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F.A.Q
1) What is UltraMicrofibre?
2) What are the advantages of UltraMicrofibre?
3) How is UltraMicrofibre better than Chamois and Cotton?
4) Field Gear Towels are treated with Dr Bacty, what exactly is it?
5) Will the anti-bacterial properties wear out?
6) Aren't all microfibre fabrics anti-bacterial?
7) What are the tangible benefits of UltraMicrofibre towels?
8) What certifications do Field Gear towels have?
1) What is UltraMicrofibre?
UltraMicrofibre combines two basic fibres of Polyester and Polyamide (a nylon by-product). These densely constructed fibres, about 1/100th the thickness of a strand of human hair, can be woven and manufactured in distinct ways, producing fabrics of different qualities for a myriad of uses.
For further details, read more about UltraMicrofibre.
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UltraMicrofibre combines two basic fibres of Polyester and Polyamide (a nylon by-product). These densely constructed fibres, about 1/100th the thickness of a strand of human hair, can be woven and manufactured in distinct ways, producing fabrics of different qualities for a myriad of uses.
For further details, read more about UltraMicrofibre.
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2) What are the advantages of UltraMicrofibre?
Microfibre fabrics are basically constructed out of 2 synthetic fibres, Polyester and Polyamide. These fibres are known for their strength, durability, resilience, quick drying quality and their resistance to abrasion, wrinkling and mildew. The Polyamide yarns form the warp of the weave, which are the lengthwise strands set on the weaving loom. The Polyester yarns are the wefts, which are the strands that go over and under the warp to form the weave. The Polyamide gives the fabric its absorbency while the Polyester its scrubbing quality.
Microfibre fabrics absorb and clean better than cotton fabrics because of the density of the fibres. Ultramicrofibre yarns are first extruded into extremely fine strands then further split, making each split fibre about a hundred times finer than human hair. When woven together, an UltraMicrofibre fabric will have at least tens of thousands of fibres packed within one square inch. Despite its density, because the yarns are so fine, the fabric is soft to the touch and has a gentle drape.
With such fineness and density, the scrubbing effect of the fabric is tremendously improved. Fine fibres are able to reach into minute crevices on practically any surface and pick up dirt and grime thoroughly. They subsequently trap the dirt between the fibres until rinsing flushes them out. Because the fibres are so numerous, wiping can continue without transferring dirt from one area to another. Another important feature is that the split fibres are wedge-shaped in cross-section, allowing them to scrape and clean more effectively than conventional fibres which are generally circular in cross-section. The fibres do all these without scratching or damaging even delicate surfaces, as they are so fine and soft.
The absorbency of UltraMicrofibre fabrics is also phenomenal. The fibres absorb without pressure or wiping as they work through capillary action, such like a wick lowered into fluid. This wicking effect draws water into the fibres and retains them between its dense network, soaking up to 7 times its weight. When saturated, the fabric is easily wringed dry since the fibres, though so numerous, are so fine that the fabric is soft, lightweight and easy to handle. After just one wring, the fabric is again ready to absorb more. The fabric is therefore effective wet or dry.
It's not difficult to see how ultramicrofibre fabrics are ideal as personal body and facial towels. Add to that the fact that these fabrics are manufactured without any chemical processes and you get a totally hypoallergenic towel that is safe for even the most sensitive of skins.
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Microfibre fabrics are basically constructed out of 2 synthetic fibres, Polyester and Polyamide. These fibres are known for their strength, durability, resilience, quick drying quality and their resistance to abrasion, wrinkling and mildew. The Polyamide yarns form the warp of the weave, which are the lengthwise strands set on the weaving loom. The Polyester yarns are the wefts, which are the strands that go over and under the warp to form the weave. The Polyamide gives the fabric its absorbency while the Polyester its scrubbing quality.
Microfibre fabrics absorb and clean better than cotton fabrics because of the density of the fibres. Ultramicrofibre yarns are first extruded into extremely fine strands then further split, making each split fibre about a hundred times finer than human hair. When woven together, an UltraMicrofibre fabric will have at least tens of thousands of fibres packed within one square inch. Despite its density, because the yarns are so fine, the fabric is soft to the touch and has a gentle drape.
With such fineness and density, the scrubbing effect of the fabric is tremendously improved. Fine fibres are able to reach into minute crevices on practically any surface and pick up dirt and grime thoroughly. They subsequently trap the dirt between the fibres until rinsing flushes them out. Because the fibres are so numerous, wiping can continue without transferring dirt from one area to another. Another important feature is that the split fibres are wedge-shaped in cross-section, allowing them to scrape and clean more effectively than conventional fibres which are generally circular in cross-section. The fibres do all these without scratching or damaging even delicate surfaces, as they are so fine and soft.
