Properly selected clothing for tourism and active recreation is our protective layer. Clothes protect against wind, cold, rain, ultraviolet rays, scorching sun. It stores heat and controls body surface temperature. Protects against water from the outside and brings moisture released by the body to the outside.

Modern developments in the field of tourist and sports clothing touched all elements of the wardrobe. You won't surprise anyone with thermal socks, a membrane jacket or hats with UV protection. Today, when developing separate elements of clothing for active recreation, manufacturers make not just a jacket or pants, but full-fledged equipment for adventures.

The theory of three layers

In order to feel comfortable and not to collect a lot of clothes for your adventures, a multi-layered clothing system is used. It is also called the theory of three layers. Each layer of clothing performs its tasks and at the same time is a heat-insulating layer.

Depending on the weather and weather conditions, there may be more or less layers, some of them may replace several others. But at the same time, choosing clothes in accordance with this rule, you will feel equally comfortable both on a walk outside the city and high in the mountains.

According to the multilayer theory, the following are distinguished:

  • The base layer, which wicks away moisture from the body, keeps the surface of the skin dry;
  • The middle layer retains heat, is a conductor for moisture from thermal underwear to the upper layers of clothing;
  • The protective layer is designed to protect against wind, rain, and moisture.

Depending on the season and type of activity, layers will vary. A synthetic base layer will be needed for the running part of an autumn hike, and a natural fiber base layer for bivouac in the winter. But, following such a system in clothing, you can spend time comfortably in most weather conditions. By removing or adding some layers of clothing, you can regulate the level of heat and sweat, thereby controlling the microclimate on the surface of the skin.

Base layer

The base layer or thermal underwear is the clothing that is worn over the naked body. The particle "thermo" is used in this case not as "clothing that warms", but as one that regulates temperature.

The base layer of clothing absorbs moisture from the body and carries it to the outer layers. Thus keeping the surface of the skin dry. Otherwise, wet skin can cause hypothermia in the cold season, and overheating in the hot season.

The base layer includes thermal underwear, t-shirts with different sleeve lengths, various types of underpants, socks, underpants and bras. All those elements of clothing that directly touch the skin.

Most often, a set of thermal underwear is used as a base layer, which includes a jacket and pants, as well as socks. Properly selected underwear should:

  • It fits well to the body, it depends on how efficiently it will work. In those places where there will be no tight fit of the material to the skin, the thermal underwear will not be able to absorb sweat, accordingly, those areas will be wet;
  • Have flat seams that do not rub. Today, more and more manufacturers are making models with external seams. And the Accapi company uses special types of weaving, where the material has a different density depending on the location on the body, and circular weaving, thanks to which their clothes are seamless;
  • Do not restrict movements. If the underwear lays on the body uncomfortably, presses, then the size or model is selected incorrectly. It is important to remember that the restriction of freedom of movement will primarily affect your productivity;
  • Serve the purpose. Compression thermal underwear for running is not suitable for activities with low activity, it simply will not warm up, its materials are designed for a cooling effect. Therefore, pay attention to the main purpose when choosing underwear.

Thermoplastics are distinguished by material, type of activity and purpose.

The following are used for the manufacture of thermal blankets:

Synthetic fibers, characterized by elasticity, provide an excellent fit to the body, quickly wick away moisture. Thanks to modern technologies in production today there is underwear with different fabric architecture. The Italian company Accapi, a leading manufacturer of sports underwear, develops technological underwear with zoned compression. Due to this, the clothes provide support for the muscles during intensive training, and relieve part of the load from the ligaments. Such clothes not only remove moisture from the surface of the body, but also stimulate the muscles to work more efficiently.

Natural materials retain heat well, but are not the best conductors of moisture. Natural fiber, having absorbed moisture, keeps it in itself, therefore it dries for a long time. Cotton t-shirts and underwear are good for low activity when there is minimal perspiration and the primary purpose of clothing is to keep you warm. Cotton is soft, pleasant to the body, but takes a long time to dry when wet. Therefore, we recommend paying attention to natural wool and its combinations with synthetic fibers.

Wool from merino sheep is another option of natural fibers for the production of outerwear. Its unique properties were well appreciated by climbers and climbers. Merino:

  • Excellent heat retention;
  • Effectively removes moisture and dries quickly;
  • Does not accumulate unpleasant odors;
  • Soft and pleasant to the touch, does not cause irritation and allergic reactions;
  • Durable and practical to use.

This is an excellent option for various outdoor activities, from walking with children to rock climbing or mountain climbing.

The American brand Smartwool specializes in the production of clothing from the wool of Merino sheep. Their assortment includes thermal underwear of various densities, socks for tourism and everyday wear, sweaters and hats. The main task of woolen clothes is to preserve heat and remove moisture from the surface of the skin.

