| Walking | |
| Acrylic | A synthetic fibre that is used in a variety of outdoor wear due to it’s softness and warmth. Typically it is blended to create a fleece fabric as an ideal midlayer. |
| Adjustable back system | Used on larger backpacks, allowing you to customise the distance between the shoulder straps and hip belt. |
| Agion | An antimicrobial coating made from Silver Ion inserts which break down the cellular walls of bacteria. |
| Athletic cut | A shorter cut jacket that fits above the hips to allow flexibility and freedom of motion during active wear. |
| Sit Mat/Bivvi pad | A small foam based layer used to sit on during walking or fishing. |
| Tungsten Carbide | An expensive but extremely hard-wearing material, used as a tip for walking poles as an alternative to steel. Heavier, yet longer lasting these are ideal for rough terrain. |
| Clothing | |
| Abrasion Resistant | Implies the garment has reinforced areas that prevent scuffing and deterioration. |
| Acrylic | A synthetic fibre that is used in a variety of outdoor wear due to it’s softness and warmth. Typically it is blended to create a fleece fabric as an ideal midlayer. |
| Aegis | An odourless polymer used on the face fabric of a garment to destroy bacteria at a cellular level. |
| Agion | An antimicrobial coating made from Silver Ion inserts which break down the cellular walls of bacteria. |
| Ankle Zips | Zips that reach from the base of legwear items to the ankle, allowing legwear to put on or removed with shoes or boots on. |
| Aquafoil | Created by Berghaus. A hydrophilic waterproof fabric that utilises a DWR Durable Water Repellent outer treatment on the face fabric. |
| AQ | A fabric created by Berghaus in 2 levels, AQ2 and AQ2.5. |
| AQ2 | Used by Berghaus. A lightweight, breathable waterproof fabric made with a bicomponent polyurethane coating and a DWR finish. |
| AQ2.5 | Berghaus' waterproof and breathable textile. Created with a polyurethane dry touch coating with micro beads to repel water. |
| Articulated areas | Pre-shaped areas fo clothing that allow full freedom of movement, without losing coverage. |
| Anti Microbial Treatments | Sprayed onto the face fabric of a garment to prevent bacteria from forming. |
| AF | A woven synthetic with a DWR finish. |
| ATL | Advanced Technology Layer. This is a form of DWR with an increased level of water and stain repellency for clothes more likley to be subjected to abrassion, or stains, such as children's outerwear. |
| BacteriaStat | Marmot's own antimicrobial treatment that is used to remove bacteria as well as odours. |
| Bamboo | A natural plant which can be used in fabric fibres of outdoor wear. Used to provide softness, increased absorbency as well as antimicrobial functions. |
| Breathable/Breathability | A fabric’s ability to allow sweat and internal moisture to be released to the outer layers for evaporation. |
| Blend | A method of using two or more different fabrics or yarns woven together to create a different texture or attribute. |
| Baselayer | A next-to-skin synthetic layer that is breathable and able to move sweat away from the skin for evaporation. |
| BeardGuard | A term used by Montane to describe high collar garments that protect the lips and upper neck/chin area. |
| Berber Pile | An insulating fabric typically used in a jacket or midlayer. |
| Bobbles | Raised areas on the plam of gloves that provide grip, can also refer to pilling within fleeces and the subsequent appearance. |
| Brushed inner | A liner that has been created with a brushed or peached fabric to enhance it's softness next to the skin. |
| Calf skin | A leather created from young cows, designed to be extremely soft and plush to touch. |
| Carbon Bamboo | Regattas use of bamboo, a natural plant which can be used in fabric fibres of outdoor wear. Used to provide softness, increased absorbency as well as anti |
| Cell wall | Found in bacteria, broken down by anti microbial treatments such as Silver an silver ion technologies. |
| Chin Guard | Found in jackets and fleeces, a chin guard offers comfort next to the lips and neck. Usually created from a soft, brushed synthetic. |
| Cambrelle | Created by Camtex. A lining made from bicomponent fibres and air pockets that offer abrasion resistance and moisture management. Used in liners. |
| Conduit | Created by Mountain Hardwear. A breathable, waterproof membrane created with hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules. Actively draws moisture and vapor away from the body. |
| Cordovan | A leather derived from a horses skin. This is a tougher fabric than leathers from cows and used for aesthetics reasons due to it's shiny finish, as well as it's resistance to abrasion. |
| Coolmax | Made from four channel polyester fibres with irregular shapes and a wide surface area. Extremely high wicking and fast drying. |
