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We explain everything about wicking, waterproofing, reproofing, breathability and mvtr. We uncover the myths around these words created by brand marketing and user misunderstandings.
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Juliet Sidney
May 5, 20244 min read
Copy of Outdoor Gear Coach visit to OTS Outdoor Trade Show June 8th 2022
Outdoor Gear Coach/Mike Parson’s visit to OTS Outdoor Trade Show June 8th 2022 Liverpool exhibition centre, UK. We successfully published...
6 views


Mike Parsons
May 5, 20241 min read
My talk to PMRT, Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team. April 2024
Pictures are PMRT 60th celebrations, 2 weeks after my talk. Jacquie Freeborn preparing the cake for the cutting ceremony. There were 3...
19 views


Juliet Sidney
May 2, 20241 min read
CPD Performance layering for outdoor instructorsÂ
Performance layering for the outdoors is a skill and not simply the possession of a number of garments.
24 views


Mike Parsons
Apr 26, 202412 min read
160 yrs of BLACKS.
Formerly known as ‘Blacks of Greenock’, with a catalogue branded ‘The Good Companions,’ the company was founded in 1863 on Clydeside,...
202 views


Mike Parsons
Apr 15, 20243 min read
The origin of Harvey 1:40,000 maps.
Ever wondered where the Harvey Maps 1:40,000 map scale came from and why? This story is by Mike Parsons, formerly owner of Karrimor, who...
94 views


Juliet Sidney
Apr 9, 20244 min read
#1 - Origins of garment layering systems alongside Gore-tex©, Polartec©, Pertex©, Primaloft©.
Layered clothing could be considered one of the great innovations of all time. It required the innovation of needles, fibres or sinews,...
449 views


Juliet Sidney
Apr 8, 20243 min read
#2 Layering myths, the truth about wicking and breathability.
Layering - is a learning challenge caused by myths and misunderstandings, compounded by differing marketing claims around breathability,...
592 views

Juliet Sidney
Apr 7, 20242 min read
#3 The Science of Layering: how it will accelerate your hill learning experiences.Â
The science of garment layering. Your clothing layers are your mobile environment. Within this mobile environment, there is a...
214 views


Juliet Sidney
Apr 6, 20242 min read
#4 - Layering for cold and high altitude. Â
Outdoor Gear Coach team member Alan Hinkes climbed all 14 of the world's highest summits, all above 8,000m, over 28 expeditions. Unlike...
144 views


Juliet Sidney
Apr 5, 20243 min read
#5. Layering for waterproofing
So you think it's your waterproof outer jacket ALONE that keeps you dry? Despite what marketing claims imply, the outer garment doesn't...
322 views


Juliet Sidney
Apr 4, 20242 min read
#6 Layering for your hands, legs and feetÂ
Magazines test and review gloves but don't tell you how to keep your hands warm. But we do! See Chapter 3.2 in our book for more...
154 views


Juliet Sidney
Apr 3, 20241 min read
#7 Layering for running, UR, climbing, riding, HA mountaineering, skiing, guides & instructors.Â
purposeful selection using the ‘OGC multi-layer PERFORMANCE system®’
199 views

Juliet Sidney
Apr 2, 20245 min read
#8 Layering know-how for retail staff and customers.
This is a dialogue about retail training between Mike Parsons, UK and Chuck Kukla, an Outdoor Gear Coach team member based in the USA. He...
165 views


Juliet Sidney
Apr 1, 20243 min read
# 9 Performance layering as a skill for athletes, guides and outdoor instructors. Â
Performance Layering is a high-level skill based on a sound understanding of what your layers do and don’t do. It's an active process,...
231 views
Juliet Sidney
Jun 9, 20224 min read
Outdoor Gear Coach visit to OTS Outdoor Trade Show June 8th 2022
Outdoor Gear Coach/Mike Parson’s visit to OTS Outdoor Trade Show June 8th 2022 Liverpool exhibition centre, UK. We successfully published...
4 views
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