Trekking wears & Equipment : Rainwear is grouped into three broad categori...

Trekking wears & Equipment :




Rainwear is grouped into three broad categori...: Rainwear is grouped into three broad categories: water resistant; waterproof, breathable; and waterproof. Which category ...

Rainwear is grouped into three broad categories: water resistant; waterproof, breathable; and waterproof. Which category is right for you depends on how much time you’re going to be spending in the rain and the intensity of your activity.

Go Straight to Type 1: Water-Resistant Rainwear >

Go Straight to Type 2: Waterproof, Breathable Rainwear >

Go Straight to Type 3: Waterproof >

TYPE 1: WATER-RESISTANT RAINWEAR

Designed to keep you dry in a drizzle or light rain, water-resistant outerwear is exceptionally breathable and usually less expensive than waterproof, breathable outerwear. Someone adventure racing or bike racing in the rain might perspire at a greater rate than a waterproof, breathable jacket can handle. For that reason, they would be better off with something that’s less waterproof and more breathable. Soft shells and windbreakers are two examples of water-resistant outerwear.

TYPE 2: WATERPROOF, BREATHABLE RAINWEAR

Running, hiking, backpacking, kayaking…the list goes on. If you exercise or play hard in the outdoors and aren't scared off by a little rain, opt for outer garments that are both waterproof and breathable.

Waterproofness

There's a test that the outdoor industry conducts to determine the degree to which a garment is "waterproof." In this test, an open tube is placed atop a piece of fabric and filled with at least 5000 mm of water. If no leakage occurs, the garment is considered waterproof. But that's just the minimum standard. Some technologies can withstand 10,000 mm, or even 20,000 mm. While it would be easier if "waterproof" were an absolute term, it's not. It's more of a spectrum.

Breathability

While a waterproof garment will keep you dry from the outside, without breathability, perspiration vapors can't escape and you'll end up as drenched from your own sweat as you would be from the rain. Fortunately, a number of technologies meet the 5000 mm waterproof minimum and are also breathable. These technologies include System Three from Eastern Mountain Sports, HyVent from The North Face, PreCip and MemBrain from Marmot, NeoShell from Polartec, and, of course, Gore-Tex.

Technologies

Let's take a deeper look at these to compare, contrast, and help keep your head from spinning when you read about all of them in the store.

System Three is a waterproof, breathable coating exclusive to Eastern Mountain Sports. It is scores highly on the waterproof, breathable tests and is applied to a wide assortment of rainwear and winter outerwear.

The North Face's HyVent is actually a system that combines a multilayer chemical coating with fabric to accomplish three feats: keep you dry, let body moisture out, and maintain the coating's durability. This material will hold up in the toughest conditions while still keeping you dry and comfortable.

Gore-Tex, one of the biggest names in waterproof breathability, differs from HyVent in that it’s a membrane, not a coating. While HyVent can be essentially painted on, Gore-Tex is a membrane that’s laminated to the inside of the outer shell fabric. Gore-Tex is generally seen as more durable and breathable than HyVent because of these properties.

Polartec's NeoShell technology works by creating a full system made of several materials. These include a soft inner layer, a fiber membrane, an abrasion-resistant surface and a durable water repellent (DWR) layer.

Marmot's MemBrain acts more like Gore-Tex than HyVent or NeoShell, as it is a microthin polyurethane film that’s laminated to various Marmot fabrics. Marmot touts the jacket's ability to change its breathability according to the changes in your body's temperature.

2-Layer, 2.5-Layer, and 3-Layer: What Does It All Mean?

When you read a jacket description that talks about 2-layer Gore-Tex or 3-layer HyVent, it’s referring to the type of lining used to protect the waterproof, breathable technology. Left on their own, waterproof, breathable laminates and membranes are vulnerable to abrasion, so some sort of protective lining is required.

