Quality Matters When Choosing Outdoor Clothing
We’ve come a long way from the canvas tents of old. Significant scientific leaps in the1960s and every decade onwards have catapulted us to a time where modern materials and fabrics used in outdoor clothing have some major benefits.
More antiquated clothing, as well as cheaper clothing can have very negative effects on outdoor apparel’s performance. One of the most prominent changes in recent years has been the weight of clothing.
Weight of Clothing
Once heavy clothing, which was often needed for protection from the elements as well as physical protection from hard ground has been replaced with light synthetics, which allow for increased movement, lightness and are also quite inexpensive.
One of the most common forms of performance clothing these days is the body hugging skin tops. These tight knit tops, which are virtually a secondary skin, manage to keep in warmth and prevent moisture building up on the skin. This has the dual purpose of keeping people between hot and cold and at the right temperature whether winter or summer.
Though there are less costly options, it is always better to pay the extra money to receive a more expensive version. Cheaper versions of these skins are merely body hugging materials, that may keep people warm, but don’t separate sweat from skin and eradicate it. This means they are useful for cold weather more so than warm weather and definitely have limits to their functionality.
Boots
This lesson in paying a little bit more also rings true in hiking. Cheaper boots may look the same as more expensive ones, however they are not built to the same high standards and are often far heavier and far more uncomfortable over a long period of time.
Boots and clothing in the hiking and mountain climbing areas also use a material called Goretex to keep people cool and allow the clothing to breath, preventing the build up of sweat. This can have functional and comfort creating effects if you perform endurance sports, or play a sport at a high level and is a great benefit that is not offered by cheaper clothing.
Runners
Even in the runner area this rings true. Cheaper running shoes, may look just as good as their more expensive counter parts. However, they are often heavier and not conducive to long distance running. Most of the time they have a shorter lifespan as the soles won’t retain their cushion for as long and are often more inclined to allow water in and not cool feet, causing a build up of sweat.
So, how do you know that you’re getting good quality materials. Well, unfortunately you pay for what you get in the sporting arena. More modern and up to date high performance brands cost that bit more.
Specialist shops are often the best place to purchase such items, mainly because the people there will understand what they are talking about and you can ask them for advice depending on your individual case.
Reviews on the Internet are also a good way to gauge the items you intend to purchase. It is often better to once again read reviews from specific sporting sites or online magazines than more general ones such as Amazon. This is because people using the more specialist sites will have a good idea of what else is on offer. Research, ask and then decide – this is the way to get good quality equipment and outdoor clothing to meet your needs.
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