News

Mammut Shipment of Seon 35 Litre Cargo Daypacks just arrived.

13 April, 2022

We've just received a shipment of the Mammut Seon 35 Litre Daypacks. These packs have been designed as multi-purpose for travel, commute and climb with a variety of zippered pockets and compartments for travel and outdoor gear and could be used as a padded camera bag.

Mammut Seon Cargo Carry On Day Pack

Some Wilderness Equipment Tents Back in Stock

17 August, 2021

We've just received some more stock of Wilderness Equipment's First Arrow, Space 1 and Space 2 hiking and expedition tents!  Stock supply is extremely limited with production delays due to factories not running at 100% due to Covid. We have also been advised by our suppliers that hiking pole manufacturer DAC is experiencing supply shortages also, which is having a flow-on effect on availability of all hiking tents that use DAC poles in their tents.  It's going to be quite some time before stock supply returns to pre-covid levels.

Check out what we have in stock at the link below:

https://www.sevenhorizons.com.au/collections/wilderness-equipment

 

How to prevent Chafing when Hiking when wearing a Backpack

06 November, 2020

Here are some tips to minimise rubbing and chafing when wearing a backpack.

Layering your clothing for cold weather travel and the outdoors

15 May, 2020

 

When venturing into the outdoors for extended periods of time, you need clothing that will protect you from the elements – the blazing sun, freezing snow, and pelting rain. It’s particularly important that you have the right clothing when in the cold for extended periods of time, otherwise you risk developing frostbite, hypothermia and even dying - it’s that simple. Staying dry and warm is essential when outside in the cold weather, and this can be done by selecting suitable clothing and equipment to protect you from the elements. 

The layering method - it's as easy as 1,2,3.

A proven practice for dressing for the outdoors is to layer your clothing. Rather than using one jacket for use outside, you wear a combination of layers of clothing that can be worn depending on the weather conditions. In colder weather the layering principle helps to trap air between the layers of clothing, keeping you warm. It also means you have more clothing options available to you so you can dress to the weather conditions and your level of physical activity. There are three key layers that are used when layering clothing and they are: the base layer; the insulative layer, and the outer layer. 

 

1. Base Layer / Next to Skin Layer / Thermal Layer

 


The base layer’s primary job is to manage your body’s moisture by “wicking” perspiration off your skin, into your outer layers of clothing, where it can evaporate, leaving your skin dry. The base layer fabric not only has to be good at wicking moisture, but it needs to dry out quickly, so that your body stays dry. Wet clothing against your skin will cool your body down very quickly and in colder conditions this could lead to hypothermia.
For this reason, cotton is not an option. Cotton does a great job in soaking up water, but it then holds onto it, and takes a long time to dry out. For anyone that has had the unpleasant experience of wearing cotton in cold weather, you will remember the uncomfortable feeling of feeling clammy and cold.

Synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene and polyester are good options. Both these fabrics are excellent at wicking moisture off your skin and do not retain moisture. In recent years, wool has been modified to the point where it also can be worn as a thermal layer as it dries out relatively quickly. Wool, unlike polypropylene and polyester, naturally possesses antimicrobial properties making it more resistant to body odours. Polyester fabrics treated with silver chloride are also effective in inhibiting the growth of odour-causing bacteria. 

When choosing the sizing for base layers, ensure you go for a snug fit as you want the clothing to be in contact with your skin so that it can wick the sweat from your body. Check however, that it still allows for full freedom of unrestricted movement. Base layers can be briefs, sports bras, long underwear, tights and t-shirts. Thermal underwear is available in a range fabric weights suitable for varying activity levels and weather conditions.

Check out our range of Base Layers here: https://www.sevenhorizons.com.au/collections/thermal-underwear

2. Middle Layer or Insulative Layer.


The middle clothing layer’s primary function is to retain your body heat, trapping the air close to your body to keep you warm. This layer is typically put on when the base layer is not warm enough. Like the base layer, the middle layer of clothing also needs to be able to keep you warm if it does get wet, but dry out quickly. The middle clothing layer should “breathe” well, allowing excess body heat to escape. How warm this layer needs to be will depend on the type of outdoor activity you are engaged in, and how cold it is. Cross country skiers who are exerting high levels of energy will opt for lighter grade mid layers than travellers may require. Having a half-zip or full zip on this layer of clothing will help to regulate your body temperature also.

The middle layer of clothing is generally made from wool, polyesters, synthetic hollow fibres, or down. Synthetic fabrics will absorb very little amounts of water and dry out quicker than natural fibres such as wool and down. Down provides the best warmth for its weight and some manufacturers use down with synthetic fabrics in high perspiration areas within a jacket to prevent the jacket from becoming wet.