2-layer is the most common kind of waterproof, breathable construction. The laminate or membrane is applied to the face fabric, with nothing attached on the interior—hence, the 2-layer. A loose hanging layer is used to provide protection. This option tends to be less expensive, but adds a little weight to the jacket.

2.5-layer construction features the laminate or membrane applied to the face fabric, just like the 2-layer. However, on the inside of the jacket a series of laminated “dots” or a laminated grid pattern is used to provide a degree of abrasion resistance. 2.5-layer waterproof, breathable jackets are ultralight and very packable.

3-layer jackets are the most expensive option, but are fairly light and extremely durable. Like the other construction methods, the waterproof, breathable laminate or membrane is applied to the outer shell fabric. On the inside, however, a liner fabric is applied directly, creating a sort-of 3-layer sandwich.

TYPE 3: WATERPROOF RAINWEAR

The classic PVC vinyl rain jacket worn by your local crossing guard is the classic example of a nonbreathable rain jacket. It'll keep you dry in low-impact activities like light walking around town, but if you decide to hike a mountain, it just won't work.

The one type of nonbreathable rainwear that Eastern Mountain Sports does carry is the poncho. Because it's open underneath, a poncho actually has great ventilation, and it's long enough to cover most of your lower torso. As an added bonus, if you're wearing a pack, you can throw the poncho over that as well.

Trekking wears & Equipment : How to choose the right sleeping bag?

Trekking wears & Equipment : How to choose the right sleeping bag?: Add caption When picking a sleeping bag , there is more to consider than the color. There are many options to consider, from how hea...

We are offering Waterproof Rain Wear such as Rain Coats, Rain Suits, Umbrella, PVC Raincoats, Rain Jackets,2 in 1 rain coat,tent,bag cover(waterproof)and Windcheaters with 30% off at V-tex fashion pvt.ltd. These are made of good quality fabric and are available in various sizes and variant colours. We provide them at competitive prices to our respected customers.You get all sizes S/M/L/XL/XXL/XXXL as per order.

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Sleeping bag fill - Down or Synthetic?

One of the main components of a sleeping bag, in fact, the main component of a sleeping bag is how it is insulated. You need to know that it is going to do it’s job and keep you adequately warm through the night. So should you choose down or synthetic insulation for your sleeping bag?

What are the differences between down or synthetic insulation?

Down insulation, as I’m sure you know, comes from birds. The best down tends to be from eider duck or geese. White goose down tends to be the most popular down for sleeping bag fill as it gives a good warmth performance for a reasonable price. Down insulation is categorised by the ‘fill power’, this unit is a measurement of the loft, (the fluffiness, ie the amount of space a certain weight of down occupies). The higher the fill power the lighter the sleeping bag for the same warmth rating. This fill power is rated in cubic inches per ounce, so a fill power of 400-450 would be a medium quality bag, ideal for those who may get too hot in a sleeping bag, 500-550 would be good quality and adequate for most people camping out in the UK, ,while a 750+ would be a excellent quality and very warm indeed, perfect for colder excursions.

Are weight and space an issue?

 Down insulation is very light weight and can pack down and compress into a tight space, making it more travel efficient as a down sleeping bag will use less space in a pack, rucksack or duffel bag. With the proper care and attention a down sleeping bag can last a lifetime and maintains the same level of warmth from day one. Down features natural wicking properties, allowing any body moisture to evaporate away from your body for further comfort. Down insulation is the preferred choice for backpackers adventuring in dry climates. On the negative side, down becomes useless if it gets wet and takes a long time to dry. So if your bag gets wet in the night don’t count on leaving it to dry out in the sun at camp while you go on a day hike, chances are it’ll still be wet that night. Down is also difficult to clean as many products can damage it. So as long as you can get your sleeping bag dry cleaned and guarantee it will stay dry on a trip then down insulation is definitely the winning choice. (Having said that, some of the more advanced and expensive bags have treated the down to make it more waterproof so do keep a look out for that).