The absorbency of UltraMicrofibre fabrics is also phenomenal. The fibres absorb without pressure or wiping as they work through capillary action, such like a wick lowered into fluid. This wicking effect draws water into the fibres and retains them between its dense network, soaking up to 7 times its weight. When saturated, the fabric is easily wringed dry since the fibres, though so numerous, are so fine that the fabric is soft, lightweight and easy to handle. After just one wring, the fabric is again ready to absorb more. The fabric is therefore effective wet or dry.
It's not difficult to see how ultramicrofibre fabrics are ideal as personal body and facial towels. Add to that the fact that these fabrics are manufactured without any chemical processes and you get a totally hypoallergenic towel that is safe for even the most sensitive of skins.
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3) How is UltraMicrofibre better than Chamois and Cotton?
The search for a suitable Field Towel is not a new venture. Both natural and synthetic materials have been experimented with in the bid to find a suitable replacement.
The most successful alternative in recent years has been the Chamois Towels. Its advantages are better absorbency, portability and easier maintenance, but it also has undesirable traits. Chamois Towels must remain damp, it stiffens when dry and cannot be used. Using a damp and rubbery material for drying also takes a bit of getting used to, the nice, soft and dry feel of cloth is definitely absent in a Chamois Towel. The use of chemical processes in the manufacture of chamois, is perhaps the biggest deterrent for its use. Harmful chemicals are used in some processes and chamois produced from these are not deemed fit for use on humans. Some synthetic chamois, have been certified fit for use on humans but they still require chemical processing and may not be hypoallergenic. Chemical processes also give chamois a distinct smell that some find unpleasant. Not surprisingly, Chamois Towels did not gain widespread acceptance despite having obvious advantages for use in the outdoors. It has seen some success with swimmers as pool towels but is generally now confined to industrial usage as cleaning cloths.
Chamois is however fast being replaced by a revolutionary fabric that took the cleaning industry by storm when first introduced commercially. Technology found a way to produce ultra fine fibres, termed microfibres. Fabrics made from these are extremely versatile, capable of enhancing the desirable traits of more traditional fabrics, and removing most of their disadvantages. This versatility is seeing microfibre products making inroads into more and more industries.
Here are the advantages of UltraMicrofibre over Chamois and Cotton:
The search for a suitable Field Towel is not a new venture. Both natural and synthetic materials have been experimented with in the bid to find a suitable replacement.
The most successful alternative in recent years has been the Chamois Towels. Its advantages are better absorbency, portability and easier maintenance, but it also has undesirable traits. Chamois Towels must remain damp, it stiffens when dry and cannot be used. Using a damp and rubbery material for drying also takes a bit of getting used to, the nice, soft and dry feel of cloth is definitely absent in a Chamois Towel. The use of chemical processes in the manufacture of chamois, is perhaps the biggest deterrent for its use. Harmful chemicals are used in some processes and chamois produced from these are not deemed fit for use on humans. Some synthetic chamois, have been certified fit for use on humans but they still require chemical processing and may not be hypoallergenic. Chemical processes also give chamois a distinct smell that some find unpleasant. Not surprisingly, Chamois Towels did not gain widespread acceptance despite having obvious advantages for use in the outdoors. It has seen some success with swimmers as pool towels but is generally now confined to industrial usage as cleaning cloths.
Chamois is however fast being replaced by a revolutionary fabric that took the cleaning industry by storm when first introduced commercially. Technology found a way to produce ultra fine fibres, termed microfibres. Fabrics made from these are extremely versatile, capable of enhancing the desirable traits of more traditional fabrics, and removing most of their disadvantages. This versatility is seeing microfibre products making inroads into more and more industries.
Here are the advantages of UltraMicrofibre over Chamois and Cotton:
Advantages of UltraMicrofibres |
Remarks |
| Lightweight | Whether dry or damp, they weigh less than cotton or chamois towels of the same size. |
| Portable | Folds to a fraction of the size of cotton and chamois towels of the same size. Slips easily into luggage and even in clothing pockets for the smaller pieces. |
| Cleans & retains dirt & grime until it is rinsed | The ultrafine yarn (1/100th of a strand of human hair per fibre) traps dirt each time you wipe and retains it until it is rinsed out. |
| Cleans more effectively | Microscopic fibres cuts through dirt, grime and moisture, and picks them up on even or uneven surfaces like skin. |
| Anti-bacterial treatment | Resists the formation of bacteria and fungi even when wet. This makes it a more hygienic product and one that resists odours. |
| Softer to the touch | The fineness of the fibres ensure the towel remains soft after washings. |
| Super absorbent | Absorbs 7 times its weight in moisture, at least 3 times more absorbent than cotton towels of the same size. |
| Usable wet or dry | Ready for use again after wringing. |
| Easy to wring dry | Wrings to 90% dryness. |
| Fast drying | Air drying is often sufficient. |
| Doesn’t stiffen after drying | No softeners required when laundering. |
| Durable | Higher tensile strength than cotton. High density construction ensures a tough yet soft towel. Retains much of its qualities even after hundreds of washes. |
| Hypoallergenic | Will not cause allergies from its use, wet or dry. Certified fit for use on humans using Eco-Tex Standards. |
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4) Field Gear Towels are treated with Dr Bacty, what exactly is it?
