Setup, Compatibility & Care
Initial Setup
Your Birchdale II jacket is designed for immediate use, but a few adjustments will optimize its fit and performance:
- Hood Adjustment: Utilize the adjusters on the grown-on technical hood to cinch it snugly around your head, providing maximum protection without obstructing your vision. This is particularly useful in windy or heavy rain conditions.
- Cuff Adjustment: Secure the adjustable cuffs around your wrists. This helps prevent water from running down your arms and keeps cold air out, especially when wearing gloves.
- Hem Adjustment: Use the shock cord hem to tighten the bottom of the jacket. This creates a seal around your waist, preventing drafts and retaining body heat, and stops the jacket from riding up.
Compatibility
This jacket is a versatile shell suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities. It is compatible with:
- Layering Systems: Designed to be worn over various base and mid-layers for adaptable warmth in changing conditions.
- Outdoor Gear: Works seamlessly with backpacks (the articulated sleeves prevent riding up), hiking trousers, and other outdoor apparel.
- Weather Conditions: Best suited for wet, windy, and changeable weather where waterproof and breathable protection is paramount.
Product Care
Proper care is crucial for maintaining the waterproof and breathable properties of your jacket. Always refer to the care label inside the garment for full instructions.
- Cleaning: The jacket is cool machine washable. It is essential to use a specialized Regatta Isotex cleaner or pure soap (such as Grangers, Nikwax, or similar technical wash) specifically designed for waterproof breathable fabrics. Avoid conventional detergents, fabric softeners, or bleach, as these can clog the fabric's pores and compromise its performance.
- Drying: After washing, allow the jacket to drip dry or tumble dry on a very low heat setting if recommended by the care label. Tumble drying on low can help reactivate the Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) finish.
- Re-proofing: Over time, the DWR finish may wear off. If water no longer beads up on the fabric surface, consider applying a suitable re-proofing spray or wash-in treatment designed for waterproof breathable garments.