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Buying a Fleece |
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When it comes to outdoor clothing the fleece takes some beating. OK they’re not as long as a coat but they can be just as waterproof and windproof plus they’re lightweight and easy to store. They
can be used as a windstopper when you’re outside or in the evenings
when the temperature starts to fall. They can also be worn under a
waterproof coat to give that extra bit of warmth when you’re standing
on a sea wall or that piece of high moorland when what we in
Northumberland call a ‘Lazy wind’
(it goes through you rather than round you), puts in an
appearance. When
it comes to buying a fleece it soon becomes apparent that it’s a
minefield for the uninitiated, the problem being that there are so many
out there that choosing the right one can become something of a trial.
It is however imperative that you get one that is right for you and your
type of birding. Fleeces have undergone a technological revolution with different types
of materials offering different standards of performance, the benchmark
for really a warm model is if it uses Polartec.
Polartec 100 is lightweight whereas Polartec 200 is heavier
giving greater warmth. Indeed some fleeces are lightweight for those
summer evenings we spoke about and some are distinctly heavy for the
winter morning when the snow and frost crunches under your foot.
Depending whether you want your fleece for light or heavy duty there
will be one for you out there somewhere. You can even buy high quality
camouflage pattern fleeces from a variety of manufacturers. There are a series of factors to be considered before you buy, can you
adjust the cuffs to trap warm air and can you do the same with the hem?
If it doesn’t have a drawcord should you really think about one that
does or do you just want your fleece for social evening wear as well. It
does help if the fleece has a high comfortable collar to keep your neck
warm and do see it if it is windproof and waterproof if that’s what
you want. There is a world of difference too between waterproof and
showerproof so again do check out exactly what you’re buying.
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Like coats some fleeces are now breathable to ensure you will not be
walking around in a steam bath all day. Two pockets that are deep and
easy to get to are an absolute must, are they zipped for extra
protection or lined so you can warm your hands whilst you’re waiting?
If your chosen fleece has a chest pocket as well that’s even
better for keeping a field guide or map. Think too about what you may be wearing under the fleece when
considering the size you buy. Also you will need to be able to swing
your binoculars up or look down into your scope’s eyepiece so do check
the fleece won’t be too tight and constricting. Remember too that you
have the option of front zip that only goes halfway down so you slip the
garment over your head to put it on. It may not be so easy as a full
frontal zip but it cam be a lot warmer. Today’s
fleece is a multi purpose garment and you can pick up some excellent
bargains but do make sure you get exactly what you want and don’t be
seduced by a big name. It may be a fantastic fleece but it may simply
not be right for you. Remember
too that many of the manufacturers we’ve mentioned here have other
styles. Some designed for equestrianism, sailing or walking all of which
can easily be adapted to our hobby. The prices we have quoted are what
you can expect to pay but a little searching on the internet and in
magazines can prove very beneficial.
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