By Louise Ramsay
Windcheater, cagoule, parka or mac – call it what you like, the important thing is it keeps the rain out. If you can fold it away into a bag, all the better.
Target Dry’s Mac in a Sac has been doing this to great effect since 1987, which along with a growing range of other wet weather garments, has helped build the brand a fearsome reputation and enable it to export to 45 countries across the globe.
Core product
Arran Andrews, export manager at Target Dry, says: “The Mac in a Sac range is still our core product. It’s ideal for a wide range of sports, including cycling, running and hiking, and consists of men’s, ladies’ and kids’ waterproof jackets, coats and overtrousers that pack into their own bag.
“Winning an award for the best packaway mac in its class from Trail magazine, Mac in a Sac applies the same high technical standards and stylish colour combinations to children’s and adults’ garments.”
Technical specifications in terms of waterproofing and breathability are measured through two different scales. Waterproofing in the number of millimetres of rain that can fall on a garment before it starts to let the water in – for example, a jacket that is 4,000mm waterproof would keep you dry in rainfall of up to four centimetres.
Breathability is measured in how many grams of water vapour can pass through a square metre of fabric (gsm) from the inside to the outside over 24 hours – for instance, 4,000gsm would mean 4,000 grams of water could ‘breathe’ its way out of a garment in 24 hours.
Different ranges
“The 2016 Mac in a Sac Origin collection offers up to 7000mm and 7000gsm in fresh shades with fully taped seams, water repellent zips and foldaway hoods,” Andrews says.
“Elasticated cuffs stop water running down the sleeves and the hems can be adjusted with a two-tone drawcord and toggles. A two-year guarantee means we promise to replace or refund any garment that doesn’t live up to expectations.”
Mac in a Sac Neon has all the technical features of the Origin waterproof jacket, but is available in a range of bright, bold colours, including neon orange, blue and yellow.
Target Dry’s Xtreme series is athletic, fitted clothing for high performance outdoor enthusiasts. Its waterproof and breathable garments offer good ventilation, articulated cuffs, resistance to ripping and extra details such as foldaway hoods, map pockets and mesh lining.
“The range offers up to 8,000mm waterproofing and 8,000gsm and includes lightweight waterproof jackets and fleeces to high performance garments tested by hikers and fell runners in blizzard conditions,” Andrews says.
“The men’s Atlas is one example of the range. It’s a waterproof [5,000mm], breathable [5,000gsm] and windproof jacket with fully taped seams and a concealed volume adjustable hood with a storm peak.”
Coming up trumps too is Target Dry’s Element men’s waterproof technical jacket, which Trail magazine judged ‘best in test’.
Waterproof to 8,000mm and breathable to 400gms, it’s a feature rich garment designed for the serious walker, provides excellent storage via its two deep front chest pockets, has waterproof zips and is great in the cold as it has fleece lined pockets to warm the hands.
The three-piece storm-peak hood is easy to adjust and shape for extra protection and comfort.
Waterproof fleeces
But don’t think the only way to stay dry is with a traditional waterproof jacket. Target Dry’s Platinum fleece for women combines a membrane within the fleece to create a warm garment that can withstand rain to 5,000mm and is breathable to 5,000gsm.
In terms of warmth, it’s been given a 330g/ms rating, which is the weight per metre squared of the fabric.
Men can keep warm and dry with the likes of the Vertigo men’s waterproof fleece – one of Target Dry’s best performers.
Made from bonded anti-pill brushed fleece (310gsm) with PU membrane, it’s waterproof to 5,000mm, breathable to 5,000gsm and windproof. It features two zipped chest pockets and two zipped front pockets with easy grip Velcro adjustable cuff tabs.
The Xtreme range also features waterproof trousers to complement the jackets and fleeces in the series. All products come in a wide range of sizes and colours.
