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When down gets wet, it will lose most of its insulation properties but this is where Hydrophobic down comes in - this is a relatively new concept and the purpose is to solve the main drawback of 'regular' down, which is it's lack of effectiveness when wet.Hydrophobic down has been treated with a durable water repellent that enables the down to dry quicker and resist water for longer, meaning it wi …

A Box-wall down jacket is one that utilises 'Box-wall' construction for it's baffles. Baffles are the pockets of space that are created between two layers of fabric which then hold the goose or duck down that is in your jacket. These chambers filled with down are how the jacket keeps you warm. Your body heat warms the air around it through radiating that heat, when you are wearing a down jacket th …

Most mosquitos, including those that carry malaria, are active when it's dark. A mosquito net not only keeps malaria mosquitos away but also other insects, such as lice, bed bugs and fleas. So contributing to a good night's sleep.A Mosquito net only offers extra protection against mosquitos and other insects if it is sealed off all around and has a mesh size of no more than 1.75mm. Nets may be imp …

Down QualityGenerally the more down in a jacket (fill weight), the warmer it is going to be but this assumes the down is the same quality. However, down quality can vary significantly and is measured by its fill power. A higher fill power down will keep you warmer than a lower fill power. To make matters worse there are two widely recognised methods of measuring Fill Power - the 'US' Method and …

What is BPA?BPA stands for bisphenol A. BPA is an industrial chemical that has been used to make certain plastics and resins for well over 50 years now. BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Polycarbonate plastics are commonly used for storing food and drink, like water bottles. Over the time frame that it has been used and the extent of products which have used it research has …

What are PFCs?PFCs (per- and poly-fluorinated chemicals) are all completely man-made chemicals which do not occur naturally. They are commonly used in DWR (durable water repellent) coatings and waterproof membranes. These fluorochemicals have been used for some time to give clothing water and stain resistant properties. Until fairly recently there were very few alternatives so as it became obvious …

Alpha Direct is one of a range of insulation from Polartec, we explain what it does and include our opinion of it.

We summarise the Pertex fabric range here. Follow the links for more information.

Pertex Quantum Air is one of a range of ultralight fabrics from Pertex, we explain what the fabric is and does here including our opinion.

Pertex Quantum is one of a range of ultralight fabrics from Pertex, we explain what the fabric is and does here including our opinion.

Pertex Quantum is one of a range of ultralight fabrics from Pertex, we explain what the fabric is and does here including our opinion.