Big Brands In Outdoor Wear

I used to be a very reluctant camper.  Hiking was just not part of my life what so ever until I meet my husband but I have to admit that he has imporve my life quality in so many ways.  It all started with him suggesting that we go camping for our honeymoon, now for a city girl as myself this was the most unheard of, most unthinkable way of celebrating my love and new life together but I went along with doing it because he was so very persistent – and possibly because I was quite young and just refused to admit that there was anything we could not have in common.

Little did I know when I started my journey as a hiking chick that there are actual fashion and brand names for hiking, climbing and camping.  I had seen people wearing ruck-sacks that said Karrimor and Low Alpine on them but to think think that other people would judge you based on what you wear in the woods?  To strange to comprehend.  Mind you though, I came to realise that it’s mostly city folk’s that come out for the odd weekend that will make that judgement.  Most people I know just use what’s best within their budget be it a well branded name or not.

These days I know my Helly Hansen from my Haglofs very well and could not be happier with the life style we have.  We have hiked all the peaks of the Adirondacks and many of them in the Green Mountains area in the states and are planing on doing the Blue Ridge Mountains at some point within the next couple of years, so far we have explored the Carolinas and it does look great.

Dressing up for spring

Spring is a confusing time fashion wise. What should you wear outside when the weather is so unpredictable? How can you keep warm and still look good? It is all too easy to feel that the sun will never appear, and fall into the trap of thinking that dull weather means wearing dull clothes to match. However, it is possible to choose practical outdoor clothing that will keep you warm outdoors, and still look stylish. There is no need to either hide away in dark tones, so that you blend in with the grey skies, or shiver in bright but flimsy clothes more suited to the summer.

The ever-popular raincoat is absolutely perfect for the variable spring climate. Obviously, it is designed for wet weather, but also keeps out the cold. The raincoat, however, combines practicality with style. For that Parisian touch, accessorise with a beret (best avoided if it makes you look more like Benny Hill than Audrey Hepburn). Black is always stylish; try swapping the belt for another, contrasting one (if you buy a belt for this purpose, take the coat with you so that you can be sure that the belt will fit through the loops). A plain raincoat can also be jazzed up with colourful accessories, such as gloves, but you could consider a coat in a different colour, such as bright red, which would certainly cheer up a dull rainy day.

There can be cold winds in spring, and this is where scarves come into their own. Not only are they useful as a fashion accessory, but also add a practical touch. If by some miracle the sun comes out, they can be easily removed and stored in your bag, without taking up much space. Avoid the heavy winter version; instead, choose a lighter alternative. These are fabulous for a stylish spring outfit, as the variety of scarves available is endless. They can also be very inexpensive, which means that you can have a small collection without spending a fortune. In addition, scarves are a versatile item and can be tied in many different ways, or even used as a belt.

Hats are also a great way of keeping warm and are a much underrated accessory that deserves more attention. Most people can find a style to suit them, and it is well worth going to a hat department and spending some time trying on different styles to see what suits you. At the other end of the body, boots still have their place in the winter wardrobe. Wear with fitted trousers or jeans on days when it looks like rain, or under wider-legged trousers on dry days. If knee-length boots are too warm for your legs, ankle boots will still keep your feet dry on rainy days.

Waterproof rather than water resistant

Most waterproof clothing is reliable in keeping the wearer dry, depending on quality of materials used and quality of product. Not only is this the worst summer on record, with soaring rain-falls daily and flooding in some parts of the country, many workers rely on waterproof clothing, depending on the industry they work in. Off-shore fishermen are dependent on layers of weatherproof garments. Bib & brace trousers, PVC smocks, trousers, jackets, waders and don’t forget the sou’wester! Forestry workers, Agricultural workers and those who work in cleaning and processing rely on a waterproof outer layer of clothing in order that they can effectively do their jobs.

There has been continuing research throughout the years and new materials have been developed which guarantee quality waterproof products. Materials such as GoreTex, a fully breathable, waterproof fabric (made up of three separate layers) have been developed which are 100% guaranteed to keep you dry for the lifetime of the product.

Another guaranteed material is Taslan coated with PVC. There is a British standard code for weatherproof materials and before choosing a waterproof item of clothing, it is best to check whether the fabric conforms to British Standard BS3424.

Manufacturers such as Berghaus and Lowe Alpine specialise in the production of stylish, guaranteed waterproof clothing. Lowe Alpine’s Men’s Deluge jacket, retailing at £90, is made up of Triplepoint waterproof technology, featuring draw cords at waist and hem, folded hood, and storm flap. Berghaus Jackets are of similar construction but made from Goretex. Worn together with waterproof trousers made of similar materials, and wellington boots, the wearer will definitely remain completely dry!

In my opinion it is better to choose a premium waterproof brand in preference to cheaper options. Top brand manufacturers use specialist design and skills guaranteed to keep the wearer dry and warm. They can be washed and laundered many times, keeping their waterproof credentials. Also there are products such as Nik Wax which increase the waterproof element of clothing. Cheaper waterproofs may look similar but the materials used are of a much inferior quality and after several washes, there is very little waterproofing quality left.

Of course, there is some hassle in donning all these layers of extra clothing. The off-shore fisherman has to put on jacket, waders and boots (each with lots of difficult zippers, ties and studs) before setting off. It must take ages. Before launching and setting off to sea though it is an essential part of his job.

However, for most of us who are just heading to the shops, a short walk, or to work, it takes next to no time putting on a guaranteed weatherproof jacket. Craghopper Madigan III is a stylish longer length shell jacket, made of Aquadry. Retailing at £75, it has a draw cord at the waist and would effectively keep out the worst British weather. Essentially this type of waterproof just needs zipping up, and would save the wearer from possibly being drenched in a sudden shower and sitting in the office, cold and shivering all day. Along with a pair of boots and umbrella, warmth and comfort is guaranteed.