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Ventile
Ventile is a long staple cotton fabric of
the highest quality. It was developed in World War II for high altitude
clothing for the RAF. It is a natural fibre naturally, soft, windproof and
incredibly hard wearing. I've worn a ventile windproof jacket and over
trousers in hurricane force winds well below freezing and apart from being
blown every where was as comfortable as could be - ok it's all relative
but the weather didn't get through.
Ventile is the fabric used for the "windies"
that I was issued with as standard wear in Antarctica. These compromised
the outer layers, not insulated as such, but because of their windproof
properties gave more warmth than would appear. They were worn everywhere,
no modern fabric came close in comfort or versatility.
A friend of mine wore his ventile "windy
jacket" every year on the ski-slopes of Europe on his return, and still
does so, taking great delight in their lo-tech appearance before heading
off down a black run leaving everyone standing.
Ventile garments are often offered as "Hunting
Wear" where they function admirably being resistant to snagging on vegetation,
highly breathable, highly water resistant and exceptionally quiet in use
adding a "stealth" aspect to their qualities.
Ventile is also very versatile, I had a pair
of ventile pants in Antarctica and also when I left and travelled around
South America. I've worn them in all climates and temperatures and always
found them supremely comfortable. More windproof than moleskin and harder
wearing. They are also superb in really cold weather when teamed up with
some thermal undergarments as the wind just never gets through them.
Any of the modern (not historical)
pictures on this site that show people in Antarctica will mainly show them
orange or green ventile windproof jackets - for practicality, they had no
rival.
| The "secret" of
ventile is simple, it's not laminated, it's not coated, it's
just made from the highest quality raw material. The finest long
staple cotton fibers found only in the top 2% of the world cotton
crop are used. The cotton is then woven into a very dense "Oxford"
weave pattern that requires up to 30% more cotton than other conventional
fabrics. It is an entirely natural 100% cotton product.
On wetting, the cotton fibers swell
and a combination of fibers and weave pattern mean that the fabric
"closes up" preventing the passage of water. The fabric still remains
breathable in a way that no other man-made synthetic water resistant
material can manage.
Properties;
 | Weatherproof, protects from
anything the elements can throw at you. |
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| Windproof, in Antarctica the
windiest continent on earth, ventile is used to make
windproof garments for field parties. |
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| Breathable, very important
in Antarctica (and elsewhere too) when rest after exertion
can cause freezing of sweat if it is not allowed to
escape. |
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| Quiet, no "rustle", so people
or animals can't hear you approaching. |
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| Comfort, soft and forgiving
and doesn't stiffen up at low temperatures like some
synthetic materials do. |
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| Durable, tough and hardwearing. |
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| Reliable, simple construction
means no coatings or separation of layers to worry about. |
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Men's Ventile Field Pants
Six suspender buttons
that are low profile so they don't dig into your waist, and two front change
or key security pockets; left pocket is open for easy entry, right has zipper.
With traditional briar pants placement of doubled Ventile cloth front leg
and back calf these otherwise single-layer pants are perfect for temperate
conditions or casual wear. Ventile is the world's sturdiest poplin. The
soft, pliable fabric is so tightly packed, it is waterproof, making these
the most useful and durable pants you will ever own. In khaki. Washable.
Imported. Even sizes: 32-46. Plain finished up to 35 with wear-resistant
mock leather hem at no extra charge.
Waterproof Ventile Field Jacket
Stay dry and comfortable in the
field, no matter how windy or wet, in our new field jacket. Thoughtfully
constructed and cut from the world's best hunting fabric—Ventile®, a cotton
fabric that runs the gauntlet of briars and thorns without a snag, yet still
breathes and wicks moisture away from your body. Plus, with its seam-sealed,
waterproof drop liner, you'll stay dry even in a downpour. Complete with
features you'd expect in a fine field jacket, including capacious shell
pockets, microfleece-lined hand-warmer pockets, and waterproof leather accents
on the collar, cuffs, and pockets. Double-stitched at stress points for
extra durability. In khaki. Dry clean only. Imported.
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Ventile
Cloth Upland Shirt
