Why we chose it: Innovative, sustainable, stylish
Craghoppers’ new Dynamic 12000 jacket is not only designed to keep you dry and comfortable in the great outdoors, but also to improve your overall wellbeing, since it has a unique feelgood factor. Huh? Well, this jacket is equipped with a special mesh lining, imbued with six natural minerals, that apparently reflect your body’s own infra-red rays back into the body. Supposedly, these rays can improve the circulation of oxygen-rich blood and encourage cell regeneration. In turn, this promotes faster healing of deep tissues, keeping you active for longer.
That’s according to the marketing blurb, anyway. Cynics will scoff, but on the flipside, there are many advocates of similar IR and red-light therapies, and it is an increasingly popular field of alternative medicine that has been used to treat inflammation and even chronic or acute pain. Peer-reviewed research on its effectiveness is relatively scarce, although one study on infrared therapy for chronic low back pain that followed 40 patients over six years indicated impressive results.
Of course, it’s hard to assess whether it really works in a jacket. The mesh can only reflect the body’s own naturally occurring radiation after all, so it is likely to have a limited impact at best. Did we feel better after a day in the hills with the Dynamic than with other rain shells? Well, maybe – but we could put that down to numerous other factors. Ultimately, this is a technology that probably isn’t going to be top of the list when shopping for a new waterproof. But if you’re a believer, it’s a definite plus.
What Is The Craghoppers Dynamic Jacket Best Suited To?
As its on-trend, colour-blocked design might suggest, this jacket is aimed at “young, active and eco conscious” outdoor enthusiasts. It’s priced at £120, and is available in both men’s and women’s versions.
“It’s the sort of jacket that would easily transition from rainy city commutes to weekend adventures in the hills.”
Obviously, given its USP, the Dynamic 12000 tech will particularly appeal to those who are advocates of IR therapy. Infrared light – that is, light emitted beyond the visible end of the light spectrum – is essentially what makes the sun feel warm on your face. So, if you like the idea of having that sunny glow inside a jacket, this might be for you. Supposed health benefits aside, it should also mean that the Dynamic is marginally warmer than most waterproof shells, a possible benefit in chillier weather.
