Independent STORM review - OUTDOOR GEAR-I

Ready steady clean. 

Doing new things can be scary, but doing new things can achieve better results. 

We all have our go to products to aid us in our outdoor pursuits, we love them, they have come on memorable trips and seen some of the best parts of the outdoor world. 

But do we care for them? That’s the big question, do we care for them correctly with the best aftercare solution, or have we become like sheep. A touch blinkered by large scale retailers and market leaders. Have I been living under a rock? How could I have missed something that is made in the UK and was founded in 2002.

So when something new came across my desk, that had a back story, credibility and was also PFC, PFAS & PFOA free, I can honestly say it caught my eye. Storm Care Solutions Ltd are certainly something to watch out for.

A product range that covers all your needs, and that also partners with some of the well known brands in the industry such as Craghoppers, Regatta, Alpkit and Patagonia. Certainly filled me with a sense of confidence about using these products. 

So my test was pretty grubby, my synthetic insulated jacket from Jack Wolfskin has been worn to death and is my go to garment for dog walking. Having three spaniels will give you an idea as to how dirty this jacket can get. Cuffs and hems are forever in a seriously bad state, but just to up the stakes on this one and make it a tougher test I've added a hearty dollop of tomato sauce and a big old fist full of top soil too. Purely to see how good the wash and proofer are. 

So while that’s washing, here are some more pointers and semi technical information to take onboard around the wash and proofer:

• Improves water repellency 

• Helps restore breathability 

• Aids the garments life span

• Gentle on fabrics 

• An eco friendly option, a product range that has a very clear environmental foot print. With an aim to bring more sustainable chemistry to the outdoor market. 

One of the differences that separates the proofer from the more basic linear and crosslinking styles of aftercare, is the c0 chemistry; this under a microscope doesn’t look flat or straight, maybe ladder-like. It looks like a snow flake, multiple arms flowing from a centre point covering more area and creating a better product to fabric binding opportunity, increasing product performance and abrasion resistance. From what I have read and looked into Storm Care was the first to use and create this style of technical proofer and has been a bench marker in the industry since 2002. 

So, how did my jacket fair up and what were the results?"