As a group leader at a children’s activity centre, I have to be out and active all the time, whatever the weather. One of the things the children love most about coming to our centre is the way they are taught to deal with the weather. Their parents might tell them to stay inside when it’s raining and blowing a gale, but at the activity centre, we get them outside and running about nevertheless.
Outdoor pursuits in bad weather can really be especially invigorating, but you do need to have the correct protective clothing. We deck all our children out in waterproof trousers tucked into special thick mountain climbing socks, and a tightly waterproof cagoule. We want them to have fun, not catch pneumonia out there.
As a leader, I really need to have the best in outdoor clothing. While most people might indulge in their outdoor hobbies occasionally, I’m outside most days either mountain biking or gorge walking or taking the kids orienteering round a forest. I’d heard good things about the Rab Stretch Neo Jacket from Rab Clothing (it seems to be causing quite a storm at most outdoor clothing retailers), so I thought I’d give it a try and see how it survived mountain biking on a wet day with a group of 11 year olds who like to run through puddles and splash me on purpose.
The problem with waterproof gear is often that it can become very humid and sweaty inside. It’s difficult to find clothing that manages to be very waterproof and also suitable for active pursuits at the same time. The Rab Stretch Neo Jacket promises to be the most breathable of all fabrics in the waterproof market, so it should make exercise in the rain quite a bit more pleasant.
I really did feel the difference. The hood is great for keeping out the rain, zipping right up as it does to almost cover your face. The toggles were handy for keeping it on my head too; I usually have problems with my hood flying off as I cycle at speed. The cuffs were well-designed to come down over the hands, and had a handy Velcro cuff that kept them in place. Tight cuffs often have an annoying habit of riding up the wrists, especially if you’re cyling, but this jacket kept me covered and protected at all times. The best thing about it, though, was that it really didn’t seem to build up that horrible sweatiness inside. Apparently the special Polartec® NeoShell® fabric really does work!
After a hard day’s cycling I felt a lot less sweaty than usual, and even the children’s attempts to soak me when we came to a stream failed. I arrived home dry and pretty comfortable, unlike the poor children who were absolutely covered in mud and sweat. I can definitely see what all the fuss is about with this jacket. I think I’ll be recommending it to the other leaders; I can see it becoming my favourite jacket.
