Earth Sea Sky outdoor clothing

12 April 2009 () by Kendon Glass

Photo: Ben doing it tough at 4000 Metres altitude, Bolivia

From my first contact with owner David Ellis, I knew that Earth Sea Sky was a company set apart from the rest. At the time of my approach, Earth Sea Sky had a full quota of sponsored events and yet were willing to consider our request for support on the basis of what we aspired to achieve.

As a socially conscious company that has expressed a belief in the worth of the projects education initiative, Earth Sea Sky has become one of the Brink Expeditions most valued sponsors. Of course the Brink Expeditions ability to provide exposure to a brand is a key consideration for any sponsor we approach. Our job is made that much easier with Earth Sea Sky because, just like their unfailing support for us, their clothing line carries a similar robust commitment.

The Earth Sea Sky range has an item of clothing designed to meet every environment head on. The entire range that we carry performs admirably. I am yet to curse the cold, be soaked to the bone or find a loose thread. It is as simple as that.

Performance

TRAVERSE JACKETS & OVERTROUSERS

The most valuable bit of clothing we have. The Traverse was put to the test at both ends of the South American continent – we faced the cold, unrelenting wind of Patagonia, icy rain and occasional snow in Tierra del Fuego, and the torrential onslaught of rainstorms in both Venezuela and Brazil. The Traverse was up to the challenge though, keeping us dry throughout our cycling days.

FIRST LAYER SILK WEIGHT TOP

We used the First Layer Silk Weight T-shirt’s on a daily basis. During rigorous exercise the First Layer Silk Weight Top provided excellent ventilation, helping to maintain safe body temperatures in humid conditions.

All odours can be removed from this garment by a quick water wash and air then drying in a blink of the eye. The functionality of this garment is a dream for any outdoor enthusiast who is on the run and needs to keep weight down.

PROLITE LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS

A hard wearing item that provides good ventilation and protection from unfriendly environments. The Prolite Long Sleeve Shirts are our first line of defense against aggressive ultra violet rays and the mosquito hordes that frequent tropical regions. The Prolite design delivers a quick drying garment that makes the problem of bulky wet clothing a thing of the past. The Prolite Long Sleeve Shirt scrubs up well for those occasions that we stumble into civilized quarters and there is a need to appear more respectable.

HELIUM FLEECE JACKETS

Snug as a bug in a rug. The Helium jackets saved us from many a night’s miserable sleep, whether it was at high altitude camping on Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni or down south amongst the wind and ice of Tierra del Fuego. They’ve kept us toasty for over a year now, also proving to be very light and easily stowed in the bicycle panniers.

JOE 90 MICRO FLEECE PULLOVER

If the Traverse is the most valuable clothing item in our kit bags then the Joe 90 must be the most popular. It’s great for those nights around the campfire when there’s a chill in the air, but even better for those nights when joining new friends on the town for a meal. It is the garment of choice for any shabby cycle tourist dressing to impress! Seriously, it is versatile, it keeps you warm, and it feels good on.

MERINO LONG JOHNS

The Merino Long Johns are essential to a good night’s sleep in South America’s colder environments. They are very comfortable to wear and easily washable. They do the job, no problems.

FIRST LAYER BOXERS, FIRST LAYER & WINDSTOPPER GLOVES, MICRO FLEECE BALACLAVAS

These items are precious. The gloves and balaclava are some of the first items reached for at the end of the day’s cycle in the cold zone. In Patagonia particularly, the bite can really be felt on your body’s extremities, and it was there where we first appreciated the importance of carrying good quality accessories.

SHERPA ACORN HATS

As well as providing the foundation for garden gnome jokes and dwarf impersonations the Acorn did an awesome job of keeping our heads and ears warm, and all with a comfy fit. Two stubby thumbs up from both ‘Doey’ and ‘Stupey’.

LEGIONNAIRES CAPS

This cap dries quick, packs compact and light, and most important of all keeps the rays from doing damage. The Legionnaires became an essential part of the apparatus for a day’s ride, and wore well underneath the helmet. It gets the burn-easy redhead’s seal of approval!

SIDE WINDER SHORTS

The Side Winder shorts are great all-purpose, quick-dry knockabouts that have taken all sorts of punishment over the last year and are still wearing well. They wash very easily and dry in no time with a bit of sun. Perfect for the cycle tourist on the move.

PROLITE CONVERTIBLE TROUSERS

The Prolite convertibles are probably the most worn articles in our ESS wardrobe. This gear is great for sun protection, but also helped us keep the mosquito hordes of Venezuela and Brazil at bay. They’re great for cycling as they are super light, they are cool in hot conditions and they dry very quickly. They also breathe very well. With an overnight airing you’ll find that most body odour will escape the material by next morning – important to know if you are a conscientious cycle tourist not wanting to offend the locals.

Thank you

David Ellis - With extreme conditions a daily reality for the Expedition, Earth Sea Sky's contribution is a crucial one. We appreciate greatly the generous support of the Ellis family.

Photo: Kendon cycling for several kilometres along a remote beach in North East Brazil

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