At Cool Sun Outdoors we pride ourselves in providing only quality products. This advice section aims to assist you to get the best out of your chosen products and sport.

Please use this section at your own risk and follow the contents in our terms and conditions.

About Keela Fabrics & Systems

Keela consider the total moisture dispersal system from under garment to the extreme external garments. KEELA fabrics can offer as near zero condensation that you may find in waterproof breathable clothing.

As with double glazing found in the home (warm on the inside and cold/wet on the outside) condensation and water vapours occur in clothing.

This also happens when the body uses up energy and creates heat. Add cold, wet conditions on the outside, you will get condensation. We have found KEELA fabrics to disperse of water vapour, better than most others. When you consider the outstanding performance and the price tag we can offer KEELA clothing at.. KEELA represents probably the best value for money in the industry.

The following size charts apply to KEELA clothing, but can also be used as a general guide.

BUYING BOOTS

We sell walking boots on this website, however, we do not actually recommend buying boots over the internet. Why?

We consider boots to be a critical purchase and recommend trying on boots, under the following circumstances:

Wear liner socks in addition to your walking socks. Liner socks help disperse moisture and prevent blistering under most circumstances.
Consider that feet can swell a full half size more during a long walk.
Try boots on using a ramp with uneven terrain (good outdoor stores use such ramps) consider most importantly what they feel like, going downhill.
Buy boots from us only if you are confident about the comfort, fit and size. It may make or break your holiday or outdoor interest.

LAYERING

Layering is the term used to prevent discomfort from heat or cold, the conditions, climate and energy levels required for your sport. By wearing layers rather than bulky sweaters etc, you can add or take away layers to suit the changing conditions.

WICKING LAYER

This transports perspiration away from the skin/body as efficiently as possible. Choose only good active under garments/thermals such as KEELA or GILL. KEELA (ADS) and GILL (ITEC) range are particularly good. Poor under garments once wet, tend to stay wet and when you stop your body temperature drops. With todays modern advanced fabrics, there is no need to risk cold or heat disorders such as (hypothermia) for example.

INSULATING LAYER

The insulating layer traps your body heat to insulate you from the cold, but at the same time allowing perspiration to escape. Active shirt and fleece garments are particularly good insulating garments, cheap discount brand fleece garments tend to compress and pill therefore loosing their insulating properties. All fleece products on this website are good insulators of high standards.

SHELL LAYER

Often called the outer layer, this garment should be able to stop wind and moisture and can be a fleece garment such as a windproof/waterproof fleece. A garment such as an outer jacket should be chosen with great care to avoid disappointment. Waterproof breathable fabrics are very good, but tend to perform badly in extreme cold. KEELA Innovation fabrics perform extremely well in cold weather, dispersing moisture yet retaining body heat at near zero condensation and are OUR choice for winter mountaineering, hillwalking and skiing.

VENTURING INTO THE MOUNTAINS

Most of the following information is common sense, but still people ignore the basics and venture into places they do not have the experience or clothing, to cope with the changing weather or conditions.

COOL SUN OUTDOORS GUIDE

• Wear only good quality clothing suitable for the sport, the environment and weather changes.
• Carry more insulating layers, but leave space in your rucksack to remove layers. Add and remove when required.
• Carry the following with you in your rucksack:- small torch, whistle, multi-purpose tool, map, compass (know how to use it), plastic bivi bag, small snack (such as energy bars, chocolate etc),drink(more than you think you will need), hat, gloves and a first aid kit.
• Follow a route card and leave a copy of your route with someone that expects you back.
• If you get lost in the mountains do not be tempted to follow streams or becks as they often find the quickest, shortest way and that means steep and dangerous ground.
• Check weather reports prior to your journey and consider aborting or reverting to an easier lower route.
• Never attempt routes beyond your capabilities or that of the group.
• Respect the countryside and try to avoid unnecessary damage or litter. Take away with you all that your bring along.
• Consider investing in a good course such as those offered by the National Mountain Centre (Plas y Brenin) in Snowdonia. They are very good and are sponsored so represent excellent value for money. The instructors are all very well qualified. Also consider a first aid course such as the Rescue Emergency Care Scheme (REC), as it may save your or someone else's life.
• The mountains can be a dangerous place, respect them and the fact that the weather in such locations can change in minutes.

The above advice section is the opinion and experience of Mike Coulson (an individual) and not that of COOL SUN OUTDOORS as a group of people. Mike has previous Military and many years of Outdoor experience, but please use your own judgments about the outdoors for your own safety.