Windproof fleece such as Gore Windstopper and Polartec WindPro have the added advantage of stopping the wind from getting through the garment, and preventing warm air from escaping. They use a windproof membrane that blocks the wind but allows body moisture to move out of the jacket, keeping you dry and comfortable.

Check out a few of our collections below of intermediate insulating pieces:

https://www.sevenhorizons.com.au/collections/thermal-underwear

https://www.sevenhorizons.com.au/collections/insulated-jackets

 

3. The Outer Layer (outer shell)


The outer layer of clothing is designed to keep the wind, water and snow from entering your clothing. It also prevents necessary body heat that has been retained by your middle layer from escaping. The outer layer also needs to “breathe” allowing perspiration from your body to escape.

Finding a jacket that is waterproof, windproof and breathable is advisable for cold weather activities. These jackets tend to use a membrane that keeps the wind and driving rain out, but will also allow sweat from your body to pass through the jacket. You’ve probably experienced wearing a waterproof but non breathable jacket – you end up wetter on the inside than the outside! As your body heats up, the jacket does not allow the water vapour out, and it steams up your jacket, leaving you feeling clammy and cold.

There are varying types of waterproof and breathable jackets on the market, some more breathable than others.  This a complex topic that warrants its own blog post in the near future. For an example of a highly waterproof but also highly breathable jacket, take a look at the Marmot Essence, ideal for high exertion activities.

Most good jackets will also be treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish that makes the water bead and roll off the face fabric of the jacket. This means after the jacket has been in the rain, all you need to do is give your jacket a quick shake and it will be dry, so you can put a dry jacket back into your pack or bag.

Check out the links below to some Jackets that block Wind / Snow /Rain:

https://www.sevenhorizons.com.au/collections/wind-jacket

https://www.sevenhorizons.com.au/collections/waterproof-jacket

So there you have it, the layering principle. Next time you go outside, think about taking a few layers of the right gear rather than a bulky jacket, and you’ll be a lot more comfortable, and prepared for what the weather throws at you.

In an upcoming post, I’ll go into more detail about the different types of material used in each layer, and the different types of clothing currently available, so stay tuned!

Tim Coles

 

COVID-19 Coronavirus Response from the Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation

18 March, 2020

A message from Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation Executive Officer, Dom Courtney,

"We are living in interesting and challenging times - not only has the outdoor sector had to deal with drought, fires and floods in recent months; we are now faced with the very serious threat of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

Outdoor activities are good for physical and mental health.

The outdoors is still open to most of the Queensland population, and many outdoor activities can be undertaken while maintaining social distancing. We can still go for a bushwalk or a bike ride, we can throw a frisbee at the park, and we can still visit National Parks.

Some of us will still go rock climbing, paddling, trail bike riding or horse riding. We may need to modify and adapt our participation and delivery of activities, but we can do that. The outdoor sector has many people who are used to modifying and adapting as circumstances change.

There will be people and organisations who are terribly affected by this health crisis. QORF is committed to assisting the Queensland outdoor sector and the broader active industry to recover. We will provide information and provide opportunities for the outdoor community to have their say on what is happening and what actions could be taken to assist.

The outdoor community may not develop a vaccine for COVID-19, but we want to be part of the solution. We want to help people to maintain their physical and mental health throughout their lives, including during times of crisis.

Get Outdoors!

With social distancing restrictions in place that will limit the opportunities for body contact sports and team events, why not get outside and try an outdoor activity instead – go for a walk, ride a bike or take a canoe out on the river. Fresh air and sunshine are good for both your physical and mental health. Live live outdoors!"

Just in - Rab's new Uber-light Rainshell

25 February, 2020

We've just received stock of Rab's Phantom pullover. This 2.5 layer pertex pullover is fully taped seamed, waterproof and windproof and weighs just 90 grams.

Check it out here: https://www.sevenhorizons.com.au/collections/mens-waterproof-jackets/products/rab-mens-phantom-pull-on-waterproof-breathable-2-5-layer-pertex-super-ligthweight-rain-jacketRab Phantom Pullover

Men's Technical Insulated Jackets Comparison Table

25 February, 2020

Check out a table we have put together of some of our most popular insulated jackets with from warm to warmest:

https://www.sevenhorizons.com.au/pages/mens-technical-insulated-jackets-filling-and-warmth-comparison

Travel Packing Checklist

20 November, 2019

Heading off on an overseas adventure?

Here's a handy little packing list to help you make sure you have what you need for your trip. Depending on your adventure, some items in this checklist may be more relevant than others.

https://www.sevenhorizons.com.au/pages/travel-packing-checklist

Why We Stock Marmot Gear

24 October, 2018

Since 1974, Marmot has been making awesome outdoor gear including rain jackets, outdoor and travel clothing, hiking tents and sleeping bags.

