FAQ

FAQ - Where are your products manufactured?

Believe it or not, Canadian manufacturing is not dead! Westcomb products are handcrafted in Vancouver, Canada literally a 1 minute walk away from our office. Our experienced technicians provide a level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that is unrivaled. Seams and stitching are consistently straight and true. Overall garment fit, movement and durability can be both seen and felt.

We hope you enjoy your Westcomb product.

FAQ - Where are your materials sourced from?

We source only fabrics and components with proven performance characteristics from the most innovative, technologically advanced and quality-driven suppliers in the textile industry. Our reputation for innovation allows us to work with our partners to develop new fabrics and treatments. This relationship guarantees us access to the latest technology and the ability to specify fabric requirements that perform in accordance with our product's design goals.

Some of our material innovators are:
eVent http://www.eventfabrics.com/
schoeller http://www.schoeller-textiles.com/
Polartec http://www.polartec.com/
Pertex http://www.pertex.com/
Primaloft http://www.primaloft.com/

FAQ - How does eVent work?

Tell-me-now Answer:

Through a proprietary process the eVent membrane doesn't have a PU coating typically found in fabrics such as W.L.Gore's Goretex. This allows the millions of pores in the membrane to 'breathe' freely without the PU inhibiting the moisture vapor transfer.

When-you-have-time Answer:

eVent fabrics get their unique properties from a proprietary and patented waterproof membrane. Its unique composition allows millions of tiny pores to breathe at their full potential. Sweat vents directly to the outside of the fabric in one easy step. We call this Direct VentingTM Technology. Its genius is hidden in its simplicity. eVent fabrics simply let the sweat out.TM

In comparison most common waterproof/breathable technologies do not literally "breathe". Instead they move sweat in two slow steps by a process of diffusion through a Polyurethane (PU) layer. First sweat is condensed and absorbed into the PU layer on the inside of the fabric. Because PU absorbs and retains sweat, the inside of the fabric becomes wet. Then, body heat begins to push that dampness through to the outside of the fabric where it can finally evaporate - a very inefficient process.

FAQ - Where can I buy Westcomb?

Westcomb products are only sold through authorized specialty outdoor retailers that can be located on our Store Locator page.   You can also buy now through our Shopatron site which will identify the authorized retailer closest to you with inventory.

FAQ - What is HutteriteDown? What does 'European Class 1' down standard mean?

HutteriteDown - For almost a century, the Hutterite people of Western Canada have experienced winter warmth that most can only imagine. Generation after generation, they have raised their down producing geese in harmony with, and to sustain, their peaceful way of life. Available only once a year from mature adult geese, the pristine hypoallergenic down is the worldwide standard for loft, warmth and durability. Each ounce of the HutteriteDown is made up of mature down consisting of millions of heat-trapping filaments. The soft down plumes interlock to create an even layer of insulated protection between you and the frigid outdoors.  No clumping. No flat spots. Just long lasting comfort.

Compared with other top competing down qualities we choose Canadian Hutterite for the following reasons:

• Consistently the fill power is better.
• The colour or whiteness of the down is brighter.
• Down clusters are generally denser and stronger due to the climate the birds are raised in.
• Feathers and the down are removed from the birds by a steamed method.  No commercial plucking machinery is used.

European Class 1 - This down standard requires a minimum of 95% total down clusters by weight. As a result your product will have greater loft and warmth as it traps more air, remains lighter in weight and enjoys a greater compression rate when compared to an identical product with less percentage of down and more feathers or fibres.

FAQ - Does less Down mean lower insulation value and vice versa?

The notion that bulky or more down is warmer is a misconception when the type of down isn't factored in.  For example, to achieve an equivalent warmth value of our Hutterite Down using industry standard 550-600 fill power down you would need to add an additional 20-25% more weight.  The additional feathers and fibres would significantly decrease the compression value of the product as well as simply add more weight and bulk.

FAQ - What is "Fill Power"?

Fill power is a measure of the loft or “fluffiness” of a down product that is loosely related to the insulating value of the down. The higher the fill power the more insulating air pockets the down has and the better insulating ability. Fill power ranges from about 175 cm³/g (300 in³/oz) for feathers to around 900 cm³/g for the highest quality down. Higher fill powers are associated with a larger percentage of down clusters and a larger average down cluster size.

Simply the higher the number the better and more expensive.  The higher the number the higher it lofts and better it insulates.

At Westcomb we source only the highest grade Canadian Hutterite Down that yields a fill power of 850+.

FAQ - What is Westcomb's warranty policy?

Westcomb Outerwear proudly stands behind each and every product we make.  We guarantee all of our products against manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship for the practical life of the product.  Defective products will be repaired or replaced, at no charge, at Westcomb's discretion.

Our product warranty is extended to the original consumer and valid only with original proof of purchase.

This warranty does not cover damages caused by improper care, modifications or alterations, product misuse, accidents, rips and tears, or the natural fading of color or breakdown of materials over extended use and time.

Any damage not covered under warranty may be repaired for a reasonable rate with the owner's authorization.

This warranty is non-transferable and does not cover products purchased from unauthorized dealers, online auctions, or second-hand purchases.

FAQ - What does "lifetime" in your warranty policy mean?

Our products are covered under warranty, to the original owner, for the practical lifetime of the product.  Unfortunately "lifetime" does not mean your life time.

FAQ - Are discontinued, seconds, clearance and special-make-up items covered under your warranty?

Items sold at significant discounts as clearance or close-outs, seconds and special-make-up items are not covered under our warranty policy.  However, we are able offer repairs at a reasonable charge.