The Facewest Clothing Guide.
When selecting your clothing you must remember that it is a system and each article works in conjuction with those above and below it. Good clothes can be used for many different activites because they are versatile. We value breatheability very highly. Trapped sweat will be cold when you stop exerting yourself, you need to get rid of it as you go along. For this reason I always try to avoid wearing more clothes than necessary. Below is a explanation of the types of garments we sell and what they will do for you.
You may also be interested in the WHAT I WEAR page.
| | Synthetic Base Layers.
These wick the sweat away from your skin to the top layer of the garment where it can evaporate or soak into the next layer. Used when your environment is warm/hot and for high aerobic activites. Choice of short or long sleeved tops(consider sunburn) and long johns. Low insulation value.
Use for spring skiing, ski touring and all summer activites. |
| | Merino Wool Base Layers.
Good wicking properties but not as much as synthetic fibres but higher insulation value as wool insulates well even when damp. Wool base layers are for cold environments and stop/start sweaty activities.
Use for skiing, climbing and cycling in winter.
Much more odour resistance than synthetic garments, make them a great choice for mulit day trips. |
| Facewest Tip
On a multi day trip, like ski or cycle touring, take a synthetic and a wool thermal. Wear the appropiate top for the weather conditions during the day and have the other as a dry spare when you reach your destination. If conditions are colder than expected you can always wear both.
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| | Shelled Driclime Windshirt
Light wind resistant mid layer. These garments pull the moisture from the base layer onto the outer shell where the fibre and weave force it to spread out for amazingly fast drying. The windshirt also has a synthetic lining so it can be worn without a base layer and has 2 handwarmer pockets. The wind resistance mean that in most situations a base layer and the windshirt are all the clothing needed. At the top of a climb either rock or cycling pull on a windshirt as you wait for the others and soak up the view. The low volume and weight of the wind shirt make it ideal for layering. If the weather turns bad just slip your shell over the top. A classic garment that can be used for all sports. |
| | Lightweight Trousers / Shorts.
Ideal activity trousers for warmer conditions. 100% nylon fabric for durability and quick drying.
Low wind resistance and insulation value.
These trousers or shorts are great for bouldering, climbing, trekking or any outdoor activity in spring, summer or autumn. |
| | Soft Shells
The latest type of shell layer for the outdoor market. Softshell garments can vary from fairly windproof & breathable to 100% waterproof with lower breathability. A 100% waterproof softshell will be less breathable than a Gore tex XCR traditional shell but much more hardwearing. A fairly windproof softshell will be comfortable, warm and dry even when working hard in a cold environment and will even shrugg off a short shower. The beauty of softshell is that it is very abrasion resistant and can also be worn as a normal about town jacket. |
| | Waterproof Shells
100% waterproof jackets with taped seams for standing out in the rain all day. I only don my outer shell as a last resort, but when I do I want to feel fully protected. Low weight and bulk are important as I hope to be carrying them more then wearing them. Choose the stronger fabrics like XCR for skiing and climbing or the lighter versions like Paclite for ski touring, hill walking and trekking. 3 ply Gore-Tex has the best strength and breatheability of all the fabrics but all the fabrics offer impermeability with some degree of moisture transfer. |
| | Insulated Jackets & Vests
Lightweight with a tiny pack size Down is an ideal extra layer to be kept in your sack. A full jacket for mountaineering trips and very cold environments or just a vest if weight needs to be kept to a bare minimum. Down clothing does not work if you get it wet so choose synthetic insulation if this could happen. |