Synthetic insulation. Essentially, synthetic insulation is a polyester threading that has been shaped and moulded to mimic the lofty clusters of down. The biggest benefit of a synthetic insulated sleeping bag is that it isn’t affected by damp in the same way as real down. A synthetic fill is, at the least, resistant to moisture, while many will actually shed water rather than absorbing it. Synthetic materials will also dry much quicker than a natural insulation making them more convenient in this sense, if your sleeping bag is wet while you’re attempting to pack up camp you can simply lay it in the sun for a while and come back to pack it once everything else is done and it will be dry. Should your sleeping bag get a bit smelly from being damp you can easily machine wash and dry a synthetic sleeping bag with no worries that it will damage its insulation. It is far easier to care for than real down.

Synthetic insulation sleeping bags come in all sorts of varieties that are made up of different blends of fibres and materials and technologies, these include Primaloft®, Polarguard® and Thermolite®.

Lets take a quick look at these, although they all do pretty much the same job:

Primaloft®, one of the highest performing insulations in terms of warmth, water resistance, compressibility and softness.

Polarguard®, good thermal efficiency, doesn't absorb moisture and is breathable, fast drying and long term durability.

Thermolite®, here we have warmth and comfort without weight and great wicking properties.

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Unfortunately, synthetic insulation is not as durable over the years as a down sleeping bag. And generally speaking synthetic fill sleeping bags are heavier to pack than down for the same warmth factor.

Sleeping bag shape - Mummy or Caravan?

Sleeping bags come basically in two different shapes, the caravan and the mummy. The caravan style is like the sleeping bags you’d sleep in as a kid, the long rectangular shaped bags with a zip that runs down the side and across the bottom. These are definitely the most comfortable out of the two shapes as they leave you with plenty of room to move your arms and legs around while you sleep, on average a person will move around forty times in a single night. You can also unzip them to spread them out like a blanket. Rectangles are definitely the best shape for a good sleep, you wouldn’t ever find a mummy shaped bed. But there is no way you’d be warm enough in a caravan bag in low temperatures unless it was packed with so much insulation that you’d have an easier job to take your actual bed.

The more space you allow inside the bag the bulkier and heavier it becomes to carry with you. This is why sleeping bags have been adapted to create the mummy shape. Years ago, Arctic explorers realised that if they cut away the excess of the rectangular sleeping bag, keeping it to the shape of their body, not only would they reduce the pack size and weight but they gained an increased level of warmth. By giving the sleeping bag a closer fit you reduce the amount of space for air to flow through and suck out that precious warmth. Some brands, such as Mountain Equipment have gone a step further and added a foot box with added insulation to their sleeping bag so you can comfortably sleep with your feet in their natural upright position.

Sleeping bags are, without a doubt, an essential piece of equipment and it’s important to make sure that you get the right one for you type of adventures. v-tex fashion provide both Down and Synthetic sleeping bags in a variety of shapes and sizes.

How to choose the right sleeping bag?

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When picking a sleeping bag, there is more to consider than the color. There are many options to consider, from how heavy it will be to carry to the material it is made from. To help you determine what is right for you, check out the tips below.

The Right Fit

Many sleeping bags are designed with a rectangular shape allowing for the maximum amount of room to spread out. One of the perks of these bags is the option to purchase two bags with compatible zippers and create a double bed.

Another option is a barrel-shaped bag which has a semi-rectangular shape. These are tapered in design which can lead to a warmer night’s sleep and a little less weight to carry. If you don’t like the fit of a mummy bag (see below), this is a great option and fit well in larger-frame backpacks.

The mummy bag is a tight fit allowing for maximum warmth and is a favorite for backpackers who need a lightweight bag while hiking.

Women should keep in mind that there are specific sleeping bags that are designed and engineered to match a woman’s contours. These bags are shorter and more narrow at the shoulders, wider at the hips, and come with extra insulation.

Kids can also have a sleeping bag built just for their needs. Some models feature a built-in sleeve on the bottom of the bag which holds a sleeping pad so that the child, bag and pad stay together all night. Others offer pillow pockets which lets the user stuff clothing inside to create a comfy pillow.

