A GREAT PROBLEM is posed by protective clothing. 'Oilskins' made of a single layer of waterproof material will keep out the wet, but, because of the difference in temperature between the outside atmosphere and the body heat, and because air is also excluded so that there is no ventilation, the remedy can end up by being almost as bad as the original trouble: damp has not penetrated, but condensation has built up on the inside of the 'oilskin'. Various answers to the problem include sophisticated 'breathing' materials and down-to-earth provision of ventilation by having jacket and trousers which overlap well and which are roomy enough to allow for some 'pumping' round of air with the movement of the arms.Functional have come up with another answer, using the 'airflow' principle in their jackets. Air contained between the impermeable outer and inner fabrics insulates against cold and deters condensation. A Functional 'foamliner' can be inserted between the two fabrics for more warmth: it is neither seen nor felt in wear, increasing the insulation without adding appreciably to weight. So you are kept just as warm as you want to be by one, three or five layers of air.

RNLI protective clothing for crews of conventional lifeboats is presently supplied by Functional, who make only small modifications to their normal design for the lifeboat service. The jackets are warm, dry and lightweight, and do not need much in the way of jerseys underneath them.

An integrated range of protective clothing aimed at allowing men and women to continue with their work or play regardless of wet, cold or wind, is also made by this firm: it includes deep pile cold weather clothing and can only be obtained directly from Functional Clothing Ltd., 20 Chepstow Street, Manchester Ml 5JF..