| Closed Cell Foam | A dense way of insulating a garment. Closed cell foam structures are less resistant to moisture but can be expensive to manufacture. |
| Canvas | A way of weaving cotton in a plain stitch fashion to create an inflexible surface built for strength. More resistant to water than synthetics such as Nylon, yet is heavier in weight. The two fabrics are usually blended together, or combined in different areas to have the best abilities from both. Typically used in tents and rucksacks. |
| CFM (Cubic Feet per Square Metre) | Used to measure levels of windproofing in an item. |
| Cotton | A natural fabric used in clothes. Fibres of the cotton plant are woven together to create a natural soft fabric used for comfort and absorbance. |
| Cambrelle | Created by Camtex. A lining made from bicomponent fibres and air pockets that offer abrasion resistance and moisture management. Used in liners. |
| Conduit | Created by Mountain Hardwear. A breathable, waterproof membrane created with hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules. Actively draws moisture and vapor away from the body. |
| Contagrip | Used as a sole material in shoes for grip and durability. |
| Coolmax | Made from four channel polyester fibres with irregular shapes and a wide surface area. Extremely high wicking and fast drying. |
| ClimaWIND/ClimaPRO | Made by Solomon, these are waterproof and breathable fabrics. Clima Wind also resists wind. |
| Cordura | A brand name for the method of using Nylon for outdoor wear in a variety of blends, created by DuPont. |
| Coating | A synthetic film or a membrane which is applied to the face fabric in varying layers and levels of intensity to provide weatherproofing. |
| Core Vents | A way of venting without taking a layer off. Self adjustable. |
| Comfort Control | A quick wicking and breathable fabric from Regatta used for comfort in next to the skin layers such as baselayers and t-shirts. |
| Continuous fabric construction | Indicates the item, usually shoes or sandals, are formed in one piece for extra durability. |
| Coolweave | 100% cotton, used by Regatta for casual wear. |
| Cuff Grabs | Rubber areas on a jacket or coat that allow you to pin back the cuffs to suit your personal arm length and preference. Attached directly to the jacket. |
| Dri Lite | Created by Mountain Equipment. Has a hydrostatic head of 7000mm for total waterproofing coverage. Made with Nylon and natural fibres. |
| Down | The fluffy under feathers of ducks and geese. |
| Double stitched | The garment has been stitched more than once to provide durability. |
| DWR | Durable Water Repellent, a coating added to fabrics to allow water to bead off. |
| Dynamic return | Indicates the garment can ‘bounce back’ into shape. |
| Dynamic Leg Cut | A trouser style that reduces bulk. Used in insulating garments. |
| Dry Zone | Lowe Alpine fabric that is used as a baselayer. A fine yarn with an open knit for excellent breathability. |
| Drawcord | Used in a variety of garments to allow adjustment. |
| Elastane | A synthetic fibre best known as 'Lycra' used for stretch in clothing. Blended with other fabrics most commonly or can be used alone. Stronger than rubber |
| per weight. |
| EVA | Ethylene vinyl acetate. EVA is a crosslinked foam to provide cushioning capabilities. |
| Eva Breathe | Breathe used in rucksacs. Perforated EVA is laminated in a honeycomb effect to allow different layers to breathe and allow air release and venting. |
| e-Vent | A coated breathable membrane made using pores. Sweat avoids the process of sweat being condensed and absorbed into the PU layer as with GORE-Tex |
| Ergonomically designed | Designed to fit with the shape of your body for the intended purpose. |
| Full Grain Leather | A shiny surfaced leather, naturally more water-resistant than the layer beneath it, which is then finepolished and tends to repel water. |
| Fibre Pile | A fabric blend of pile awith curled fibres that lock in insulation, designed for cold conditions. It can be made with wool, nylon or polyester blends, and tends to be more insulating, but less winproof than a fleece counterpart. Typically fibre pile is used as an inner liner or as a midlayer, but can be more expensive than a fleece. |
| Fill power | A method of measuring the Quality of a natural down, found in insulated garments. The better quality the down, the better it's ability to hold in heat, resulting in a higher fill power. For the best insulation you shoul choose a high fill power, low weight garment. |
| Expedition suit | An all in one insulated body suit designed for use in Alpine conditions. |
| Felting | A method of washing wool to enhance its softness. |
| Flame Resistant | Fabrics that do not melt or drip onto the skin when exposed to extreme heat or fires. |
