Weather clever: the best new winter gear to keep you warm and dry

Posted by Melanie van Zyl on 13 July 2016

This winter gear is made from the latest tech that will keep you warm and dry.

1. First Ascent Gravity Jacket

Smart tech: This men’s jacket looks similar to a jersey, but performs like a softshell.

It’s water resistant and breathable despite its ordinary winter-wear look, and has a knitted fleece outer with a cosy soft-to-the-touch Firestorm inner fleece. The generous hoody keeps your ears warm and ‘welded’ pockets add a technical edge – the zips close to prevent things falling out. It’s available in grey for ladies too.

Did you know?

There’s a technical outdoor jacket from spider silk?

Left: the First Ascent X-Trail Zip Top, fitted inside the First Ascent Gravity Jacket. Right: K-Way Kilimanjaro Tri-Laminate Shell Jacket, pictured with the Cape Storm Smart Touch gloves.

2. First Ascent X-Trail Zip Top

R699, firstascent.co.za

Smart tech: The zip top is made from lightweight Quik-Wic fabric.

This trail running-specific shirt with its subtle reflective trim and at-locked seams fits well and is great for hikes and travelling. The Quik-Wic fabric keeps moisture away from the body and dries quickly. It packs small, doesn’t show creases and feels great on the skin.

Tip: keep warm with layers

Several loose layers trap heat to keep you insulated and are easy to shed. The base layer should have wicking ability to transport moisture (sweat) away from your skin, which would otherwise make you cold. The next layer traps heat to keep you warm: fleece, wool and down are great insulators. The last layer should be a waterproof or repellent shell such as a wind-breaker, which prevents the elements getting in, but releases moisture.

3. K-Way Kilimanjaro Tri-Laminate Shell Jacket

R2199, capeunionmart.co.za

Smart tech: The jacket has a tri-laminate (a three-layer fabric) shell.

It’s waterproof up to 1500mm (which is above the starting point for most tents), windproof and vapour permeable so body heat can escape. The seams are fully sealed and the the tri-laminate consists of a high-performance membrane bonded to a tough outer material and a robust inner mesh that will stand up to wear and tear and doesn’t peel like it can with other waterproofs. Essentially, it’s designed to control body climate: adjustable hem and cuffs offer added insulation and the armpit zips can be opened for ventilation.

But how is it waterproof and breathable at the same time?

Most manufacturers use a three-layered fabric consisting of an exterior textile, a technical membrane and a backer textile bonded together. The membrane prevents outside water seeping yet allows sweat and heat to escape.

4. Cape Storm Smart Touch Gloves

R199, capestorm.co.za

Smart tech: The gloves are made with conductive polyester fabric.

You can swipe and double tap in cold conditions and still have warm hands with these touchscreen-compatible, waterproof and breathable gloves. The fabric at the fingertips ‘reads’ touch and sticky silicon piping on the palm helps grip your device. There’s also reflective detail for increased visibility.

Thule Stir 35-litre hiking pack, Hi-Tec Storm Waterproof Boots, pictured with the Bridgedale Merinofusion Summit Sock.

5. Thule Stir 35-Litre Hiking Pack

R2499, thule.com

Smart tech: This hiking-pack design is gender-specific.

Subtle differences between the male and female body shape are taken into account with Thule’s slick new daypack. For example, the male pack is designed with a more generous cut around the neckline, while the female’s shoulder straps are constructed for a more slender neckline to improve the fit. Other great elements include torso adjustability, removable sternum straps and a hip belt that tucks behind the breathable back panel when not in use. The Stormguard system ensures it’s weatherproof by combining a partial rain cover with a waterproof bottom liner so you can still easily access gear inside without having to remove waterproofing.

6. Hi-Tec Storm Waterproof Boots

R1199, hitec.com/za

Smart tech: The boots have a Dri-Tec waterproof and breathable membrane.

Dri-Tec waterproof is the Hi-Tec-patented name for the breathable membrane that helps keep your feet dry from both sweat and rain. The suede and mesh upper provides breathability and comfort, and the versatile lacing system allows a secure fit. The footbed is soft, but firm underfoot cushioning and the Multi-Directional Traction rubber outsole improves grip. The boots are also available in men’s style.

7. Bridgedale Merinofusion Summit Sock

R130, capeunionmart.co.za

Smart tech: Socks knitted from soft Merino wool.

Merino wool is the gold standard in base layer material for excellent thermal and moisture control. The fibres are naturally antimicrobial: they fight odours, regulate temperature, breath well and wick the moisture away from your feet. These thick, comfortable socks are perfect for hiking in cold environments.

This article originally appeared in the May 2016 issue of Getaway magazine.

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Please note that prices are subject to change at each supplier’s discretion.