Setup, Compatibility & Care
Initial Setup
- Adjust the Hood: Use the toggles on the grown-on technical hood to cinch it around your face, ensuring a snug fit that moves with your head and blocks wind and rain effectively.
- Personalize Cuffs: Adjust the cuff fasteners to create a tight seal around your wrists, preventing water from running down your arms and sealing in warmth.
- Secure the Hem: Pull the shock cord at the hem to adjust the jacket's fit around your waist or hips. This helps to trap warmth and prevent drafts.
Compatibility
This jacket is designed as an outer shell and is highly compatible with various layering systems. Wear it over:
- Base Layers: For moisture-wicking and temperature regulation during active pursuits.
- Mid-Layers: Such as fleeces or insulated jackets for added warmth in colder climates.
Care Instructions
Proper care will extend the life and performance of your Birchdale II jacket:
- Pre-Wash Preparation: Close all zippers and fasteners, including the main zip, pocket zips, and cuff adjusters, before washing.
- Washing: Machine wash cold (30°C) with a mild, liquid technical wash designed for waterproof breathable fabrics. Avoid powdered detergents, fabric softeners, and bleach, as these can damage the waterproof coating and DWR finish.
- Drying: Tumble dry on low heat or hang dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Low heat can help reactivate the DWR finish. Avoid high heat.
- Re-proofing: Over time, the durable water-repellent (DWR) finish may wear off. If water no longer beads up on the fabric surface, apply a DWR re-proofing treatment (spray-on or wash-in) specifically designed for waterproof breathable outerwear.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, ideally hanging to maintain its shape and avoid creasing of the waterproof membrane.