Outdoor clothing

Pre-owned outdoor clothing from The North Face, Patagonia, Arc'teryx, Napapijri and other outdoor brands, from fleece and softshells to waterproof shells and down jackets.

Layers: fleece, insulation and shell

Outdoor clothing is built around layers. A fleece or a light jumper is the mid layer and keeps warmth in. An insulated jacket with down or synthetic fill adds warmth in cold weather, and a shell on the outside keeps out wind and rain. Each layer can also be worn on its own, and in the city a fleece or a puffer jacket is often enough.

Shells, softshells and rain jackets

A shell has a waterproof, breathable membrane, such as Gore-Tex or a membrane the brand develops itself, with taped seams and a hood. A softshell is made of a stretch fabric that blocks wind and light rain and lets more air through than a waterproof shell. A rain jacket is a lighter shell and is often packable. The DWR finish on the surface makes water bead off, wears off with use and can be renewed with a wash-in or spray-on treatment.

Down and synthetic insulation

Down gives the most warmth for its weight, and the fill power on the label, such as 700, shows how far the down expands. Synthetic insulation, as in the Patagonia Nano Puff, is a little heavier for the same warmth but keeps most of it when damp. A shell over a down jacket keeps the down dry in rain.

Camouflage

Realtree and Mossy Oak are American camouflage patterns, designed for hunting and licensed to clothing makers. The patterns show leaves, branches and bark rather than the blocks of military camouflage, and they appear on hoodies, jackets and vests.

Size and measurements

Outdoor jackets are cut with room for a layer underneath, so the letter on the label is a rough guide.

The brands have their own pages: The North Face, Patagonia, Arc'teryx, Napapijri, Columbia, Marmot, Helly Hansen and Realtree. The guide to outdoor gear covers the fabrics and the brands, and Gore-Tex, Down and DWR explains membranes, insulation and water repellency.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a shell and a softshell?

A shell has a waterproof membrane and keeps out rain. A softshell is a stretch fabric that blocks wind and light rain and breathes more easily.

Is down or synthetic insulation better?

Down is warmer for its weight in dry, cold weather. Synthetic insulation keeps most of its warmth when damp and dries faster.

How should outdoor clothing be washed?

A technical wash is better than regular detergent, and fabric softener is best avoided because it affects the membrane and the fleece. The care label inside the item gives the temperature.

How can genuine outdoor clothing be recognised?

Every item is authenticated through LegitApp, whatever the brand.