All Weather Clothing
An Advertising Feature
Whether it’s a camping holiday, a day of hiking or a cycling tour ensuring you have waterproof clothing is essential for life in the great outdoors.
What waterproof clothing you need depends on the type of outdoor activity you intend to partake in and the kind of weather you may encounter.
For relatively light activity in Spring or Autumn you may only need very simple and basic waterproof trousers and possibly men’s waterproof jackets, too. This would mean outer layers, such as jackets, trousers and boots for short walks and camping trips.
For more vigorous activities, such as long hikes or cycling, in winter you’ll need to build up layers of clothing that allow air to circulate (breathable clothing), this prevents you over heating and sweating when active and avoids chills when you then cool down or are less active.
The basic principle of outdoor clothing is the layering system. Several thin layers are more useful than just one thick sweatshirt or large jumper, since warm air will be trapped between the layers and provide better insulation, and you can add or remove layers as required according to the weather and your level of activity.
The “base layer” nearest the body is best made of thin synthetic material with the capability of “wicking” moisture away from the skin and drying quickly.
Natural fibres like cotton are not recommended since they absorb sweat and make you clammy. Wicking base layers work especially well with breathable jackets.
Between base layer and jacket you can add one or more insulating mid-layers, usually made of an open-weave or knit fabric, such as a fleece. You can wear an ordinary sweatshirt, jersey or high street fleece but a good fleece specially designed for outdoor use could keep you warmer and more comfortable.
Some of these are also windproof, keeping you warmer in cold winds even if worn without a top layer. A zip down the front allows you to ventilate as much or as little as required.
All weather clothing is available to suit all different kinds of activities, most are interchangeable. For example, much of the clothing designed for all weather cycling can also be used for hiking and walking. And unless you’re road racing a lot of weather resistant hiking and walking clothing can be used when cycling. The exception here may be trousers, as cycling requires a narrower leg than the basic walking trouser.
Ask at your local outdoor activity store about the best clothing for your trip.