Combined fibers combine the advantages of the two previous types of fibers. Today, more and more manufacturers are coming to the point that in order to create underwear that is optimal in terms of its characteristics, it is necessary to take the best of what is available and develop new types of materials. This will create a functional product that can be used in various weather and physical conditions. Synthetic thermal underwear is an ideal option for activities of high activity, when the body emits a large amount of heat and moisture. But with reduced activity, it does not provide the necessary heat preservation. Underwear made of natural fibers, on the contrary, warms well, but does not have time to remove all the moisture during intense loads. In addition, products made of 100% wool do not have sufficient elasticity to ensure the necessary fit of clothes to the body. That is why combined materials are the optimal solution for active people.

The Accapi company has developed a line of Ergowool outerwear, which includes natural wool fibers from merino sheep and a unique development of the brand's engineers - U-DRY fibers. Thanks to this, the clothes retain heat well, are suitable for use at sub-zero temperatures, fit perfectly to the body, provide minimal zoned compression, support muscles and ligaments during intense loads.

And the leading manufacturer of woolen clothes, Smartwool, uses synthetic fibers only to ensure the fit of the clothes and to extend their life. The percentage of elastane in the thermal underwear from the American company varies from 3% to 45%, depending on the purpose of the clothing.

According to the type of activity, thermodynamics are distinguished:

  • For increased activity and intensive training. By its structure, it most often consists of several functional layers, thanks to which it effectively removes moisture and heat from the skin, provides muscle support and the necessary compression; fits tightly to the body.
  • For low activity and heat retention. Contains the highest percentage of natural fibers. An exception is the Polartec base layer or the Polar Bear line of thermal underwear from Accapi. Engineers have developed a synthetic fiber that resembles polar bear fur in its structure and thermal insulation. It ensures heat preservation, lies gently on the body, has zonal compression inserts, thanks to which it is also suitable for active loads in the cold period.

Insulating layer

The middle or insulating layer is used to preserve body heat. It should be breathable enough to allow moisture from the body and thermals to flow out to the top layer of clothing.

The insulation function is performed by fleece sweaters, polar fleece sweaters, down sweaters and jackets with synthetic insulation. Also, for those who often get cold, manufacturers offer fleece and down pants.

Fleece and polartech are the main materials for the production of the middle layer. They retain heat well, remove moisture. Due to the spiral fibers, the material stretches well, is elastic, and the finished products fit the body. Due to its versatility, flasks can be used both outdoors and in the city.

The main characteristics of the middle layer made of fleece:

  • Heat preservation is ensured with the help of a special "air" weaving of fibers;
  • Stretches and fits well;
  • The fabric breathes, dries well, does not accumulate moisture. Synthetic materials can retain heat even when wet;
  • Compactness and light weight;
  • Hypoallergenic.

At the same time, fleece is distinguished by density: thin - up to 100 g/sq.m; medium density 200 g/sq.m and dense or thick - 300 g/sq.m and more. A vivid example of dense warm fleece sweaters is the Factor Hoody line from the American company Black Diamond. It has a density of 265 g/sq.m and perfectly retains heat. At the same time, during the production of the material, 2% of merino wool was added to the main composition, thanks to which it was possible to reduce the weight of the finished product and increase thermal insulation.

Another option for insulation is down sweaters and synthetic jackets.

If a classic down jacket is used alone, then down sweaters are designed to be used with storm jackets, which will protect against moisture and wind. That is why for their tailoring, fabrics of minimal thickness are used to make the top, and their cut is different from an ordinary down jacket. Down sweaters are slightly shorter, often without hoods they have a fitted cut.

Another feature of down sweaters is their compactness, if necessary, they can be packed in their own pocket or a special bag for transportation.

Manufacturers attach great importance to the choice of down. The better it is, the warmer and lighter the finished product will be. The Approach Down Hoody from the manufacturer Black Diamond is insulated with 800-m down and the weight of the female model in size M is only 250 (!) grams.

Models with synthetic insulation in terms of their characteristics are not inferior to down jackets, while almost any artificial insulation retains up to 70% of heat in a wet state. The most popular types of insulating material are PrimaLoft Gold, PrimaLoft Silver Hi-Loft, PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Down Blend, Termoball, Coreloft, T-Core Fill. Such heaters retain heat perfectly, have good vapor permeability, and are light in weight.

The top layer

The main task of the upper layer is protection from wind, rain and snow. But for the three-layer system to work without failures, the outer protective layer must release moisture from the body. Otherwise, protecting yourself from water from the outside, you can overcool from moisture from the inside. To solve this problem, manufacturers use membrane materials.

