Henri Lloyd Ultimate Racing Kit List
by Amy Grealish, Henri Lloyd 1 Jul 2010 09:51 BST
1 July 2010
When considering your technical sailing clothing requirements, many people think only of the outer layer because it is the most visible, but the mid and next to skin layers are of equal importance. The Henri Lloyd product range has been developed and designed to be worn together, to create the perfect combination for any conditions that you will encounter whilst on the water.
Traditionally there are three layers worn; outer, mid and base, which all offer different qualities and should work together to give the optimum result and highest level of comfort.
Outer layer
The outer layer will be selected dependent on your sailing activity and the conditions you will encounter, but its main role is to keep the elements out.
Henri Lloyd has a varied kit list for this layer, dependent on the type of sailing planned, but the ideal product for inshore and round the cans racing, be it on the Solent or in the Med, on SB3s or TP52s is the Henri Lloyd TP2 Shadow 2G Range.
With a heavily loaded feature list as you would expect from Henri Lloyd, the full range consists of the TP2 Shadow 2G Jacket, Hood Smock, Smock, Salopette and finally the Short.
Part of the range is the DAME Award winning TP2 Shadow 2G Jacket, which won its category at the 2008 Awards, against stiff competition from the other leading Marine Clothing Manufacturers.
The TP2 Shadow 2G Jacket features the OPTIVISION Hood System, which is exclusive to Henri Lloyd, and offers excellent peripheral vision in racing situations. The OPTIVISION Hood System incorporates transparent TPU panels which have been engineered into each side of the high visibility hood, therefore allowing a wider peripheral vision without the loss of protection to the face. Perfect for windward or leeward peripheral vision during pre-start manoeuvring or close quarter action during mark rounding to give you that all important tactical advantage.
The range is constructed from Henri Lloyd’s 2.5 layer TP2 Alpha fabric technology, the fabric combines a hydrophilic laminate with a microporous coating offering dramatic performance results, whilst providing the breathability of a mid-layer alongside the waterproof protection of an outer shell. The fabric also ensures increased comfort and durability due to the inclusion of an improved Super Durable Water Repellent finish (SDWR). The SDWR has been engineered to reduce the diminishing effect that salt water has on regular water repellent finishes.
Mid layer
The mid layer provides the essential insulating layer of warmer air and can also offer additional protection from wind and water
Henri Lloyd offers an extensive mid layer product collection, in particular our Octane WINDSTOPPER® Range, which can not only be used as a mid layer but also as a top layer in clement conditions.
The range consists of jacket, vest, trousers and shorts, and has been designed with fabric partners W L Gore & Associates. The Octane WINDSTOPPER® Range is constructed using a 3 layer WINDSTOPPER® laminate design, which offers two different weights of the 100% windproof, breathable, water resistant fabric which are strategically positioned in the garments. This means that in specific high movement areas such as under the arms, high stretch panels are used to maximise flexibility. This super-stretch, ultra lightweight fabric is finely tailored to ensure an optimum streamline fit but without compromising performance.
Base layer
The base layer is designed to be lightweight and breathable and its main role is to move (wick) moisture away from your skin to keep you dry and comfortable.
Henri Lloyd has three next to skin ranges, dependent on the climatic conditions, and comprise of the Atmosphere 3 for colder condition and the Atmosphere and Atmosphere 2 for warmer conditions, the whole collection has been designed to wear either independently in warm conditions, or as the base in a layering system in sailing and other high activity sports.
All three Atmosphere products are made of a highly durable, extremely lightweight, easy care, multiple layer Fast-Dri fabric to help wick away moisture from the skin, leaving the athlete dry and comfortable over prolonged periods. The UV protection guide on all Henri Lloyd products are rated 30-50 based on the ‘Aussie Rules’ method, (a sliding scale from 0-50), and all benefit from flat lock seams for increased comfort.
Atmosphere: Is the entry level product in the range using a double-layer Fast-Dri system of fabric construction which provides the all important high wicking qualities, whilst also being breathable. Available in long sleeve or short sleeve and in all sizes including a women’s fit.
Atmosphere 2: Has underarm mesh panels to aid breathability, and a third, high-wicking layer within the construction of the fabric to accelerate moisture evaporation. One of the most interesting features of this product for the active sailor is the Silver Ion Anti Microbial technology used in the Fast-Dri fabric which repels bacteria and helps reduce body odour when the garments are used for prolonged periods of activity.
Atmosphere 3: This is the ideal product for use as the base layer in Henri Lloyd’s cold weather layering system. In edition to the 3-layer high wicking construction, it incorporates a brushed inner layer to increase its thermal properties, whilst also being breathable and high-wicking. The Silver Ion Anti Microbial technology helps keep the garment fresher for longer.
More information on Henri Lloyd products