Even the toughest and hardiest don’t like feeling cold and wet. What we could all do with is a secret superpower, something that can make us feel dry and warm without being too obvious, i.e., some wearable, rather discreet super-protection. This is where Sealskinz and their winter clothing accessories come to the rescue.
There are plenty of brands out there that focus on the bigger clothing items, such as base layers, thermal underwear, waterproof trousers, jackets and so forth. But British brand Sealskinz has been focusing its efforts on producing smaller accessories like socks, gloves and hats for 25 years. And when it comes to the cold, it really is the little things that matter.
Their products are made to protect from water, wind, mud, sand, and even blisters. Sealskinz socks, gloves, and hats are 100% waterproof yet extremely breathable, making them an ideal choice for any weather or activity.
The brand is constantly working on improving its range, not just to keep the cold out but also taking into consideration the phenomenon known as the wind chill effect. Products are tested for their efficiency by athletes, outdoor enthusiasts and military personnel.
Sealskinz Waterproof Cold Weather Cable Knit Beanie
If your outdoor walk (with or without the pooch), run or workout session lasts longer than an hour, you should definitely be wearing a hat to cover your head and ears. Your body loses most heat from the head, which is why it’s important to wear a hat to create a barrier. I particularly liked the Cable Knit Beanie because it really did do what it says. Tested in rain, snow and harsh winds, the waterproof hat kept me toasty and dry.
It is made using a unique three-layer construction that combines a waterproof membrane with a warm acrylic knit outer layer and a fleece-lined inner layer. It’s also very stylish and versatile and can be worn with non-active clothes.
Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Multi-Activity Glove with Fusion Control
Hands can be particularly susceptible to the cold, so it’s important to protect them with gloves. This Waterproof All Weather Multi-Activity Glove with Fusion Control has Innovative Fusion Control™ technology which bonds the liner and outer shell to a unique hydrophilic membrane, creating a 100% waterproof fabric, which also allows for breathability because no one wants sweaty hands.
The way the glove is made also cuts out movement between the layers and fits closer to the skin. Although quite large for my hands, the glove gave me good dexterity and a wide range of movement. I particularly liked the grip around the bike handles, and I didn’t have to take them off when operating my phone for some pictures, as it has touchscreen ability.
They passed the test of keeping my hands completely dry in cold and wet weather conditions, but when it came to icy cold temperatures and snow, sadly, they did not deliver.
I needed much more insulation to keep my hands warm. I even tried wearing a lighter glove underneath, but sadly that still didn’t help. My fingertips seemed a lot colder than the rest of my hands. However, the brand offers another extreme cold weather glove, so perhaps that would be a better option for those snowier much colder days.
Sealskinz Waterproof All Weather Mid Length Sock
I suffer from cold feet even in the thickest of socks during my time outdoors, so I was particularly keen to test the Waterproof All Weather Mid Length Sock out. Again, 100% waterproof, it pulled the moisture away from your skin and did keep me dry and warm at the same time.
They look like any normal sock from the outer layer, but you can feel the three-layer bonded construction when you pop them on. These combine the waterproof hydrophilic membrane between premium merino (sheep breed) wool interior for warmth and sweat-wicking and a durable nylon blend exterior with four-way stretch for great fit and wearability.
The thickness of the layers did not affect the level of comfort when wearing them and gave me that extra support on the ankle, heel and instep. And if you’re prone to blisters, these socks are said to prevent them.
They are most definitely one of the best thermal socks I’ve tested and will save me from wearing three to four pairs of socks, which I have done on so many occasions.
Sealskinz Lifetime Waterproof Guarantee
Sealskinz products are not cheap (gloves alone cost anything up to £175), not least because of all the technology and materials used to make them waterproof. However, they do offer a lifetime no-hassle guarantee on every single one of their waterproof products.
The guarantee means that if your Sealskinz waterproof socks, gloves, or hats either lose their waterproofness or leak, they will replace them with the same or a similar item. You can’t get fairer than that.
Sealskinz – Where and How?
For more information on Sealskinz and its range of waterproof products, visit www.sealskinz.com.
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