Blackrock’s Dartmoor fleece jacket is made from a high-tec soft shell material. This material is now favoured by many outdoor types because it is completely windproof, highly breathable and water resistant.
 I had read about this material in some of the rock climbing magazines and because they think outdoor adventure sports people are loaded, the price tag for this sort of jacket is over two hundred quid. If they could swallow their pride and forgo the trendy designer labels in favour of workwear brands they would save a fortune.
Most breathable fabrics are good up to a point but when you start doing something energetic such as cycling or running in it then you soon discover their limitations. in removing moisture to the outside of your clothing. I took the jacket out for a long run in the hills and the following week I wore it to go cycling. I was amazed at just how well the microfleece lining wicks the moisture away. It is also beautifully warm. Despite there being a biting wind producing a 6 degree windchill the jacket remained warm but not over-hot.
In heavy rain it repels water up to a point. Certainly it keeps the majority of water out but it isn’t equal to my Gortex jacket and if you had to work in a downpour all day it would get in. I would recommend a thin shell waterproof over the top with a good hood if you have to be out in heavy rain. For appearance you can’t fault it. The jacket is very modern and stylish and I got a lot of good comments from males and females along the lines of ‘nice jacket shame about the bloke’ or ‘where did you nick that from?’
The next Blackrock component is the Ranger Boot which I love to bits. You are either a boot person or a shoe person and given the choice I always go for the boot provided I am not working where I have to take them off to go into the house. Out on site or dodging around I like the ankle protection and the extra support this high boot gives you when you are carrying heavy weights across rough ground. The soles are shock absorbing which is also good if you are carrying loads or jumping up and down from staging. 17 .5 % extra.
Ranger Boot
Colour: Black
Sizes: 5 - 13
Safety rating: CE EN20345:1 S3
• TPU/PU double density sole
• Steel toe cap
• Steel midsole for extra protection
• Smooth, water resistant leather upper
• Shock absorbing rubber sole, heat resistant to 300°C
• Antistatic properties
• Padded collar and comfortable linings
For further information on Blackrock products visit:
www.blackrockworkwear.co.uk
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