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Insulation

The best option for campers is to choose a sleeping bag with synthetic insulation

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Typically made of polyester, a synthetic fill is quick drying and still insulates even if it gets wet. They are also less expensive and more durable. One of the best features, besides the low price tag, is that these bags are non-allergenic.

Some campers prefer goose-down insulation but it is offered in only a few sleeping bags. While it is durable and highly compressible, it comes with a large price tag and is considered to be a less humane choice.

Temperature

Choosing the right insulation will force you to consider the temperatures you will encounter on your trip. When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to remember that they are not all created equally. During the summer, you don’t need a heavy bag with extra insulation, nor will you want to hike with one weighing down your pack. However, if you are camping in the winter, you will need a warmer bag. As a general rule of thumb, consider the following bag types followed by thei temperature rating:

• Summer: +35° and higher
• 3-Season: +10° to +35°
• Cold Weather: -10° to +10°
• Winter/Extreme: -10° and lower

Other factors will influence how warm you stay at night. Consider the following:

• Sleeping pad: Insulates the space between your bag and the ground and adds a layer of cushioning.
• Tent: Tents can keep you warmer by up to 10° at night.
• Metabolism: Think about how you sleep at home. Do you kick the covers off at night or do you prefer to be bundled up?
• Clothing: If you want to stay warm, wear long underwear and clean socks which will help insulate you. A hat and neck gaiter will also help retain body heat.
• Hood: Sleeping bags with hoods can be cinched up to keep you extra warm.
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• Hydration: Believe it or not, staying hydrated adds warmth so try a warm drink before bed.

Extra Features

Once you've figured out the temperature rating and style you want, there are a few extra features to consider.

• Double-wide bags: Designed to comfortably sleep 2 people, these bags can be combined with an air mattress (or foam sleeping pad) for an extra comfortable night's sleep.
• Stash pockets: Super handy for campers who wear eyeglasses or those who want to keep items close by at night.
• Sleeping pad sleeve: Available in some models, this creative feature means no more rolling off the sleep pad in the middle of the night.
• Pillow: If you grow tired of sleeping on a rolled up jacket, look for sleeping bags that include a pillow pocket.
• Sleeping bag liner: Liners are sold separately but kelp keep the bag clean and add a little extra warmth. If you are sleeping during hot weather, skip the sleeping bag and just sleep on the liner.

Storage

Once you found the right sleeping bag for your needs, remember to store it properly. This will prolong the life of the bag. You can hang it in a garage or store it loosely in a cotton storage sack. Never keep it rolled up in a tight stuff sack.

How to use the trekking pole?

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Wrist Straps

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  The first step to proper use of trekking poles is to properly adjust the wrist strap. The wrist strap should be adjusted so that your hand can easily grip the poles' handgrip area, but also lightly supports the wrist. This is necessary because one of the most effective uses of the pole is to apply downward pressure with the wrist to lower weight and strain levels on knees and legs.

Moving Uphill

• When moving uphill, firmly plant the trekking pole on the same side of the body as the foot providing primary lift. Press down on the pole and the strap to assist the leg in lifting the body up the incline. For medium inclines, the poles can be placed in front of the body. For steep inclines, placing the pole to the side of the body can help with stability and climbing power.
• Moving Downhill

• Planting the poles when moving downhill is opposite of when you are moving uphill. The left pole is planted with the right foot. This is to ensure stability and to control your downward momentum. This change for steep downhill sections where you will want to plant the left pole just in front of the left foot to help with foot stability.

Movement on Flat Terrain

• Moving on flat terrain is easy with trekking poles. Move the pole opposite to the foot when walking. When stepping with the left foot, swing the right pole forward. When stepping with the right foot, swing the left pole forward. By placing tension on the wrist straps, weight is transferred from your legs to the poles, thus relieving stress and strain on your knees and legs.