The Keela Belay jacket

Rescuers who went to Japan to help after the 2011 tsunami have hailed clothing provided by a Scottish gear brand.

Members of the UK’s international search and rescue team who spent time in the area devastated by the earthquake and floods that followed it said Keela’s insulated Belay jacket had been invaluable.

A spokesperson for the brand and PrimaLoft, the insulation used in the jacket, said: “Having to live outdoors 24/7 in snow, hail and heavy rain, the team literally ‘lived in the Belay jackets’ for weeks on end, often in sub-zero temperatures.
“The destruction was so devastating that the only place to sleep was often in exposed tented areas, with little protection from the elements.

“Wearing the jacket at night in a four-season sleeping bag meant the urban search and rescue team benefited from the PrimaLoft One insulation, which continued to remain dry and warm in the wettest conditions.”

A spokesperson for UK International Search and Rescue said: “The USAR team faced its crowning test during our deployment in Japan and I cannot speak highly enough of Keela’s Belay jacket’s capability.

“For a team that constantly works outside, I can confidently say it’s the best piece of clothing we have ever issued.”

Sam Fernando, sales director at Keela said: “We received the ultimate testimonial for our jacket on the team’s return from Japan when we heard the stories.

“It really does make us strive further to support rescue teams and the amazing work they do in the UK and overseas.”