Polyamide (Nylon) vs Polyester: Differences and Comparison

Polyamide (Nylon) vs Polyester: Differences and Comparison

In some of our recent comparisons we have focused on the different types of fabric technologies that are most commonly used in making jackets. We have looked at Gore-Tex, DryVent, OutDry and similar others.

As you know, most jackets are made mainly of two particular materials, which are Polyamide (Nylon) and Polyester.

Today we will focus on these two fabrics and take an in-depth look at their composition, their performance and how (and why!) they are used in different jackets.

Let’s first start with each separately, Polyamide being the first.

Read more

Best Gore-Tex® Alternatives: 5 Fabrics and Jackets Reviewed

Best Gore-Tex® Alternatives: 5 Fabrics and Jackets Reviewed

When waterproof jackets are mentioned online, Gore-Tex® is bound to make an appearance. Known as the waterproof fabric technology, which is also highly breathable as opposed to other waterproof fabrics, which lack in this regard, Gore-Tex® has become a household name over the years.

Men and women all over the world, who are looking for high-performance jackets that can withstand unstable weather and extensive physical activity, will definitely be directed towards Gore-Tex® by those that have tried jackets made from it. And that is understandable, of course.

However some would argue that Gore-Tex® is not the “be all, end all” of waterproof fabrics.

This is what brings us to today’s selection, where we went on a search for some great alternatives to Gore-Tex®, so that you can have different options and make the right decision when looking for a new jacket.

We have previously looked at two Gore-Tex® alternatives, which are DryVent™ by The North Face and OutDry, used by Columbia, none of which will be included as we would like to look at some different alternatives.

We will structure this selection a bit differently, as we will be looking at fabrics as well as jackets. For this, we will first take a look at the Gore-Tex® alternative fabric and then at the jacket we have chosen to represent the fabric.

Read more

OutDry vs Gore-Tex® Technology: Which One Is Better?

OutDry vs Gore-Tex Technology: Which One Is Better?

Searching and reading about fabric technologies can be quite a learning experience, as you not only know exactly what goes on when a certain jacket’s materials are listed, but you also know what to look for when shopping for jackets.

In some of our previous reviews and selections we have mentioned several fabric technologies, some of which are quite famous and most of those who spend lots of times outdoors already know about them.

Several weeks ago we did do a comparison review between Gore-Tex® and DryVent™, a fabric developed by The North Face.

As you already know by the title, today we will once again take a look at Gore-Tex® and see how it compares to another fabric technology, which is OutDry™.

Before we get any further, there is something that needs some clarifying. There are two OutDry results that come up if you were to look for it online. One is OutDry® and the other is OutDry Extreme by Columbia.

Everything will be explained below as to why that is and what you should know about each, so let’s get down to it.

Read more

8 German Clothing and Jacket Brands for Outdoor Activities

8 German Clothing and Jacket Brands for Outdoor Activities

Here we are back again at another selection of brands that have one main thing in common: they were founded in the same country.

After we took a quick tour through some Scandinavian brands from Denmark, Norway and Sweden, now it’s time for some German brands.

If there is one thing Germany is most renowned for, is its hardworking people and the quality of anything they present to the world. Some of the best worldwide brands were founded in Germany and we have chosen several of them for today’s selection.

We have picked 8 brands, with the main focus being on sportswear and jackets, as per usual. We are certain you will recognize most of these, or maybe even all of them, as they are quite reputable not only within Germany but internationally as well.

Let’s get started right away!

Read more

Fjällräven vs The North Face: Which Brand Is Better?

Fjällräven vs The North Face: Which Brand Is Better?

These upcoming days will be all about comparisons between brands and fabric technologies, with the first one being today’s comparison review of Fjällräven and The North Face.

Extensively featured in a majority of our reviews, selections, and comparisons between jackets, both of these brands are two very popular ones on the online market for sportswear and outdoor gear. Another thing they have in common is their prices, so we are talking high-end products, as you will see below.

As per usual, we will look at each separately, how they came to be, where they stand now, and what materials and prices you can expect when purchasing one of their jackets.

Read more

7 Beautiful Water Repellent Jackets for Rainy Days, Men & Women

7 Beautiful Water Repellent Jackets for Rainy Days, Men & Women

Time for a new jacket selection! Today we have picked 7 jackets that you can wear in different weather conditions, with the main criteria being that they are water-repellent so that they can be worn when it rains, too.

In the past, we have compiled several selections of jackets that you can wear when it rains, but they were all waterproof options.

So why focusing on water-resistant and water-repellent ones, then? Well, because, unless a jacket is up there in price and made of breathable and waterproof membranes such as Gore-Tex, they are typically not breathable at all.

Take, for example, rain jackets.

These are great for protecting against the rain, but what if you don’t want to purchase several jackets for different purposes? Especially if you are mostly outdoors for sports and other activities, which turns rain jackets into a hindrance due to overheating.

This brings us to versatile, water-repellent jackets, which come in many designs and varieties that you can wear for jogging, walking, layering and practically any other activity.

With that being said, let’s jump right into today’s selection!

Read more

Dickies Eisenhower Insulated Men’s Jacket – Review

Dickies Eisenhower Insulated Men's Jacket - Review

Back to a single review, today we will be looking at a newcomer by Dickies, which is also a first-time brand in any of our selections and reviews. Because of this, we will first learn a bit more about the brand itself and then move on to the jacket.

Dickies is an American brand established in 1918 in Texas, which manufactures and sells outdoor clothing and accessories, with a focus on work-related designs rather than just fashionable ones.

Nowadays, you can find this brand’s products not only in the 50 states of the United States, but in numerous other countries all over the world.

The jacket we selected for this single review is the Insulated Eisenhower model. Let’s take a look, shall we?

Read more