Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup
Upon first wear, adjust the jacket to your body for optimal comfort and protection:
- Hood Adjustment: Use the adjusters on the `grown-on technical hood` to tighten or loosen it around your head, ensuring clear vision and maximum protection from wind and rain.
- Cuff Adjustment: Secure the `adjustable cuffs` snugly around your wrists to prevent water from running down your arms and to seal in warmth.
- Hem Adjustment: Pull the `shock cord hem` toggles to cinch the bottom of the jacket, preventing drafts and creating a closer fit to your body.
Compatibility
This jacket is designed as an outer shell and pairs well with:
- Layering Systems: Wear over base layers and mid-layers for warmth, as its generous fit allows for this. The breathability works best when combined with breathable layers underneath.
- Outdoor Gear: Compatible with backpacks and harnesses, thanks to its durable construction and strategically placed pockets.
Care
Proper care is crucial to maintain the waterproof and breathable performance of your Birchdale II jacket. Always refer to the specific care label inside your garment for the most accurate instructions. General guidelines for technical waterproof jackets include:
- Washing: `Info needed: Specific washing instructions should be found on the garment's care label.` Typically, machine wash warm with a technical cleaner designed for waterproof fabrics. Avoid conventional detergents, fabric softeners, and bleach.
- Drying: `Info needed: Specific drying instructions from manufacturer's label.` Often, air dry or tumble dry on a low setting, which can help reactivate the `Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish`.
- Re-proofing: Over time, the DWR finish may wear off. If water no longer beads on the surface, you may need to re-apply a DWR treatment to the outer fabric.