What sets our towels apart from other Microfibre
towels is an anti-bacterial treatment that is applied to the woven towels.
The process, known as the "Dr Bacty Protection", uses a combination of organic and inorganic anti-bacterial compounds, unlike most other anti-bacterial treatments which only use one type or the other. This synergistic combination greatly improves the effectivenss of the treatment.
This treatment has been shown to be effective against
bacteria, fungus, algae, mold, mildew, yeast and more. This has a deodorizing
effect that ensures the towel is resistant to odours after use. The survivability
chances of viruses are also reduced since media on which it can survive
on are less. Overall, the anti-bacterial effectiveness of our towels is
rated at 99.9% when newly manufactured.
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5) Will the anti-bacterial properties wear out?
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To ensure the anti-bacterial properties do not lose its potency, the treatment is applied and sealed into the towels during the dyeing process. This method has proven to be highly effective as shown through 2 scientific anti-bacterial tests. The first test is done after 10 washes and the second after 30 washes. The results show that the anti-bacterial properties are still over 90% effective after 30 washes! From these experimetns, it can be inferred that the anti-bacterial properties is likely to stay effective over the useful life of our towels.
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6) Aren't all microfibre fabrics anti-bacterial?
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8) What certifications do Field Gear towels have?
For more enquiries, please email us at: info@fieldgear.com.sg.
There are 2 ways to view anti-bacterial properties. The first is that a product can be considered anti-bacterial if, compared to another, it reduces the proliferation of bacteria. For example, any microfibre fabric, compared to a cotton fabric will better restrict the multiplication of bacteria simply because bacteria thrives better on a natural surface than on synthetic. This fact has prompted many who sell microfibre fabrics to claim their products to be anti-bacterial. Perhaps a more stringent way to view anti-bacterial properties is to consider a product anti-bacterial only if it actively kills bacteria. Field Gear towels, with its unique Dr Bacty treatment is a product with such properties. Dr Bacty practically eliminates any bacteria that comes into contact with Field Gear towels, giving you peace of mind even when using Field Gear towels for extended periods in the field.
We don't just make this claim casually either. The anti-bacterial properties built into our towels have been scientifically tested and proven to be effective on 5 different cultures of bacteria. View the test results in our certification page.
We don't just make this claim casually either. The anti-bacterial properties built into our towels have been scientifically tested and proven to be effective on 5 different cultures of bacteria. View the test results in our certification page.
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7) What are the tangible benefits of UltraMicrofibre towels?
Lightweight & Portable
When travelling or out in the field, the last thing you want is to lug a heavy load. UltraMicrofibre towels weigh much less than conventional towels but are three times more absorbent, making them the ideal choice as field towels. With enhanced absorbency, even smaller towels would suffice, reducing weight even further. Packed in convenient mesh bags or plastic boxes, they fit snugly into any luggage or bag. Some are even easily slipped into clothing pockets.
High Absorbency
The phenomenal absorbency, working through capillary action, allows an UltraMicrofibre towel to wick up moisture just by leaving it on the surface to be dried. Drying of wet hair therefore becomes less of a hassle, just wrap the towel over and leave it to work. With less ruffling and hairdryer usage, less damage is done to the hair and the scalp.
Quick Drying
The towels are easily wringed and wringing alone can remove 90% of the moisture soaked up by the towel. Simply hang it up to dry thereafter and in less time than it takes a damp cotton towel to dry, the UltraMicrofibre would have dried completely without losing its original softness.
Softness
UltraMicrofibre fabrics remain soft after washings without the use of fabric softeners. In fact, fabric softeners are not to be used when washing these fabrics as they will be soaked up and retained in the fibres, saturating the towel and making them stiff and reducing its cleaning effectiveness and absorbency. Whether hand or machine-washed, our towels remain extremely soft and comfortable to the feel when dried. Scratchy and stiff towels common with the cotton variety will be a thing of the past.
Durability
Since the fibres are so fine, weaving a fabric from UltraMicrofibres require a lot more braids, resulting in a much higher density of fibres within a same area. This 'High Density Contraction' method of weaving produces a fabric with a much higher tensile strength, making the fabric more durable. Even after hundreds of washings, a microfibre cloth continues to retain much of its quality. This ultimately translates to long-term savings.
