produce garments that are extremely breathable, compressible and durable waterproof. The Gore-Tex Paclite membrane allows perspiration vapour to pass through, and the protective layer keeps body oils, cosmetics, salt water, insect repellents and other environmental contaminants from altering the waterproofness of the membrane.

Gore Tex XCR

Gore-tex FabricThree layer Gore-Tex XCR is the most duarable waterproof/breathable fabric available. 3L Gore-Tex XCR fabric uses a taffeta liner to protect the Gore-Tex membrane, making it durable, lightweight, waterproof and extremely breathable. Two layer Gore-Tex XCR is a versatile and extremely breathable fabric which is much more breathable than its traditional 2-layer Gore-Tex fabric counterpart.

Gore Windstopper

Gore Windstopper LogoThe specially engineered Gore Windstopper membrane provides wind protection and stabilises the microclimate close to the skin by allowing excess moisture to escape while preventing unwanted moisture from coming back in.

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HyVent from the North Face

HyVent is an applied PU coating that can be constructed in both 2 layer and 3 layer forms. HyVent in 2 layer form includes a drop liner, while 3 layer fabric includes a tricot mesh backer bonded to the Hy- Vent fabric for increased durability and comfort. Water (perspiration) must condense before it can pass through and out of the jacket. A great majority of PU coatings are designed to be competitive in either breathability or waterproofness. HyVent achieves a balance between the two which is uncommon in the Outdoor Market. Durability is a key story for HyVent as it retains a true waterproof rating past 20 launderings.

HyVent DT (Dry Touch)

HyVent DT is an applied PU coating combined with a DT Print matrix which acts as a dry-touch “half layer” coating. The DT half layer adds durability and comfort by physically separating the HyVent PU coating from the skin. HyVent DT circumvents the need for a liner, and is commonly referred to as a 2 1⁄2 layer fabric. Instead of a true half layer our competition typically uses simple prints which have no function other than aesthetic value.

HyVent Alpha

HyVent Alpha is a laminate PU layer that can be constructed in both 2 layer and 3 layer forms. HyVent Alpha in 2 layer form includes a drop liner, while 3 layer fabric includes a tricot mesh backer bonded to the HVA fabric for increased durability and comfort. A laminate (HV Alpha) differs from a coating (HV and HVDT) in that a laminate is a separately manufactured layer or sheet of Polyurethane which is adhered to a fabric layer. A coating is created when liquid PU material is spread over a fabric and allowed to dry. Because Alpha is a laminate, durability is at a maximum because the waterproof characteristics do not diminish with increased laundering cycles. Laminates are manufactured to precise performance specifications, while coatings are more difficult to control especially when combined with bulky (high denier) or textured yarns. HyVent Alpha is constructed to be actively breathable, especially when compared to regular HyVent which requires water (perspiration) to condense before passing through.

Shoft Shell

More and more the 3 Layer- Concept is replaced by the simpler Soft-Shell concept. This remarkable technology outperforms traditional layering systems in 80%-90% of spring, fall and winter outdoor conditions.

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Quick Read

1. The soft shell designation applies to outerwear that does the jobs performed by two or more garments (usually the insulating and outer layers) in traditional layering systems.

2. They‘re soft to the touch, highly water resistant, highly wind resistant, highly breathable and often stretchable.

3. While not 100% waterproof, soft-shell apparel delivers twice the breathability of breathable „hard shells.“

4. Soft-shell outerwear provides comfort across a wide range of conditions and exertion levels. It minimizes the need to stop and peel or add layers.

5. Check out the latest soft-shell technology styles. What is Soft-Shell Apparel?

Soft-shell garments were pioneered by hardcore outdoor athletes looking for a more breathable alternative to the traditional three-layer system of outdoor dress.

The new category of outerwear they developed (soft shell) performs what was once the job of multiple layers and provides comfort without bulk across a wide range of conditions.

A major external characteristic of soft shells is that they offer a more natural „hand“ than slick and shiny waterproof/breathable hard shells. Soft-shell garments feel (and often look) more like comfortable street clothes than what many people have come to associate with seriously weatherproof outerwear. But don‘t be fooled—they‘re durable, versatile and functional garments that have revolutionized the way many athletes dress for the outdoors.

