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The Ultimate Guide to Stormtech Clothing: From Mountain Peaks to City Streets
- by Gareth Coxon
The Ultimate Guide to Stormtech Clothing: From Mountain Peaks to City Streets
Ever been caught in a sudden downpour with nowhere to hide? Or felt that biting wind cut through your jacket just when you needed protection most?
Picture this: you're halfway up a mountain trail when the weather turns nasty. Dark clouds roll in, temperatures drop, and suddenly you're questioning whether your gear can handle what's coming. This is exactly where Stormtech clothing proves its worth.
For over 40 years, this brand has been perfecting outdoor performance in the unforgiving west coast rainforests of British Columbia, Canada. What started as a humble Canadian company has grown into a trusted name that serious outdoor enthusiasts rely on - whether you're scaling mountain peaks or simply navigating unpredictable city weather.
Here's what makes Stormtech different: they don't just make clothing, they engineer solutions. Their H2XTREME® waterproof technology doesn't just keep water out - it lets moisture escape, so you stay dry from both sides. From jackets and gilets to tops and trousers, every piece in their range is designed to face nature's unpredictability with confidence.
And they're not just about performance. Stormtech's commitment to doing things right shows in their PFC-free water repellent finishes and feather-free insulation - proof that cutting-edge technology and environmental responsibility can work together.
Think about it: when the weather turns harsh, you need gear that works as hard as you do. That's exactly what Stormtech delivers. Whether you're an outdoor professional or weekend adventurer, this guide will help you choose the perfect Stormtech clothing UK options for your specific needs and environment.
Ready to discover why professionals trust Stormtech when the conditions get tough?
Choosing the Right Stormtech Gear for Your Environment
The wrong gear can turn a great day outdoors into a miserable experience. That's why understanding your environment is crucial when selecting Stormtech clothing. At Active Workwear, we know that each piece in the Stormtech range serves a specific purpose, helping you stay comfortable no matter what conditions you face.
Cold climates: thermal jackets and vests
When temperatures plummet, ordinary jackets simply won't cut it. Stormtech's thermal range provides exceptional protection that keeps you warm without weighing you down.
The Explorer thermal jacket stands out with its 15,000mm waterproof rating paired with 10,000g/m² breathability. This high-performance jacket includes Thermolex™ high loft synthetic down insulation, specifically engineered to maintain thermal properties while remaining lightweight. Think of it as your shield against winter's worst.
For maximum cold-weather protection, consider these thermal options:
- Montserrat Thermal Jacket - Features a combination of broken fibre fill and polyfill insulation without adding bulk, plus a PFC-free water-repellent finish
- Gravity Thermal Vest - Provides core warmth with its two-tone thermal padded design and ultra-soft liner, perfect for layering
- Basecamp Thermal Vest - Offers a sleek profile with high-density showerproof D/W/R outer shell and thermal polyfill for enhanced thermal properties
These garments are rated for temperatures ranging from +5°C (41°F) down to -30°C (-22°F) based on Stormtech's climate rating system. Whether you're working outdoors in freezing conditions or tackling winter adventures, these thermal pieces ensure you stay warm and focused on the task at hand.
Rainy conditions: waterproof shells and rainwear
Working in wet conditions? You need more than just water resistance - you need complete protection.
Stormtech's rain shells deliver superior protection because they understand water. Born in British Columbia's rainforests, the brand developed exceptional expertise in rain protection. They've faced every type of precipitation nature can throw at them.
Here's how their H2XTREME® membrane technology works: it stops water and wind penetration whilst allowing water vapour to escape, keeping you dry from both external precipitation and internal perspiration. The waterproof rating system ranges from basic protection (600mm-2,000mm) to extreme protection (8,000mm-15,000mm+).
Key rainwear options include the Olympia Shell Jacket with 5,000mm waterproof rating and critically taped seams, and premium models like the Synthesis and Vertex Stormshells. Each features the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating that prevents light rain and snow from saturating the outer fabric.
Mild weather: lightweight and breathable options
Mild weather can be tricky - too much protection and you'll overheat, too little and you'll be caught off guard when conditions change.
Stormtech offers versatile lightweight garments that balance weather protection with breathability. The Greenwich Lightweight Softshell exemplifies this balance—water-repellent and wind-resistant while maintaining comfort through its 100% Polyester interlock bonded with Polyester Bird-eye mesh construction.
The ultra-lightweight Pacifica jacket provides urban styling with outdoor functionality. Its back mesh-lined vent enhances ventilation, whilst articulated elbows and shoulders ensure full mobility. This jacket includes a PFC-free water-repellant finish and adjustable hood, making it ideal for unpredictable spring and autumn weather.