| Goat Skin Leather | Goatskin is tanned to create a leather which is soft yet durable, often used in gloves or shoes to add grip. |
| GORE-Tex | A breathable, waterproof and windproof coated pore based membrane using pores that are on average 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water, and 700 times larger than a water vapour molecule.Classic GORE-Tex comes in a 2 ply or 2 layer construction, but three layer GORE and GORE-Tex XCR versions are available. |
| Granger’s Extreme Wash | A flouro-chemical and water-based reproofer for DWR coated garments |
| Hardshell | A waterproof outerlayer. Best suited to poor weather. Typically less breathable than a softshell. |
| Hammer In | An old style of ice screw, now replaced by screw in styles. |
| Handwarming Pockets | Used in jacket construction. Lined, sometimes padded pockets for additional warmth. |
| HealthGaurd | Berghaus’s brand of mosquito repelling fabric treatment with 90% repellency. |
| Hollow Core Polyester | A synthetic form of insulation, with hollow cores to allow heat to loft. |
| Hollow Foot | |
| Hydrostatic Head | The amount of water pressure a fabric can withstand before it leaks. Expressed as the height of a theoretical column of water required to force water through the fabric. Values above 1'500mm are considered waterproof, and can be as high as 10'000mm for the leading waterproof fabrics like GORE-TEX and eVent. The higher the number the more waterproof the fabric and the longer the waterproof performance should last. |
| Hydro/dry | Created by Sprayway. A breathable and waterproof fabric with a hydrophyilic coating . |
| Hydrafort | A synthetic fabric that is waterproof and windproof, used by Regatta. Mainly used in waterproof jackets. |
| Ilus Core Technology | Ilus Core is a fabric used by Dare 2B that has a way stretch system for flex and motion. Warmth without weight ensures Ilus Core items are easily compressed and quick to dry. Typically used in a mid/base layer in 2 thicknesses. |
| Interactive | The method of using a jacket and a fleece as a combination item together, zipped in together for a complete layered set. Also known as 3 in 1 of 'Zip In'/'Zipped In'. |
| Isotex | A waterproof membrane used by Regatta. Typically used as a liner, Isotex offers breathability, windproofing and waterproofing. |
| Isotex 10000 XPT | A version of Isotex, a waterproof, breathable and windproof fabric. Highly permeable to water vapour allowing perspiration to escape with an added Durable Water Repellent (DWR) outer treatment. |
| Insulating Layer | A layer designed to keep you warm, this can be a midlayer such as synthetic fleece, or can be used over a midlayer, such as lined and padded gilet. |
| Internal Seals | A method of constructing a product to ensure a water tight construction. |
| Internal Security Pocket | Usually a small hidden pocket suitable for storing cash or keys. |
| Kevlar | A fibre made by DuPont made from a crystalline polymer into a fibre. The yarns of Kevlar are spun and woven, predominantly to make seamless gloves, sleeves or linings. Kevlar has excellent heat and abrasion resistance. |
| Kevlar Stitching | Threads can be made from Kevlar. Heat an abrasion resistance from the woven yarns makes Kevlar stitching desirable in many products that need to be durable. |
| Kangaroo Pocket | A pouch pocket that can be accessed from either side. Seen in jackets and midlayers. |
| MemBrain | Marmot’s own waterproof/breathable fabric with a very high waterproof rating an a PU film layer as well as a DWR coating. |
| Merino Wool | A merino is a type of sheep, bred for their soft wool and thin fibres to create Merino Wool. When it gets wet a Merino fibre can be extended up to 30% and recover without damage. |
| Microban | An anti-bacterial treatment applied to prevent unpleasant odours and bacteria forming. |
| Mittens | Gloves without seperate finger compartments, designed to circualte heat direct from the palm around the hands. |
| Membrane | A film applied to the face fabric of a garment at the manufacturing stage to offer a variety of protection features such as water repellency or windproofing. |
| Mesh | A lightweight, venting fabric often used as a way to allow moisture to escape from garments, with no need to remove a layer. Mesh is very lightweight. |
| Mini Stitch Through Construction | A way of stitching down insulation used within garments in order to hold the down in place for the maximum levels of insulation. |
| Membrane | A synthetic coating or film which is applied to a garment to offer a variety of protection features, such as a 'breathable membrane' or a waterproof membrane'. |
| Mid Layer | The second layer in the Layering System, worn over a baselayer, used to provide insulation and trap body heat.A midlayer should be a breathable synthetic. Typically, a fleece is used. |