Excellent Cleaning Quality
The numerous wedge-shaped fibres do an excellent job of scraping any dirt and grime off surfaces they wipe over and retain them within the network of fibres until they are rinsed out. The towels are therefore excellent wet wipes when there is no opportunity to bathe in the field. No soap or cleaning agents are needed, simply wet the towels with water and wipe. The towels are so effective as wipes they even remove makeup thoroughly without makeup removers.
Suitability for sensitive skins
The towels are totally hypoallergenic. This means that they can be used without the fear of allergic reactions to the material, dye or basically anything that went into the making of the towels. This has been certified through tests done in accordance to Eco-Tex standards.
Anti-bacterial Qualities
Manufacturers of other microfibre products will sometimes claim their fabrics possess anti-bacterial qualities. This is true to a certain extent, as synthetic materials tend to retard the multiplicative tendencies of bacteria. However purposeful anti-bacterial protection should result in the active prevention of the formation of bacteria and not just the prevention of its spread. The Dr Bacty Protection applied to our towels provides this disinfecting quality so important to those in the field with no opportunity to wash their towels.
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Lightweight & Portable
When travelling or out in the field, the last thing you want is to lug a heavy load. UltraMicrofibre towels weigh much less than conventional towels but are three times more absorbent, making them the ideal choice as field towels. With enhanced absorbency, even smaller towels would suffice, reducing weight even further. Packed in convenient mesh bags or plastic boxes, they fit snugly into any luggage or bag. Some are even easily slipped into clothing pockets.
High Absorbency
The phenomenal absorbency, working through capillary action, allows an UltraMicrofibre towel to wick up moisture just by leaving it on the surface to be dried. Drying of wet hair therefore becomes less of a hassle, just wrap the towel over and leave it to work. With less ruffling and hairdryer usage, less damage is done to the hair and the scalp.
Quick Drying
The towels are easily wringed and wringing alone can remove 90% of the moisture soaked up by the towel. Simply hang it up to dry thereafter and in less time than it takes a damp cotton towel to dry, the UltraMicrofibre would have dried completely without losing its original softness.
Softness
UltraMicrofibre fabrics remain soft after washings without the use of fabric softeners. In fact, fabric softeners are not to be used when washing these fabrics as they will be soaked up and retained in the fibres, saturating the towel and making them stiff and reducing its cleaning effectiveness and absorbency. Whether hand or machine-washed, our towels remain extremely soft and comfortable to the feel when dried. Scratchy and stiff towels common with the cotton variety will be a thing of the past.
Durability
Since the fibres are so fine, weaving a fabric from UltraMicrofibres require a lot more braids, resulting in a much higher density of fibres within a same area. This 'High Density Contraction' method of weaving produces a fabric with a much higher tensile strength, making the fabric more durable. Even after hundreds of washings, a microfibre cloth continues to retain much of its quality. This ultimately translates to long-term savings.
Excellent Cleaning Quality
The numerous wedge-shaped fibres do an excellent job of scraping any dirt and grime off surfaces they wipe over and retain them within the network of fibres until they are rinsed out. The towels are therefore excellent wet wipes when there is no opportunity to bathe in the field. No soap or cleaning agents are needed, simply wet the towels with water and wipe. The towels are so effective as wipes they even remove makeup thoroughly without makeup removers.
Suitability for sensitive skins
The towels are totally hypoallergenic. This means that they can be used without the fear of allergic reactions to the material, dye or basically anything that went into the making of the towels. This has been certified through tests done in accordance to Eco-Tex standards.
Anti-bacterial Qualities
Manufacturers of other microfibre products will sometimes claim their fabrics possess anti-bacterial qualities. This is true to a certain extent, as synthetic materials tend to retard the multiplicative tendencies of bacteria. However purposeful anti-bacterial protection should result in the active prevention of the formation of bacteria and not just the prevention of its spread. The Dr Bacty Protection applied to our towels provides this disinfecting quality so important to those in the field with no opportunity to wash their towels.
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8) What certifications do Field Gear towels have?
Field Gear towels are tested and certified, using internationally recognised standards, for the effectiveness of its anti-bacterial treatment and its suitability for use directly on the human body.
The series of anti-bacterial tests are certified by the Korean Standards Association. Field Gear
towels have been tested effective against mould, algae and bacteria.
The five common cultures of bacteria that were used for the tests are:
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Salmonella typhimurium
• Candida albicans
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Klebsiella pneumoniae
Field Gear towels are also Eco-Tex certified. This certifies that the product is suitable for use directly on the human body and has been manufactured in an environmentally-friendly process.
To complete the quality process of manufacturing Field Gear towels, our manufacturer is certified to ISO 9000:2000 standards for its Quality Management.
With these certifications, our clients can be sure of consistently high-quality
and safe towels. View the test reports in our certification page.
For more enquiries, please email us at: info@fieldgear.com.sg.