For activities in mild temperatures (+20°C to +5°C), these lightweight options offer the perfect combination of minimal bulk and practical protection. Their versatility makes them excellent transition pieces as you move between indoor and outdoor environments throughout your day.
The bottom line? Choosing the right Stormtech gear isn't just about staying comfortable - it's about staying safe and productive, no matter what the weather brings.
What Stormtech Offers: Your Complete Gear Breakdown
Stormtech doesn't just make outdoor clothing - they build complete systems. From technical outerwear to everyday essentials, each category tackles specific challenges you'll face in the field.
Stormtech Jackets: Softshell, Hard Shell, and 3-in-1
Here's where Stormtech really shines. Their jacket range covers every scenario you'll encounter.
Softshell jackets are your go-to for active work. These flexible materials move with your body while providing wind resistance and light water repellency. Think of them as your everyday armour - protective enough for moderate conditions, breathable enough for active pursuits.
When the weather gets serious, hard shell jackets step up. Built with waterproof membranes and fully taped seams, these create an impenetrable barrier against wind and rain. But here's the clever part - they don't sacrifice breathability for protection.
Need maximum versatility? Stormtech's 3-in-1 jackets are game-changers. An outer shell plus removable inner layer means you're effectively getting three distinct jackets. Wear them separately or together - whatever the conditions demand.
Layering Essentials: Fleeces, Pullovers, and Hoodies
Between your base layer and outer shell, Stormtech's mid-layers do the heavy lifting. Their fleece options range from lightweight to heavyweight, each offering different warmth levels. Many feature anti-pill finishes for durability and zippered pockets for convenience.
The quarter-zip pullovers are particularly clever - they provide targeted warmth while allowing ventilation. Perfect for moderate activity when you need temperature control.
For more relaxed settings, their performance hoodies blend technical fabrics with casual styling. Whether you're post-workout or just want everyday comfort, these deliver.
Shirts and Polos: Active to Casual
Stormtech's shirts and polos work overtime. Their performance polos incorporate moisture-wicking fabrics and UV protection - ideal for outdoor activities where you need to look professional while staying comfortable.
For business settings, their business-casual shirts maintain professional appearance without sacrificing comfort and mobility.
Stormtech Bags and Travel Accessories
Your gear needs protection too. Stormtech's bag collection includes:
- Waterproof duffel bags with storm flaps and sealed seams
- Versatile backpacks with padded laptop compartments
- Lightweight travel accessories with RFID protection
What sets these apart? Many Stormtech bags feature the same technical materials and weather resistance found in their clothing. Your belongings get the same protection you do.
What Sets Stormtech Apart Technically
After 45 years of outfitting adventurers in extreme conditions, Stormtech has developed something special. While other brands talk about performance, Stormtech proves it through exclusive technologies that actually work when you need them most.
Exclusive fabric technologies
At the heart of every Stormtech garment lies their H2XTREME® technology – an advanced waterproof/breathable membrane that prevents water and wind penetration whilst allowing moisture vapour to escape. This isn't just marketing speak. This intelligent system keeps you dry from both external precipitation and internal perspiration, making it ideal for demanding outdoor activities.
But that's not all. Their thermal technologies include Thermolex™, a high-loft synthetic down alternative that provides maximum warmth without the bulk. For base layers and active wear, H2XDRY moisture management technology regulates your core temperature through specialised wicking yarns. Meanwhile, their DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment prevents light precipitation from saturating outer fabrics.
These aren't just features – they're solutions to real problems you face in challenging conditions.
Durability and long-term wear
Quality claims are meaningless without proof. That's why Stormtech products undergo rigorous third-party testing according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. This comprehensive quality assurance includes independent inspection audits at every manufacturing facility.
Their confidence in product longevity? Warranties of up to five years on certain garments. Few brands are willing to back their products with that level of commitment.
Sustainability and ethical production
Performance without responsibility isn't enough anymore. Stormtech has established impressive environmental credentials through their Pure Earth™ collection, which utilises GRS-certified Recycled Polyester (rPET) created from repurposed plastic. The brand has also eliminated PFCs from all water-repellent treatments and partners with the Better Cotton Initiative to minimise environmental impacts of cotton production.
On the ethical front, Stormtech achieved an exceptional 91 score on the Better Buying Partnership Index, demonstrating their commitment to responsible sourcing. All suppliers must adhere to their Supplier Workplace Code of Conduct, with regular social compliance monitoring.
