This year marks the 25th year of manufacturing for this innovative British manufacturer and to celebrate '25 Years of Reed' we are having a look at what they have to offer us sea kayakers. Over the next few weeks we will do a series of reviews of a selection of their products and have a few giveaway prizes to offer too, so keep checking back here for more. But first to really understand Reed you need to know about their range of unique fabrics and the performance properties they offer.
Founded in 1999 by Chris Reed, one of the nicest people in the industry. Originally to meet the needs of his own kids active outdoor lifestyles on the beaches of South West England. Over the years Reed has developed a selection of unique fabrics exclusively for their own use and they manufactures a range of products in each material in their small factory in Braunton, Devon. Each fabric has been designed to give it a certain range of attributes making it suitable for different applications.
Transpire fleece
Transpire fleece fabric has a tight brush fleece on the inside and a smooth, slip knit on the outside. This is designed to move the sweat away from the body and towards outer layer. These fleeces should be worn in contact with the skin to maximise the wicking properties. Reed have a top to toe range of Transpire Fleece garments, from hats to socks and everything in between. They are Reed's best seller.
Transpire Fleece Long Sleeve Top Unisex
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Aquatherm + Super Stretch Aquatherm
Aquatherm is a lightweight, waterproof fabric that offers great freedom of movement. It is less than a millimetre thick and yet strong, waterproof and flexible, all while being PFC free. The inner surface is a soft feel, fast drying, polyester stretch knit while the outer surface is a tough, stretchy and waterproof polyurethane layer. As well as dry tops, pants and suits it is used to make a wide range of spraydecks. Super Stretch Aquatherm is similar to Aquatherm but thinner and more flexible making it ideal for neck and cuff seals. Being made of a non latex material can make it more comfortable to wear next to the skin and it is much more split resistant than standard latex seals.
Aquatherm Touring Jacket with Hood
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Aquatherm Spraydeck with Adjustable Waist
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Aquatherm Fleece
Another fabric unique to Reed Chillcheater, Aquatherm Fleece has the same PFC free polyurethane outer surface as Aquatherm but it is bonded to a thicker, softer brushed fleece on the inside. It can be worn next to the skin and is designed to be used in colder environments without the restrictions of multiple layers of bulky fabrics. The Aquatherm Fleece Pogies feel lovely and warm on your hands and are light enough not to affect your paddling stroke, either when worn or stored wrapped up on the paddle shaft.
Aquatherm Fleece Pogies
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By Philip Clegg
With over two decades of working in the sea kayaking industry, Phil can be found on a daily basis coaching on the sea around Anglesey. That's when he's not researching and writing on all things sea kayaking.