Learning Centre
Understanding the gear you rely on is just as important as choosing the right piece. In this section, we break down the materials, fabric technologies, and design features that shape our outdoor equipment. From the science behind waterproof membranes to the durability of different fabrics, our goal is to give you the knowledge to make informed decisions and get the most out of your gear. Think of it as a deep dive into the “why” and “how” behind the tools of adventure.
Outdoor Clothing Guides - Introducing the Layering System
Find out how to get more out of your clothing by layering. Designed for British weather, used around the world. This is the Complete Guide to Outdoor Clothing.

Layering Guide: The principles and practicalities of layering your clothing
Whether you live, work or play in the outdoors, our clothing is designed to make your time in it more...

Moisture Wars: How Merino and Synthetic Base Layers keep you warm and dry
Your base layer is the foundation of every great outdoor adventure. Get this right, and everything else just works better....

Mid Layers Guide: Fleece and Natural Fibres
If you could only own one piece of outdoor clothing beyond the basics, make it a good fleece. Here’s why,...

Insulated Jackets: Down vs Synthetic Complete Guide
When the temperature drops, the right insulated jacket can mean the difference between an epic adventure and a miserable retreat....

Waterproof Jackets: Your Complete Guide to Staying Dry
The right waterproof jacket doesn’t just keep rain out – it keeps you comfortable, confident, and ready for whatever the...

Outdoor Trousers, Shorts and Leggings: Your Complete Guide
Your legs do the hard work on every adventure. Give them the protection and freedom they deserve. Quick Start: Outdoor...

Layer your socks to reduce blisters and increase comfort
Your feet carry you through every adventure. The right socks can mean the difference between happy trails and painful problems....

Keeping Your Hands Warm: The Complete Guide to Outdoor Gloves
Your hands are your most versatile tools for outdoor adventures. The right gloves keep them warm, functional, and protected when...
Product care
How to wash, clean and reproof your outdoor clothing to keep it waterproof and breathable.

12,657 Repairs. Repaired by hand. Worn with pride.
Fixing other brands gear for our customers is officially our best selling product. Our down wash and repair service is...

Guide to cleaning and caring for outdoor clothing
From waterproofs and merino wool to down and synthetic kit, cleaning and looking after your outdoor clothing is really important...

How to wash a waterproof jacket
You should wash your waterproof jacket, and you should do it regularly to maintain its performance. So let's roll up...

How to Reproof Your Waterproof Jacket
If you’re not sure how to reproof your waterproof jacket and trousers, then here's our guide to get your waterproof...

Care Guide: How to wash down jackets and sleeping bags
With the right care, your down jacket and sleeping bag can last for years and years. Here's how to wash,...

How to wash and care for Merino wool clothing
Merino wool is known for its softness, warmth, and moisture-wicking properties, making it a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts. However, to...

Care Guide: How to clean a tent
We've all done it at some point: come back, thoroughly worn out after a camping trip, and dumped our dirty...

Why you need to waterproof your jacket
Keeping your waterproofs clean and regularly reproofing them extends their useful lifespan and keeps them working at their best. We've...

What PFC free means and why it matters with waterproof jackets
If you’ve ever worn a waterproof jacket or a pair of softshell walking trousers then you've probably already come into...

Hack Patch and Sew
Gear needing a little pick-me-up? We repair all brands, all products and have become quite the experts in the range...
Materials and processes
Grab a brew, kick back and relax with in-depth features, tales of derring-do and Go Nice Place Do Good Things.

The Technology Inside Gloves
The thinking behind gloves that keep your hands warm, dry, protected, and dexterous when outdoor adventures demand it most. Why...

Designing clothes to be worn from the valley floor to the summit
Most people don’t think about who designed their waterproof jacket, or the hands that shaped their favourite pair of leggings....

The Story Behind Yulex, Tarka and Straven Swimsuits
There’s a moment, standing at the edge of a cold-water tarn or winding river, when everything else fades away. No...

The technology behind Alpkit trousers: Engineering comfort for the outdoors
How invisible innovations solve the fundamental challenges we face in designing trousers to help you stay comfortable, protected, and mobile...

What is Polygiene and why do we use it?
None of us want to be smelly – even when we’re out on an adventure! But clothes washing facilities are...

Our Use Of Natural Fibres - Traditional Technologies, Modern Design
We've introduced lots of natural fibre products to our clothing and equipment ranges over the last 5 years. From base...

A Fit for Purpose: Sizing Matters
We’re working on size inclusivity. We’ve been steadily increasing our size ranges and leg length options over the last few...

Waterproof coats - Waterproof and Breathability Ratings Explained
Buying a waterproof can feel like learning a new language! But knowing how breathable waterproof fabrics work can help you...

What PFC free means and why it matters with waterproof jackets
If you’ve ever worn a waterproof jacket or a pair of softshell walking trousers then you've probably already come into...

Trakke Waxed Cotton Crafted in Britain
Our waxed cotton is dyed, finished, and perfected in Dundee, Scotland, by Halley Stevensons - a mill with over 150...

What Is Merino Wool and Why Should You Wear It?
Naturally breathable, temperature regulating, odour resistant, warm, lightweight and comfortable to wear? You won't baa-lieve how good it is. But...

What is the Responsible Wool Standard?
As part of our continuing efforts to be an ethical company, our Rathlin, Tryfan and Brenin and Idwal all use...

Our Responsible Cotton Sourcing Policy
From bouldering trousers that shrug off granite scrapes to canvas shelters engineered for years of UV punishment, every cotton fibre...