| Microfibres | Refers to any fibre with under 10,000m of thread. |
| Nylon | Nylon is a lightweight polymer set with heat during its creation, with the ability to withstand high temperatures and resist abrasion. |
| Nikwax Tech Wash | A non-detergent soap that will clean DWR coated fabrics without affecting it's water repellency. |
| Nikwax TX Direct Wash In | A wax-like elastomer suspended in water to reproof garments. |
| Nubuck Leather | A full-grain leather finished using a different process to make it cosmetically soft. |
| Nosquito | Craghoppers own brand of clothing treated with a chemical such as Pyrethoid that kills mosquitoes on contact. |
| Olephobic | Oil hating, used as a repellent on garments to repel water and oil. |
| One Pull Adjustment | Refers to a system usually used in hoods where a toggle can be used with one hand to release a hood from hidden to a fixed peak. |
| Outer shell | The outer layer of a helmet used for safety such as cycling helmets or ski helmets. Created from slim plastic or polycarbonates for strength. |
| Outdoor System | Also known as OS, this is Regatta's own Polyester/cotton fabric blend, peached for comfort with an inbuilt SPF. Designed to be quick wicking for use in active wear. |
| Paramo | A breathable waterproof fabric made with a waterproof drop. |
| Pertex | A close-weave synthetic fibre that is inherently windproof and breathable, but lacking waterproofing. It is DWR treated on the face fabric to improve water resistance. |
| Parameta | Used in Paramo clothing. A windproof layer created from tightly woven microfibers that are water resistant when treated with Nikwax. |
| Peached/Peaching | A way of sanding a fabric to create a soft feel and a brushed feel, used in natural fabrics or synthetics/natural blends. Completed with a chemical layer which saturates the fabric to maintain its feeling. |
| Pig skin leather | A soft leather created from pigs' skin. |
| Polyamide | A tough quick drying synthetic with a lighter weight than cotton. |
| Ply | Refers to the amount of layers included in a fabric creation, such as 2 or 3 ply. This can be the face fabric thread count, or refer to additional membranes |
| and coatings |
| PU | Poly-Urethane used as a layer of coating on the face fabric of a garment. It is a versatile and abrasion resistant layer that is used to provide waterproofing qualities. |
| Polartec | A company who make various products including WINDBLOC, POWERSHIELD, THERMALPRO,POLARFLEECE from breathable membranes applied to the face of thermal fabrics to lock in heat. |
| Polartec 100 | The lightest of the polartec breathable fabrics, designed for use during active wear. Made from 100% polyester velour. |
| Polartec Windbloc | A wind resistant fabric with a polyurethane barrier membrane on the face as well as DWR and insulating layer |
| Polartec Windpro | A wind resistant fabric created with tight yarn construction for reduced wind chill. |
| Polarproof | A brand of Nikwax reproofer which provides a DWR finish on garments. |
| Polarguard 3D | A synthetic polyester, used as an insulating layer. Maintains it’s shape an heat even when wet. |
| Polyester | A man made polymer, woven alone or in a blend with natural fibres to create a wicking, abrasion resistant fabric. |
| Powerstretch | Made by Polartec. A 4-way stretched, 2 layered construction fabric to provide warmth and abrasion resistance. |
| Poncho | A waterproof jacket designed without arms and with one hole for the head. Covers the whole body. |
| Porelle | Porelle is a manmade synthetic which is both waterproof and breathable. It’s thin construction makes it ideal as a liner fabric. |
| Pile | A soft fabric made from strands of yarn, designed to be high lofting and soft to touch. Often used in fleece construction as a wool alternative. |
| Pit Zips | Areas found in jackets or midlayers that allow you to unzip a part of the garment for venting without taking off a layer. |
| Primaloft | A manmade synthetic insulator from polyester, designed to act like down. |
| Pre curved | Refers to gloves with curved fingers, designed for use when holding poles or equipment. |
| Pre Bent | Usually refers to the arms of a garment designed for cycling. |
| PTFE | Polytetrafluoroethylene,a form of synthetic used in waterproof garments. Also known as ‘Teflon’. Created by DuPont Chemicals. |
| Quantum | See, Pertex Quantum |
| Rain Drain | A way of constructing the fabric so that water beads away from exposed skin, usually used on jackets in conjucntion with sealed seams and waterproofed zips. |
| RET | The level of Water vapour resistance (Resistance to Evaporation of a Textile) A lower RET demonstrates increased levels of breathability in a garment. |
| Retro Reflective | A way of detailing a garment so that it is reflective and more visible in low light conditions. |
