Best Hiking and Walking Socks: How to Choose the Right Pair
The best hiking socks keep feet dry and blister-free. How to pick the fibre, cushioning and height for your boots, and when waterproof socks earn their place.
53 Degrees North |
53 Degrees North Outdoor Blog
-
-
The Best Waterproof Jackets in Ireland for Autumn/Winter 2026
Our autumn/winter 2026 pick of the best waterproof jackets for men and women, from GORE-TEX hillwalking shells to packable rain jackets and warm waterproofs for winter.
53 Degrees North |
-
What Is Ventron? The Waterproof Fabric Explained
What is Ventron? The 10,000mm waterproof fabric used in the Trailpeak range: how it performs, how it compares to Gore-Tex, and what it's used in.
53 Degrees North |
-
DryVent vs Gore-Tex: How They Compare
DryVent, Gore-Tex, FUTURELIGHT, Omni-Tech and Ventron explained: how each waterproof membrane works, how they differ, and which suits Irish weather.
53 Degrees North |
-
What Is Omni-Tech? Columbia's Waterproof Membrane Explained
What is Omni-Tech? Columbia's waterproof-breathable membrane explained: how it works, how it compares to Gore-Tex and OutDry, and which Columbia gear uses it.
53 Degrees North |
-
FUTURELIGHT vs Gore-Tex: How The North Face's Membrane Compares
FUTURELIGHT vs Gore-Tex: how The North Face's air-permeable membrane compares with the Gore-Tex benchmark on breathability, waterproofing, durability and choice.
53 Degrees North |
-
How to Choose a Waterproof Jacket
The waterproof rating is only the start. Here is how to match a jacket to how you actually use it, from the commute to a full day on the Irish...
53 Degrees North |
-
Waterproof Ratings Explained: What the mm Actually Means
What the mm on a waterproof jacket actually means, the ratings scale from showerproof to mountain-ready, and how much waterproofing you really need in Irish weather.
53 Degrees North |
-
Trail-Ready Waterproof: How 10,000mm Ventron™ Performs
A waterproof rating measures a fabric's resistance to water penetration in millimetres specifically, the height of a water column the material can hold back before moisture pushes through. A jacket...
53 Degrees North |
