What is Polygiene

If a day's hiking sees you washing your base layers as soon as you get home or you find you're replacing your kit on a regular basis because it's a bit whiffy or has been washed too much, then you're not alone.

But modern fabrics are fighting back in the war against whiff, and Polygiene is at the front line. It can prevent odour for days meaning you can wear your next-to-skin layers for prolonged periods without washing and you still won't smell.

Polygiene technology is easy to get your hands on too. Stocked extensively by Ellis Brigham through brands such as Rab, Mountain Equipment and Patagonia – it features in tops, bottoms and underwear.

What is Polygiene?

Polygiene is a silver salt that inhibits and guards against the growth of odours from microbes such as bacteria, fungus and mildew. Polygiene particles have a large amount of silver ions per surface area and due to the structure of the particles; very small amounts of silver are required for effective treatment. The result is a fresh-all-day feeling. In fact, Polygiene-treated garments can be used several times before washing which also, helpfully, prolongs the lifetime of clothing, footwear and gear.  

It's permanent too so if you buy clothing that's got it, it's there to stay.

How does it work?

Sweat is a natural response to any physical activity. The cooling and heat dispersing actions of up to 2.6 million sweat glands on the average human body are essential to help us perform and keep us comfortable. Sweat is natural and odourless but mixed with textiles it creates a moist and warm environment that is ideal for odour causing bacteria to multiply and grow.

It is the bad odour released by the bacteria which leads to the reduced self-confidence in 90% of us and which causes 40% of us to discard clothes prematurely. Polygiene prevents the growth of odour-causing bacteria and fungi at the source, permanently.

Environmental credentials?

It's environmentally friendly – the vital ingredient, silver, is recycled. It also cuts down on washing which accounts for 2/3 of the environmental impact of a garment during its life cycle. It lasts for the life of the garment too.  It's also very safe, having a heritage in the healthcare sector and has undergone extensive skin sensitivity testing. What's more, it's only active with the material's surface and does not interfere with bacteria naturally found on the skin.

So if you're looking for a new base layer why not give it a try. Check out the ranges from Mountain Equipment and Rab. After all, isn't it about time we spent more time walking peaks and less time washing clothes?