Why, Beauty?

We are never really prepared for heavy snow in the UK, are we? Not in terms of transport or even on a personal level by having heavy duty outdoor clothing, as I found to my cost in our recent wintry weather.

I live out in the sticks and the heavy snow made getting to work virtually impossible. Unfortunately, my children’s school didn’t close, so I found myself venturing out to take them to school. I got them there okay but on the way home, semi-disaster struck! My car got stuck in some heavy snow on one of the little roads leading onto the main A road. I got out and scraped as much as I could away from the tyres. I pretty quickly discovered that my pretty woolly gloves were as helpful as a chocolate teapot for all practical purposes in the snow! My hands soon became wet and frozen and I realised that only heavy duty, warm lined leather or thinsulate gloves are any good in those sorts of conditions - oh the glory of hindsight!

Even worse though, as I made my way round all four tyres, was the gradual and extremely uncomfortable realisation that most fashionable boots may look appropriate to wear in the snow but actually aren’t. My feet were soaked and pretty soon I couldn’t feel them. I’ve always resisted, since we moved to the country, getting a decent pair of wellies (you know, all the ‘green wellie brigade’ comments). Really wished I’d invested in some then though. I’ve since found that wellies come in all manner of designs - I’m now the proud owner of a smart black pair, covered in fluorescent paw prints - which probably have the added advantage of being visible for miles around, should you get buried from the knees up in a snow drift any time! The other big advantage to wellies is the grip, something else which most ordinary winter boots are significantly lacking in. I was very relieved to be wearing my woolly hat and puffa jacket though - at least my top and middle bits were warm.

I think I’ve learnt my lesson finally and have now invested in decent outdoor clothing for the whole family. It seems an unnecessary expense most of the time but the discomfort and misery, not to mention wrecked footwear, we incurred in this cold snap has convinced me that it’s well worth the investment, even it if truly comes into its own only once every couple of years.

Today’s outdoor clothing industry now involves a huge amount of sophisticated technology in order to keep us warm and dry especially in extreme conditions. Gone are the days of simply throwing on your old waterproof jacket and sweater and heading for the hills.

If this modern technology was around when Edmund Hillary climbed Everest he would have been far more comfortable. He wore woollen garments that are warm to begin with but become very heavy and uncomfortable when they get wet from either rain, snow or sweat. The wool holds the moisture for a long time allowing the wearer to get cold.

Gore-Tex launched the first waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric in the 1970’s. It was invented by W. L. and Bob Gore and in doing so they completely transformed the outdoor clothing market. Gore-Tex outer fabrics are made from a micro-porous structure that water cannot penetrate. It is also breathable as the pores in the membrane, which is the layer between the outer fabric and the inner lining, are hundreds of times bigger than a droplet of water so sweat can easily pass through the membrane, thus keeping you dry and comfortable. Windstopper is Gore-Tex’s sister product. It is similar to Gore-Tex since it is windproof and breathable but is also stretchy. It is more suitable for pursuits such as cycling and running because it is not waterproof. All Gore-Tex products are put through vigorous testing in laboratories to ensure they meet high standards and the materials are in use by millions of outdoor enthusiasts the world over.

In the 1990’s a new innovation called eVent became the latest fabric in the breathable/ waterproof market. The eVent web site claims that it lets the sweat evaporate faster than any other breathable waterproof fabrics. eVent fabrics are not just used for jackets; the technology is used in making gloves, hats, trousers and even sleeping bags. It is used today in garments and equipment made by many well-known manufacturers.

Scientific research continues into finding even more innovative fabrics to improve the comfort of those involved in outdoor pursuits. I think Edmund Hillary in his wool scarf would have approved!

Hiking and outdoor gear has become stylish and fashionable, particularly designs from manufacturers such as the North Face and Berghaus.  The range of brightly coloured, Berghaus fleeces and hiking gear is not only being worn by intrepid hikers and fell-walkers, but also in the high street.

To ensure maximum warmth while hiking it’s best to wear clothes with thermal or fleecy linings.  This type of fabric enables the skin to breath and traps heat within the layers.  Fleecy woollen hats, gloves, trousers and boots also help to keep you warm on the fells, and the range of designs is becoming increasingly stylish.

When deciding on a hiking trip in the winter months it’s necessary to be dressed suitably for whatever the weather brings.  Thermal underwear is a must, topped with North Face Polartec Salathe pullover, priced at £50.  This design comes in dark colours, such as black, grey/black and deepwater blue.  Complete with the North Face logo prominently displayed on top pocket, this top not only looks great but feels comfortable to wear.

Berghaus, Regatta and Sprayway also do great ranges of fleece hiking gear, it’s hard to go wrong with any of their styles, they vary in price from £36 for a Berghaus women’s Spectrum jacket in a fabulous range of colours.  Craghoppers, Kiwi, along with other manufacturers offer large ranges of hiking trousers.  All are hardwearing, practical and weatherproof.  Most ranges aren’t considered stylish but jeans or cords which are always fashionable, would be suitable for hiking anywhere.

A hat is necessary for colder winter walking and there are many stylish designs on the High Street.  Fleecy berets bobble hats, or even a snood would keep out the icy cold, and look great wherever you are walking.  The colours are great, from burnt orange, red, icy blue or cool greens.  Pulled well down over your ears, they look stylish, while keeping you warm and comfortable.

For hiking over rough terrain a strong, sturdy pair of boots is essential.  Timberland leads the way with some stunning designs.  Men’s Shackleton range boots are stylish wear anywhere, but are extremely expensive with designs starting at £130 upwards.  Timberland Earthkeepers boots look fantastic with a tartan inset in the leather. They are very hard-wearing, and with the correct care, will last many years.  They’re definitely a good investment.

Hiking and walking are becoming increasingly popular past-times, and designers such as Sprayway, North Face and others are designing up-market, stylish clothing and equipment suitable for wear.