The tourist membrane is a special coating of the main protective material, thanks to which moisture escapes. At the same time, this coating does not let moisture in the form of rain and snow through the main protective fabric.

There are two main types of membranes - microporous and those based on hydrophilic materials. In short, microporous membranes release moisture through the pores of the lining, which is one of the components of the protective layer. Otherwise, the steam escapes between the fibers. During intensive movement, a large amount of heat and moisture is released, and the membrane serves as their conductor to the outside, as if it absorbs moisture and evenly brings it to the surface of the material.

According to the type of construction, the following are distinguished:

  • Two-layer membranes. The protective layer is applied to the base material. Used in urban and ski jackets.
  • Membranes 2.5 layers additionally have a polymer film on the surface to protect the membrane from mechanical damage and abrasion. This is the most popular type of membrane today. BD.dry from Black Diamond is an example of high-quality protection based on a 2.5-layer membrane.
  • Three-layer membranes consist of a base material, a membrane and a protective fabric. Thus, the finished product reliably protects against bad weather and has high wear resistance. The disadvantage is the high cost and weight. Such membranes are chosen by climbers for climbing.

When choosing membrane clothing, it is important to pay attention to two main indicators:

Waterproofness characterizes the level of precipitation that outer clothing can withstand. It is measured in millimeters of water column.

Vapor permeability reflects the ability of the material to pass vapor from the body to the outside. It is measured in g/m2/24 hours. This indicator is much more important than the previous one due to the fact that keeping the surface of the skin dry is the most important thing during active activity. If the outer protective layer of clothing will not cope with this task, there is a possibility of hypothermia.

In addition to the membrane coating, the outer layer of clothing has a special cut in order to be able to control the temperature and humidity on the surface of the skin independently. Ventilation holes on jackets and pants allow you to release excess heat during intense loads or, on the contrary, to store heat. Adjustable cuffs, drawstrings on the hood and along the bottom of the jacket perform the same task.

The Liquid Point Shell Jacket line from Black Diamond combines all the necessary characteristics of a good storm jacket - a Gore-Tex® PacLite membrane, ventilation in the armpits, Velcro on the cuffs, an anatomic hood with a visor.

Specialized clothing

 Also, the wholesale company SMG is engaged in the sale of specialized clothing and functional headgear for cyclists, rock climbers, etc.

Clothing for cyclists

When designing clothing for cycling, it is important to consider the conditions of use. An athlete spends most of his training in the saddle. Accordingly, the equipment should be comfortable, fit well, and not restrict movement.

Functional solutions in the form of pockets on the back, mesh inserts, straps on shorts and pants, the use of wind protection pads are used to ensure that the rider feels comfortable, regardless of whether he goes on a light bike ride or participates in world competitions.

The POC company occupies a leading position in the production of bicycle equipment and popularity among cyclists. Their assortment includes complete equipment for athletes of various training levels: t-shirts and jerseys, shorts and pants, gloves and sleeves, helmets and glasses. In addition, in recent years, the manufacturer has launched a line of lifestyle clothing on the market, which also includes down jackets and winter outerwear.

Climbing clothes

During climbing and mountaineering classes, the following clothing requirements are imposed:

  • Elasticity to ensure freedom of movement, such clothing should not restrict or prevent another movement;
  • Effective moisture removal. Even though rock climbing is not the most dynamic sport, the body produces a lot of heat and moisture due to high physical loads. It is important that the clothing effectively removes sweat to the outer layers and does not accumulate it in the fibers.
  • Heat preservation is an important parameter, especially for training in the cold period;
  • Functional solutions in the form of elongated sleeves, anatomical hoods designed for a helmet or hard hat, pockets for brushes, fasteners for magnetic poles.

The range of the Black Diamond brand presents a wide selection of technological clothing for climbing, both on natural terrain and in bouldering halls.

Headwear

Hats play an important role in comfortable heat regulation. Regardless of the type of activity, a properly selected headgear can both retain heat and wick moisture to the outside, and cool the head, thereby preventing overheating.

The Buff company offers a wide selection:

  • Cap;
  • Panama;
  • Multifunctional bandages;
  • Scarves;
  • Balaclavas and helmet pads.

The unique development of the brand is microfiber fabric. It perfectly wicks away moisture, maintains an optimal microclimate on the surface of the skin, and protects against ultraviolet radiation. And so that microorganisms do not multiply on the surface of the fibers, the fabric undergoes antibacterial treatment using Polygiene® technology, thanks to which it does not absorb or accumulate odors.

When going on a hike or to the gym, it is important to take care of the appropriate clothes. The wholesale company SMG offers original equipment from the leading manufacturers of tourist equipment Buff, Black Diamond, POC, Accapi, Smartwool.

You can familiarize yourself with the assortment and buy clothes in stores.