Customisation: logo branded Stormtech clothing
For businesses seeking branded apparel, Stormtech offers extensive customisation options. Their dedicated Custom Programme allows personalisation with company logos, additional features, or even custom colourways. These services require minimum lead times of 120 days for bags and 180 days for apparel, ensuring meticulous attention to detail for a truly distinctive branded collection.
The result? Professional-grade gear that represents your brand as effectively as it protects your team.
Getting Your Hands on Stormtech: What You Need to Know
When it's time to invest in Stormtech gear, knowing where to look and what to look for can make all the difference between getting the right piece and ending up with something that doesn't quite fit your needs.
Getting the Right Fit Every Time
Here's the thing about outdoor gear - if it doesn't fit properly, it won't perform properly. Stormtech provides detailed size charts with measurements in inches to help you get it right:
Men's sizing: XS (32-35" chest) through to 5XL (56-59" chest)
Women's sizing: XS (29-32" bust) through to 2XL (44-47" bust)
Women's sizing: XS (29-32" bust) through to 2XL (44-47" bust)
Don't guess your size. Measure your best-fitting clothes and compare with the chart. Before decorating any garments, always verify the accuracy of style, colour, size and quantity received.
Making Sense of Performance Ratings
Those numbers on Stormtech tags aren't just marketing - they're your guide to choosing the right protection level. Waterproof ratings tell you how much water pressure the fabric can handle over 24 hours:
- Basic protection: 600mm-2,000mm
- Extreme protection: 8,000mm-15,000mm+
Breathability ratings work the same way, showing how much vapour passes through the fabric in 24 hours, ranging from basic (1,000g/m²) to extreme (15,000g/m²+).
Look for "fully seam-sealed" for complete waterproofing, or "critically sealed" for protection at the most vulnerable points.
Your Safety Net: Warranty and Returns
Stormtech backs their quality with a five-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for the original owner.
Gear Up with Confidence: Your Stormtech Journey Starts Here
Stormtech clothing isn't just about staying dry - it's about staying focused on what matters most. When you're properly equipped with gear that performs, you stop worrying about the weather and start concentrating on the task at hand.
After four decades perfecting their craft in some of the world's harshest conditions, Stormtech has earned its reputation the hard way. Their H2XTREME® waterproofing, Thermolex™ insulation, and PFC-free water repellents aren't just marketing features - they're battle-tested technologies that deliver when nature throws its worst at you. Unlike many competitors, Stormtech backs these claims with extensive testing and up to five-year warranties on select items.
What sets them apart goes beyond performance. Choosing Stormtech means supporting a brand that takes responsibility seriously. Their Pure Earth™ collection and ethical production practices prove you don't have to compromise your values for functionality. This commitment runs through everything they make, from technical outerwear to everyday essentials.
At Active Workwear, we understand that the right gear makes all the difference. That's why we stock Stormtech - because when professionals need clothing that works as hard as they do, they choose brands with proven track records.
The bottom line? Whether you're facing mountain storms or city showers, Stormtech gives you the confidence to push forward. When your gear is sorted, you can focus on what you do best - getting the job done, no matter what the weather brings.
Your next adventure is waiting. Make sure you're ready for it.
Frequently asked questions about StormTeach Clothing
Is Stormtech clothing suitable for extreme weather conditions?
Yes, Stormtech clothing is designed to withstand harsh weather. Their thermal jackets, like the Explorer, offer exceptional protection in cold climates with waterproof ratings up to 15,000mm and breathability of 10,000g/m². For rainy conditions, their H2XTREME® technology provides superior water and wind resistance.
How does Stormtech ensure the quality of their products?
Stormtech subjects their products to rigorous third-party testing according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. They also conduct independent inspection audits at every manufacturing facility to maintain high-quality standards across their product range.
What makes Stormtech different from other outdoor clothing brands?
Stormtech sets itself apart with proprietary technologies like H2XTREME® for waterproofing and Thermolex™ for insulation. They also focus on sustainability, using recycled materials and PFC-free water repellents, while maintaining a strong commitment to ethical production practises.
Can Stormtech clothing be customised for businesses?
Yes, Stormtech offers extensive customisation options through their Custom Programme. Businesses can personalise items with company logos, additional features, or even custom colourways, though this service requires minimum lead times of 120-180 days depending on the product.
What is Stormtech's warranty policy?
Stormtech provides a five-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for the original owner on select items. This warranty excludes normal wear and tear, improper care, or damage from decoration. Returns may be requested within 30 days of the invoice date, subject to specific conditions.