The Big Idea

Traditional three-layer systems were developed with an emphasis on protecting you from external moisture. These systems provide 100% waterproof protection and a lesser degree of breathability.

Many outdoor enthusiasts have learned, however, that foul weather is usually not the biggest threat to their comfort. Instead, it‘s the perspiration trapped within the shell during aerobic activities that poses the more significant problem.

Soft-shell garments have become possible with the introduction of an elite handful of new high-performance fabrics. Currently, these fabrics fall into three main categories:

Stretch wovens—These are the lightest soft-shell fabrics on the market. Soft wovens are wind- and water-resistant and ideal for aerobic acitivites. The REI Mistral Jacket is crafted from a soft-woven called Schoeller® Dynamic Fabric.

Laminated stretch wovens—This category of fabric includes a stretch-woven material laminated to an inner fleece with a breathable membrane sandwiched in between. Stretch wovens offer heavy-duty weather protection. The REI One and Groove Jackets are constructed from a laminated stretch-woven called Polartec Power Shield®.

Encapsulation—These are fibers that have been encapasulated in an ultra-thin polymer film. A breathable barrier fill is placed between the encapsulated fiber bundles to create exceptionally durable and breathable materials. Patagonia utilizes encapsulated fabrics in its Regulator system garments.

Play Longer and Stay Dry

Many outdoor enthusiasts feel that the benefits offered by soft-shell outerwear are almost too good to be true.

One of the most significant advantages is that you‘ll now have the ability to participate in outdoor aerobic activities and stay comfortable for much longer periods of time than possible with hard-shell systems.

Ever find yourself soaked from perspiration after 45 minutes of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in your waterproof/breathable jacket? Slip on a soft-shell jacket and you‘ll be able to work out in a fabric that stretches, breathes and regulates your temperature.

Apex Soft Shells

Apex soft shell fabrics are made by a variety of manufacturers in a variety of different weights, thicknesses, and attached backers. They are broken into 3 Performance Groups to better categorize our soft shell styles.

Apex Aerobic

Aerobic fabric is the lightest and most breathable of TNF soft shells. Designed to accommodate high levels of activity in moderate weather conditions, Aerobic soft shells also offer the maximum amount of stretch.

Apex Universal

Universal fabric is the most versatile of TNF soft shells offering more weather protection than Aerobic while retaining good stretch properties and breathability. Apex Universal fabric can be combined with fleece backers of varying lofts to create thermal outerwear.

Apex Weatherblock

Weatherblock fabric is the most protective of TNF soft shells as it contains a waterproof, breathable laminate. 100% windproof and highly water resistant Apex Weatherblock is a stretch alternative to hard shell outerwear. Apex Weatherblock fabric can be combined with fleece backers of varying lofts to create highly thermal outerwear.

Polartec

Polartec LogoPolartec Classic 100, 200 and 300 fabrics are the reference standard for lightweight warmth and breathability. These fabrics have been the primary insulation layer of choice among experienced outdoor enthusiasts for nearly two decades.

Polartec Windbloc

Polartec WindBloc DiagramSoft and comfortable fabric made from 2 layers of velour fleece laminated either side of a windproof and breathable PU membrane. DWR outer sheds light rain and snow whilst a wicking treatment on the inner boosts breathability.

Windwall

WindWall is a fleece construction standard that retains the comfort, flexibility and breathability of traditional fleece while eliminating wind chill. Traditional fleece tests at 200 CFM compared to WindWall which tests at 15 - 40 CFM. Some WindWall fabrics achieve windproofness through their densely knit construction, while others use bonding and lamination technologies. All WindWall fabrics cut 80-95% of wind, keeping the user warm and allowing just enough airflow to ensure a dry and comfortable fit. WindWall is an ideal layering fabric or can be used as stand alone outerwear in mild weather conditions.

PRIMALOFT©

Primaloft LogoPrimaloft is a patented ultrafine microfibre blend that is incredibly soft, lightweightd water repellent. PrimaLoft synthetic insulation absorbs three times less water, is 15% warmer when dry and is 24% warmer when wet than the closest competitive insulation. In addition to these impressive

thermal properties, Primaloft is lightweight with a down-like softness that adds comfort and appeal.

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