| Reinforced palms | Also known as a palm patch, refers to gloves with thicker abrassion resistant, gripping fabrics applied to contact areas such as the palm or finger pad areas. |
| Reflective Piping | Small areas of high visibility colouring applied to a garment. |
| Ribs | Similar to cuffs, ribs are knitted into a garment to provide ridges that allow it to hold onto the layer it is in contact with. Often used as a cuff closure, or on socks, rib knitted areas sometimes use elasticated fabrics to aid stretch. |
| Roll Away Hood | A hood that can be packed away into the collar of the jacket. |
| Safari Hat | A hat with a large brim, typically for use when travelling. |
| Scotchlite | Made by 3M. A Reflective material. |
| Sewn through | The lightest, simplest, and cheapest construction of a sleeping bag. |
| Sewn In | When used for describing tent groundsheets, this refers to those whioch are attached to the flysheet, stopping any possibility of draughts or leaks. |
| Sealed Seams | A method of stitching seams to prevent leaks and improve waterproofing capabilities. |
| Silicone Treatment | Applied to natural or syntehtic own in order to prevent clumping, particularly a problem in wet conditions. |
| Silk | A natural fibre, processed to make an absorbent fabric. |
| Silver Ion | Used in clothing or equipment as a natural bacteria killing antiseptic property. |
| Snowproof | The garment contains elements such as sealed seams or a waterproof fabric to prevent snow entering. |
| Suplex | A light, quick drying yet densely woven nylon that is tougher than cotton and wind resistant. |
| Silicone | A synthetic often used for grip in the palm of a glove. |
| Softshell | A highly breathable and often water resistant garment made with stretch woven fabric as an alternative to a hardshell. |
| Softshell XLT | Regatta’s own brand of softshell fabric, Breathable and wind resistant, made from stretchy yarns. |
| Softshell XPT | Regattas own design of lightweight softshell fabric. |
| Softshell XPT Waterproof | Regattas own waterproof softshell fabric. |
| Snap in connection | A method of attaching a jacket to legwear in the absence of braces. |
| Sunshade | Regatta’s own term for garments with an inbuilt SPF (Sun Protection Factor). |
| Stash Pocket | Used in coats for storing essentials such as maps. Can be hidden or external. |
| Stiffened Peak | A hood with a firm peak for additional protection. |
| Storm Weave | A Lowe Alpine softshell fabric. |
| Storm Flaps | Used within jackets over the zip area to prevent external moisture from entering the jacket. Also seen in gaiters. |
| Stretch Corura | A synthetic made from 96% Cordura Nylon and 4% for flexibility and abrasion resistance. |
| Stretch Woven Nylon | Nylon with an element of flexibility and motion. Abrassion resistant yet soft to the touch, this is commonly used in the outer layer of garments designed for active sports, such as climbing trousers. |
| Stretch Panels | Found in abrasion sensitive areas of garments, such as the knees, seat, elbows or chest, depending on the garment's purpose. |
| Symmetry | Designed for comfort and practicality, the Symmetry is a name of fleece used by Regatta. This has an anti pill finish so it won't bobble, is quick to dry and easy to wash, and is also very soft to touch. Symmetry Fleeces come in a variety of weights and thicknesses. |
| Synthetics | Man Made fibres used with, or as an alternative to natural fibres. Usually more breathable, weather resistant and easy to care for. |
| Spandura | A mix of Cordura and lycra to create a stretchy and flexible synthetic. |
| Tactel | A practically friction free, high wicking fabric used within baselayers for next to the skin comfort. |
| Taped Seams | A method of joining the fabric that prevents wetness reaching the wearer. Fully taped seams are taped over all joins for complete protection. Critical Taped seams are taped seams in the fabric in areas where wetness will occur, protecting the wearer. |
| Taslan | A woven synthetic polyester created with compressed air to create a different cosmetic appearance from similar synethtics. Usually blended with nylons to create a durable and water resistant layer, often used in hardshell jackets. |
| Technical | Used to describe clothing fit for purpose in the outdoors, usually made from synthetics/membrane technology for increased performance, with features (such as breathability/wicking) that allow the garment to perform a duty in strenuous conditions. |
| Teflon | A form of the polymer, polytetrafluoroethylene. A synthetic, usually used in water repelling garments. |
| Triple Point Ceramic | A coated ceramic waterproof fabric made by Lowe Alpine used in outerwear. |
| Tensile Strength | Refers to the strength of fibres within a garment, tested lengthways with varying levels of force until the garment rips. |
