Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup
Using your Switch Up II Jacket is straightforward:
- Hood Adjustment: The detachable technical hood can be attached or removed via a zipper. Adjust the drawcords and the wired peak to achieve a snug fit that doesn't obstruct your vision, especially in windy or rainy conditions.
- Zipper Operation: The hi-tech water-repellent 2-way centre front zip allows you to open the jacket from both the top and the bottom. This is useful for ventilation while maintaining upper body protection or accessing lower layers/pockets without fully unzipping.
- Cuff and Hem Adjustment: Ensure cuffs are snugly fitted to prevent water or wind entry. The hem can typically be adjusted with a drawcord (Info needed: confirm specific hem adjustment mechanism) for a closer fit.
Compatibility
This jacket is highly compatible with a range of outdoor activities and layering systems:
- Activities: Ideal for outdoor activities, hiking, walking, and camping. It serves as an excellent outer shell for protection against rain and wind.
- Layering: Wear it over a base layer and a mid-layer (like a fleece) for warmth in colder conditions, or directly over a base layer for active pursuits in milder, wet weather.
Care
Proper care is essential to maintain the performance and longevity of your technical jacket:
- Preparation: Before washing, close all zippers and fastenings. Loosen any drawcords. Turn the jacket inside out.
- Washing: Use a technical wash designed for waterproof and breathable fabrics (e.g., Nikwax Tech Wash or Grangers Performance Wash). Do not use conventional detergents, fabric softeners, or bleach, as these can impair the fabric's DWR finish and breathability.
- Follow the instructions on the technical wash product. Typically, wash on a gentle cycle at 30°C (cold water).
- Rinsing: Ensure the jacket is thoroughly rinsed to remove all detergent residues.
- Drying: Air dry the jacket completely. Avoid direct heat. You may tumble dry on a low, gentle setting if recommended by specific product care tags, as gentle heat can help reactivate the DWR finish. However, air drying is generally safer.
- Re-proofing: Over time, the DWR finish may wear off. If water no longer beads on the fabric surface, apply a DWR re-proofing treatment (spray-on or wash-in) specifically designed for breathable waterproof fabrics. Follow the product's instructions carefully.