John Traynor considers a unique contribution to outdoor garment insight and application in the field. Published in Jan 2020, Mike Parsons gifted a copy when we met up this year at the UK’s premier outdoor trade show in Liverpool.
Published under the OUTDOOR GEAR COACH (OGC) banner, ‘KEEPING DRY & STAYING WARM (PART 1)’ has had a long gestation but the wait has proved worthwhile. Founded by Mike Parsons and Mary Rose, OGC is an independent, self-funded Community Interest Company.
In and amongst a mountain of information, a number of personal insights lodged in my mind. A really significant practical application of the team’s experience in moulding the content came via Alan Hinkes. In the course of summitting the world’s fourteen 8000m peaks, he never suffered from frostbite.
Many considerations of layering are rather simplistic, implying a ‘one size fits all’ solution; not so this book. As well as integrating a fresh mindset with experience and knowledge in a unique volume, a key aspect is the independence of the content – no sponsorship and advertising nor brand allegiance.
It’s significant that the subtitles read, ‘How to stay dry, warm or cool in the outdoors. You, the environment, your garments and layering techniques.’ The emphasis on context, activity, location and interaction alone sets it apart from others. The detailed content makes it unlikely to be surpassed – ever.
This is not a book to pick up and read once from cover to cover. Rather, it encourages the reader to think, reflect, internalise and apply what they’ve learned in the field. The modular format suits a variety of learning situations from the individual enthusiast through specialist retailers and outdoor brand product development to the professional user, be they guide, adventurer or in outdoor education.
Detailed, exhaustive but not at all dry, there’s a conversational tone throughout which reflects a deep knowledge and extensive practical experience. Add the light touch of humour and the cartoons and it’s easy to reference time and again.
It’s not a book to be considered in isolation as it’s both practical in the application of its content and linked to the provision of training. The focus on raising awareness, insight and understanding is key in moving beyond the product training usually offered by brands. Unsurprisingly, that training tends to focus on product features and benefits rather than principles, resulting in what is often a mechanical consideration of how a garment is made rather than how it is best used.
Understanding context of use and variety of options available is what marks the true specialist, interacting with customer, product, principles, activities and the environment. The phrase ‘read a garment’ resonated in terms of understanding what it delivers and if it’s appropriate as did the importance of fit – a key consideration in this age of online sales.
The next Outdoor Gear Coach Performance Layering Course will be held next month in Kendal on 20 November, following the Kendal Mountain Festival. The course is rated as Continuing Personal Development (CPD) by a number of outdoor professionals’ organisations; intended for outdoor leaders and also open to experienced outdoor people. Find out more HERE.
On a personal note
There’s a lot of knowledge and insight in this volume. Do we need it all? Absolutely! As my one-time boss Gordon Davison, Berghaus co-founder, told me, “If you think you know it all, you’re an idiot.” He never stopped learning and neither will I.
JT
