FAQs
Where are RBH products made?
We are a small family-owned/operated company located in Connecticut. For the past decade products have been made-to-order by the co-founder Ryan Hannigan. Being at the sharp-end of the needle has given us a true appreciation of labor and the atttention to detail. As we grow we are dedicated to a combination of high-quality in-house production and networking with work-rooms that cater to the small-batch production.
What environmental consideration are made when selecting your materials?
RBH Designs began with the performance market which requires synthetic materials. We use domestically - produced fabrics which include recycled fabrics whenever they are available. These recyled components include Climashield Green from Western Nonwovens and fleece constructed form EcoSpun fiber from Draper Knitting/Foss Fibers. More recently we have been expanding our product offering with our Otherline made from sustainable fibers such as hemp, organic cotton and flax.
What is a vapor barrier (VB) ?
Short and sweet – it is any material that has a high resistance to moisture penetration.
With VB clothing what happens to the sweat?
Your clothing is not a sealed system. Moisture can be allowed to escape through front zipper and available vents.
What is VaprThrm®?
VaprThrm® is the trademark for our patented fabrics which are triple-laminate vapor barriers. The vapor barrier is sandwiched between two fabrics—a soft wicking lining fabric next to skin and an insulating layer on the outside. No plastic-bag feel—just comfort, warmth and safety.
What’s the sense of having a wicking lining if the fabric doesn’t breathe?
A wicking fabric next to skin is still very important for comfort. Whether it is part of the fabric construction or worn as a separate layer, the wicking layer will provide next-to-skin comfort and speed dry time when venting.
How does VaprThrm® differ from the waterproof/“breathable” layering system?
VaprThrm® prevents evaporative heat loss. The purpose of waterproof/“breathable” fabrics is to allow evaporative heat loss.
What are the benefits of VaprThrm® - vapor barriers?
Benefits include:
For outdoors
- Provides 10 to 15 degrees extra warmth by preventing evaporative heat loss
- Protects insulating layers from sweat
- Fewer layers necessary
- Easy regulation of body’s temperature
- Wear less, sweat less; remain better hydrated
- Unequalled weight-to-warmth ratio
- Lighter pack weight
- Best prevention against dehydration, hypothermia, and frostbite
For indoors
- Because VaprThrm® provides 10 to 15 degrees extra warmth you can lower thermostats, burn less fuel, save on home heating costs, and still feel warmer by holding your own body’s heat close
- Cooler indoor temperatures in winter months are healthier for your respiratory system—fewer viruses and bacterial infections
- Provides lightweight comfort and warmth for all, but especially comforting for the elderly or infirmed
How should I wear the VaprThrm NTS clothing?
It is best worn next to skin (hence the name) or over a lightweight base or T- shirt. The Relayer products can be worn in the same fashion. The Lightning Bug, One-X and Double Wall products can all function as VB layers but are intended to be worn over a thin base for comfort.
How will VaprThrm change the way I dress for cold activities?
If you are accustomed to layering up (wicking base, insulation layer(s), shell) it will reduce the number of layers you need, especially while exercising
- It is important that you wear as little as possible underneath VaprThrm vapor barrier layers (a lightweight base or short sleeve T is preferred by many). Thicker layers under the VaprThrm layer will cause delay in sensing overheat (sweat).
- As soon as you feel dampness (excessive humidity) held in by the VB layer it is important that you take the time to stop and adjust layers.
- It is highly recommended that you experiment with concept of VB layering before the any trip or expedition. This way you’ll learn what you need for certain activities in certain temperature ranges. You’ll find you might very well be able to leave a bulky expedition parka behind, especially if it’ll be in your pack 99% of the time!
I have experimented with VB before and always become miserably sweaty; what’s the solution?
Vapor barriers are a tool, an instrument at your disposal which enables acute awareness of overheat. They give you a very important message that you have begun to overheat. This should prompt a response to vent or shed layers. There could be circumstances when you’ll want to take off the VB layer altogether: higher temperatures, heavy packload, etc.
If I get the inside of my base layer base wet with sweat how should I dry this?
Generally we recommend layering over the top with dry insulation. This creates a sauna effect as long as you have adequate dry insulation.
Will I get trench foot from keeping my feet in a barrier sock?
No. One’s own perspiration will not cause trench foot. This was a serious condition caused by rain, snow and bacteria which accumulated in muddy trenches. The soldiers’ boots and socks became wet and their blistered feet infected from the contaminated water. Frostbite further compromised circulation of the soldiers’ feet.
Our VaprThrm® Insulated Socks have a soft, wicking lining. Certainly no more bread-bag feel—just comfort and incredible warmth. At night you can take your socks off, turn them inside out and they will dry quickly in your bag. Some people choose to wear our liner socks inside the Insulated Socks during the day. At night they remove the lightweight liners and put them in their bag to dry. If the temps are really cold they pull the Insulating Socks on for added warmth inside their sleeping bag.
Is there an alternative to a VB sleeping bag liner?
Yes you can wear any VB clothing inside your bag for increased protection.