Information about Performance Clothing

Technical Functional Clothing must be manufactured in a way which is as waterproof, windproof and as comfortable as possible.

The way in which the jacket is made and what is worn beneath it is especially important, as this will determine the level of performance attained from the garment or system.

Weather Conditions

The weather conditions can have a significant impact on the breathability of the garment.

During heavy rain when the ambient temperature is low (at around 0ºC to 10ºC) waterproof garments suffer from 'cold bridging'. This results in a rapid build up of condensation, similar to what occurs on the inside of a car windscreen on a cold morning. The screen needs forced ventilation to keep it clear.

With a warm body at 37ºC inside a jacket and cold, highly saturated air outside, all waterproof breathable fabrics struggle to cope with this condensation build up because it cannot be forced ventilated without opening the jacket fully. To allow this vital ventilation Keela jackets are designed with a wide skirt and more technical styles have under arm zipped ventilation panels.

Keela's New Dual Protection System reduces the condensation problem by using a double-membrane concept similar to double glazing in a house.

Perspiration

During periods of vigorous activity, the level of body perspiration can increase dramatically, depending on the outside conditions and the person's own metabolic rate.   Breathable fabrics DO NOT prevent sweating. If perspiration lies on the surface of exposed skin it means that the body is producing moisture at a rate greater than the atmosphere can absorb and no fabric can alter this.

The Layering Concept

The layers worn under a waterproof shell garment are far more important than people realise.  It is recommended that a fleece made from polypropylene or Ducron polyester is worn as a mid-layer (see Keela fleece ranges). Also a good thermal wicking layer made from specially constructed Polyester yarn or Chlorofibre is advised for wearing next to the skin (see Keela ADS layers).

Cotton or anything with high cotton content should be avoided as it can absorb up to 10 times its weight in water or perspiration. The under layers are designed to transport humidity and perspiration away from the skin where as cotton and other fabrics can trap it.

Design

Some jackets are better designed to protect against water than others. Zips, Velcro and pockets are all potential leak areas. Look for well-protected front zip, e.g. the Keela Kandura jacket, which has double flaps and is channelled. Also make sure pocket flaps are deep and the pocket entrance is well protected.

Unless all seams are tape sealed to make them waterproof, any so called waterproof garments will still readily allow water penetration, so check for this too. All Keela jackets are tape sealed on every seam.

Here are some simple tips to prolong the duration of your outerwear.

• Hang your garment up to dry. Do NOT leave the garment rolled up or folded when wet. Do NOT hang garment on a radiator.
  
  
• Brush off any surface dirt regularly. It is imperative that your garment is free of surface dirt at all times. Dirt accumulating on the outer surface of the garment attracts water and blocks the breathable pores of the fabric. This in effect will rapidly reduce the breathability of the garment down to almost nothing.
  
  
• When the time comes to wash your garment, always hand wash in cool water using pure soap or soap flakes. A gentle machine wash can also be used at low temperature. Check individual washing instructions located inside each jacket.
  
  
• Do NOT use biological powders or detergents as this has a detrimental effect on waterproof fabrics.
  
  
• Do NOT Dry Clean.
  
  
• Hang to dry thoroughly and remove persistent creases with cool iron.
  
  
• Re-Proofing of your garment is as important as washing. Although the fabric is treated with a water repellent finish it does not last forever. After washing the repellency will decrease. When the repellent finish has worn off, the surface fabric will 'wet out' (absorb water). Use a reproofing solution such as Grangers or Nik Wax.