At Chelmer Workwear, we like to put the products we recommend through their paces. After all, if we’re asking our customers to trust in the quality of a brand, we need to know it delivers when it matters most. Normally, this means testing workwear and outerwear in everyday situations – but recently, I took things to a whole new level.
Literally.
I finally had the chance to fulfil a long-held ambition: climbing Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. And what better way to do it than while testing some of our favourite Stormtech products? Stormtech are a Canadian brand that designs and manufactures high performance outdoor wear.
Preparing for the Climb
Given the summer heatwave (apparently the hottest on record), I thought the conditions would be perfect for trying out Stormtech’s lightweight garments including a breathable polo shirt and windproof jacket. After all, Scotland in July couldn’t be that bad… right?
Well, I was quickly reminded just how unpredictable Highland weather can be.
The Reality of the Summit
My first attempt had to be abandoned thanks to 60mph winds battering the summit. On day two, the winds had “dropped” to a breezy 35mph—still enough to make things interesting—but this time they came with relentless driving rain. Out went the lightweight windproof, and on went the Stormtech Matrix System 3-in-1 Jacket. With thermal shell liner and an H2xtreme waterproof / breathable outer I had originally thought this might be a bit excessive for summer. But the rain didn’t stop – all the way up and all the way down again.
And here’s the thing: after 9 hours of non-stop heavy rain, I was still bone dry underneath the jacket. Not a single drop had made its way through. Even at the summit, where the temperature was hovering around 2°C (a stark contrast to the 30°C heat back home in Essex) the jacket kept the cold at bay.
The Verdict
Did I enjoy the experience? Honestly, not much in the moment—although the celebrations afterwards definitely helped! But as a real-world test of Stormtech’s performance, it couldn’t have been more convincing.
The Stormtech Matrix System Jacket proved itself to be the best jacket I’ve ever owned. Waterproof, windproof, and comfortable in extreme conditions—it’s exactly the kind of outerwear we’re proud to recommend to our customers.
If it can handle the wilds of Ben Nevis, it can handle just about anything the British weather throws at you.
Click here for details of the Matrix System Jacket
View the whole Stormtech range here
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to see any samples or discuss your branded garment requirements in more detail. You can reach us on 01245 790785 or click here to send us a message or you can email me directly at duncan@chelmerprint.co.uk