Marmot - The History of The Brand

Marmot about the Brand

In April 1971, University of California Santa Cruz students Eric Reynolds and Dave Huntley were in Alaska's Juneau Icefield on a school Glaciology project. While on a glacier that the idea of a "Marmot Club" began. The name 'Marmot' refers to a group of highly social, large ground squirrels that live in mountainous areas. To become a Marmot, you had to climb a glaciated peak with another Marmot. One of the rules of the club was that everyone was President. 

In the following years, Eric and Dave began making prototypes of down products in their dorm room. Their first products were a down vest, a sweater and a parka and, later, three down sleeping bags. The warmest bag, the PIKA (now known as the CWM) was rated at -45 degrees Fahrenheit.

In the winter of 1973, Eric did an ascent of the Grand Teton in Wyoming with Tom Boyce of Grand Junction, Colorado. The following spring, Eric and Dave joined Tom in Grand Junction where they rented a 100 year old stone building near downtown and opened a rental and retail shop under the name of Marmot Mountain Works. They taught cross-country skiing in the winter to get by. Thus, in the spring of 1974, Marmot the company was born.

In 1976, a meeting would change the future of Marmot when Eric met Joe Tanner of W.L. Gore & Associates. Eric was one of the first in the U.S. to see a new concept in outdoor performance fabrics called Gore-Tex. He was intrigued, and within a couple of weeks had sewn prototype sleeping bags using the new Gore-Tex fabric for field testing. He and Dave proceeded to spend seven nights in a commercial frozen meat locker comparing bags with and without the Gore-Tex fabric as well as testing the bags under fire sprinklers. They liked what they saw and immediately changed everything in the line to Gore-Tex fabrics. Today, Marmot is the oldest customer of W.L. Gore in the world outdoor market.  

Why Buy Marmot Outdoor Gear, Like a Sleeping Bag, Rain Jacket and Tent?

Today, Marmot has grown quite a bit since their humble beginnings in 1974, and now is a global brand, but one thing has never changed; their commitment to designing the highest quality performance outdoor product.

Marmot as a company remains on the cutting edge of innovation, and consistently wins awards for its rain jackets jackets, clothing, tents and sleeping bags. Marmot's Nano Pro and Nano Pro Membrain are waterproof and breathable coatings and membranes that offer superior waterproofness and air permeability. Marmot's EvoDry  is a patented water repellent treatment that bonds to fabric fibres at a molecular level and does not wash off or wear out. It's 100% PFC free.

Long Heritage - Marmot's Mountain Pro Sleeping Bag range have been thoroughly tested in extreme conditions on every continent since they started manufacturing sleeping bags back in the 70's. They are an integral part of Marmot's long heritage as an industry leader in technical innovative expedition gear.

Industry Leader - Marmot's Outdoor Sleeping Bag range have been the industry leader for many years and strike a perfect balance between performance, versatility and value. Fully-featured, combined with super soft lining make these bags extremely comfortable.

The Marmot Tungsten Tent series build on Marmot's commitment to manufacturing great hiking tents, with increasing livability and maximising comfort. Volume optimising structure provides up to 35% more space than a standard x-frame tent. Catenary cut floors and fly keep seams off the ground, add durability, increase living space and increase ventilation. Colour coded poles and clip webbing make set up a breeze. Marmot's Limelight Tent series have set the industry standard for reliable, easy to set up, roomy hiking tents that provide great protection from the weather. Features include zone pre-bend poles for additional space; super sized D-doors, colour-coded easy pitch clips and poles; taped seamed fly for maximum waterproofness, catenary cut floors and multiple gear pockets. The Marmot Force Tent series are the go-to tents for fast and light adventures with etheral weight and impressive volume. Dual doors, a volume optimising structure, and extended head and foot zones ensure comfort and ease of use. The Marmot Bolt Tent series are Marmot's lightest hiking tents that are low on weight but big on room. The Marmot Eos Tent series is designed for solo through hiking and overnighters and offer a sturdy lightweight shelter with ample space. Check out the Marmot Tent Range here: https://www.sevenhorizons.com.au/collections/marmot-tents-australia

     

    Marmot Hiking Tents, including the Tungsten, Limelight, EOS, Force and Bolt Models: https://www.sevenhorizons.com.au/collections/marmot-tents-australia

     Marmot Tents Australia

    Marmot Sleeping Bags, including their Mountain Pro and Outdoor Sleeping Bag range:  https://www.sevenhorizons.com.au/collections/marmot-sleeping-bags-australiaMarmot Sleeping Bags Australia

    Marmot Clothing and Equipment: including their award winning Essence , Precip and Minimalist Jackets, convertible pants, polartec fleece jackets, and packable daypacks: https://www.sevenhorizons.com.au/collections/marmot-rain-jackets-and-clothing-australiaMarmot Equipment and Clothing Australia

    Award Winning Outdoor Gear

    16 October, 2018

    Check out our range of Award Winning Outdoor Gear
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