Review - Didriksons Slaskeman Waterproof Set
Posted by LITTLE TREKKERS AMBASSADOR SAM (@THESUNSHINE_MAMA) SHARES HER THOUGHTS WITH US, ON OUR DIDRIKSONS SLASKEMAN WATERPROOF SET, THE PERFECT CLOTHING FOR A BEACH TRIP. on 14th Dec 2021
Little Trekkers sent us an awesome Didrikson waterproof set with a jacket and salopettes. We’ve had to wait a while to try them out as the weather has been too nice! But an opportunity to see the recently revealed shipwreck on Sheringham Beach seemed like a great occasion to give them a try!
I am an Early Years educator at a Forest School Pre-school and if I have become an expert in anything over this past year it is definitely which waterproofs work and which ones don’t! Didrikson’s have always been a go to brand for children and adults alike at our setting and never fail.
With my new found knowledge I recommend considering a few things before committing to your purchase.
PURPOSE AND PLAY STYLE:
When choosing suitable outer layers it really does depend on your child’s age, play style and their intended purpose so do think about this as you are weighing up your options. My eldest boy has always been a very on the go boy so fleece lined items just make him too hot so he ends up taking his waterproof layer off (and then getting soaking wet and freezing cold). My youngest however is super observant and will stand and admire the goings on in a rock pool for ages so the fleece lined Muddy Puddles suit is perfect for him. If your waterproofs are for daily use at forest school a quality brand will ensure your child stays warm and snug all day. The children often just get lightly wet sleeves or jump in a puddle that’s a little too deep and slowly the water seeps into the layers underneath. They can get cold very quickly this way. We notice the quality brands seem to cope under pressure on a particular soggy day but I have witnessed some of our wonderful children at forest school pretending to swim in the large puddles. I’m afraid I’m no expert in wetsuits!!
WASHING AND EASE OF USE:
Although these are high quality waterproof items eventually ALL waterproofs will lose their resistance through extensive washing as the fibres slowly break down. This Didrikson’s set is made from their 100% waterproof and windproof material ‘Galon’ which is easy to wipe clean instead of putting in the washing machine after every wear. They are not lined which again makes the wipe and wear option readily available. It’s also worth thinking about extremities. Preventing water entering at the wrists and ankles is super important so easy to use stirrups and elasticated sleeves are a must. And please remember to put the salopettes OVER boots. This will stop water getting in!
This particular set I am really keen on as they are a single layer meaning they can be used all year round for staying dry. I would recommend sizing up so you can put plenty of layers on underneath, with my experience I have found that really is the best way to start warm and dry.
Didrikson’s began making oil treated garments for fishermen in Grundsund, Sweden over 100 years ago. If there’s a brand to trust for outerwear it’s one that uses the tagline ‘You can never change the weather or nature. So you better be very well prepared for it’.