Farmers today have a huge array of different resources to help them raise animals and grow crops. This includes all manner of tools, equipment, and technology. However, it remains a very challenging and physically demanding job. Some tasks are still only possible by hand. Plus, every farmer will be at the mercy of the weather. So, having the right gear is vital. This includes reliable waterproofs.
You might think choosing the ideal workwear for farming will be easy. But, it can be much tougher than you expect. You need to ensure garments will be comfortable, durable, able to keep you dry, and functional. Even more importantly though, they must allow you to move easily to do your tasks. What is the point of being dry and cosy if you can’t move around and work? You could even have an accident and suffer serious injuries because of the lack of mobility.
Can you move?
There are a couple of important things to think about if you want to ensure you will be able to move freely in waterproof clothing. Firstly, look at the size and fit. You don’t want a garment too be too tight as it will restrict your movement. On the other hand, you don’t want it to be too loose or you could be in danger of it getting caught on tools or machinery.
Secondly, think about the weight. In the past, waterproofs like oilskins were very heavy. They provide excellent protection against water, but the weight can make it difficult to move around freely. Farmers will likely want lighter garments. Materials like PVC and polyester are great if you want lightweight jackets, trousers, and other products.
Finally, think about the rigidity of the materials. If they are too rigid, it can be hard to move around and do different farming tasks. Generally you’ll want more flexibility to allow easy movement.
Features
Choosing the ultimate gear for farming also means thinking carefully about the features. This often comes down to preference though. For example, you might be perfectly happy with basic garments. Or, you might carry around a lot of little tools and other equipment. In that case, it can be useful to have deep angled pockets. Just make sure you think about what you need and the impact on the weight.
One of the most important features is to make sure the waterproofs are easy to clean. Farming is a messy job. Your garments will likely get covered in all kinds of muck. It can have an impact on their performance if you can’t clean them easily. Typically you want materials like PVC with a slick finish. It means contaminants don’t have something to cling to, so generally it is easy to just wipe them clean.
As you might expect, you also need to pay close attention to the waterproofing. Don’t let the different terms fool you; you want products that are waterproof. If it says water resistant, weather resistant, or water repellent, it’s no good for getting caught outside in anything more than a light shower. Make sure you have a true waterproof garment, especially jackets.
Still on the topic of waterproofing, make sure your garments have sealed seams. This will ensure that the water doesn’t penetrate the material.
Talk to us about waterproofs
JS Hubbuck Ltd has been supporting farmers for generations. We’ve seen all the changes in the industry, including the developments in equipment, technology, and clothing. We work to help clients get everything they need to farm effectively. This includes animal feed, fertiliser, and more.
So, if you want the ultimate waterproofs for farming, contact us. We can give you details and recommend different products for various needs, including intensive physical farm tasks.