Inter-Bike Review

SealSkinz Review

At a recent show I was attracted to the SealSkinz stand by the offer of putting a sock on my hand and plunging it into a tank of water. Well anything for a laugh and low and behold a dry hand while moving it up and down the tank.

Apparently Sealskinz is an independent company specialising in waterproof, windproof and breathable garments for a whole range of applications and has been in existence since 1996 based in Norfolk. As well as the leisure markets they also supply many professional users who need to remain warm and dry whatever the conditions like the police and military, hence the heavy duty range.

Hard to argue against such a demonstration so I ordered a pair of their lightweight socks, as most of my boots are a nice tight comfortable fit and the race boots would not stand the thicker, longer boot sock. While I was at it I ordered a pair of their Heavy Duty Cold Weather gloves and an Underwear Cap to combat the cold weather, which as it turned out was shrewd move on my part, given the extreme weather that hit after they all arrived.

Lightweight Sock
Being a cynic, I just had to repeat the test just in case the show item was something special and was pleasantly surprised to get the same result, a totally dry foot. So armed with the certain knowledge that I was going to have dry feet I chose a none Gore-Tex lined pair of boots and headed out into the rain and after a days motorcycling I came home with warm, dry feet.

Since then they have been the only choice on any day that looks like it will rain, because they are very comfortable inside boots as well as giving that insurance policy in case of ageing Gore-Tex lining gives up in the odd area.

The merino wool sock is close fitting and come up well above the traditional calf length boot top so is an additional layer of warmth to the lower leg. Although they have the ability to withstand micro –organisms and the fact I change into ordinary socks for the rest of the day, I find a quick rinse in luke-warm water at the end of every day keeps them fresh and they dry quickly so are ready for the next day’s use which makes them ideal for touring when space is at a premium.

I can say that these have become an essential part of my all weather kit as after a couple of months they are still as good as new and working as well as day one! They come in black only with a blue top band, but I have got to give these a five start rating!

Heavy Duty Cold Weather Glove
These Tactel full length gloves it nicely under the jacket cuff and can be pulled tight around the forearm by a drawstring to prevent drafts.
They have leather palm and Primaloft insulation inside as well as a waterproof membrane. It has to be said that these would not give the same level of protection in the event of a spill as an all leather glove, but they do keep your hands warm and dry, which means you do not lose concentration, so are less like to need protection!

They are warm and not to bulky and clip together when not is use which is useful feature as you are less likely to loose two!

I have to say that like a lot of modern materials that while they do not look much in use they are superb, allowing ease of control which is of paramount importance.

The outer dries quite quickly even after several hours in the rain which is useful and once again means they are ready for use the next day or to go home again. The usual sizing of S,M,L and XL applies for these top quality items.

Under Headwear Cap
This is designed to be worn under a helmet and acts as a sanitizer for the lining as well as preventing heat loss. The stretch garment with has a micro-fleece lining and has holes around the ears to aid hearing.

I have to say that despite being a little self-conscious when I started wearing it, this soon disappeared when I realised how effective it was in preventing heat loss from my balding dome.

One note of caution! I am fortunate enough to several helmets and one is particularly a snug fit and I was unable to wear this item with it, although on the slightly loser fit it was not a problem. Once again easily washable and an effective winter riding aid in four sizes.

All of these are available from SealSkinz

Review by Ian Kerr

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