Oeko-Tex (the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile Ecology) is an organisation based in Switzerland which has produced a number of standards to ensure confidence in textiles for manufacturers and consumers. All testing for the standards is conducted by a network of 15 independent labs across the world.

There are currently three levels of certification. Oeko-Tex Standard 100 covers the use of harmful substances in textiles, Oeko-Tex Standard 1000 covers damaging production facilities and Oeko-Tex Standard 100+ is the ultimate level of certification requiring that a product meets both of the other standards.

Equilibrium is a highly breathable open weave unlaminated softshell style fabric from the fabric experts at Pertex. It is substantially more durable than the feather light Quantum fabrics but retains the classic dernier gradient Pertex design to move moisture away from the skin.

When combined with a DWR treatment Equilibrium keeps showers off and blocks all but the heaviest winds. It has a more open structure than film like windproof fabrics making it much more breathable but with a slight compromise.

Rather than using complex chemical treatments and lamination techniques, Rab's award winning Vapour-rise technology takes a classic idea and updates it with modern fabrics. Garments made from 'pile and Pertex' have been around for a long time, but they tended to be heavy and best suited to very cold weather.

Rab brought this softshell technology up to date by combining a lightweight Pertex Equilibrium as a durable outer barrier with a fine wicking microfleece inner to create extremely breathable garments that work across a wide range of weather conditions. Like all softshell it is not designed to be 100% waterproof but a DWR treatment and exceptional moisture transfer properties more than make up for this compromise.

Velcro has been holding things together for well over 50 years and today is found on everything from softshell jackets to climbing harnesses to tents. The design came about after Georges de Mestral noticed cockleburs sticking to his trousers and his dog during a walk. Velcro simulates this idea to create fabrics which stick together: one with thousands of tiny hooks and one with thousands of tiny loops.

The word has become a generic term for any fastening which works on the Velcro principle, whose patent expired in the 70's. Alternatives are often called 'hook and loop' or 'touch' fasteners, but some manufacturers choose to spend more to buy official Velcro branded products for their lines.

YKK is a Japanese group of manufacturing companies and is the world's largest zipper manufacturer with a reputation for reliable and durable build quality in their zips. It was founded in 1934 by Mr Yoshida and known as Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha.

Today YKK produces zippers for everything from handbags to wetsuits as well as many other fasteners. They are at the forefront of innovation in fastener design and will generally last longer than similar non-branded designs.