Winter Clothing Winter School 2002 Why Is Clothing
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Winter Clothing Winter School 2002
Why Is Clothing an Issue? • Humans can’t normally survive in low temperatures • Weather in the mountains is particularly fickle – Temperature – Precipitation – Wind • Your activity level varies throughout the day – Active – Resting – Sleeping
Your Clothing Must… • • • Keep trapped warm air next to you Protect you from wind and precipitation Keep you as dry as possible (wicking) Be a flexible layering system Keep you warm even when wet
Cotton Kills • Absorbs water like a sponge • Water is slow to evaporate • Fibers shrink when wet; ability to trap air and thus insulate is lost • Poor wind protection
Cotton Kills (Part II) Steve Howard, LANL
Clothing must be Versatile! • Dress like an onion YOU Wicking Layer Warm Cold Insulating Layer Shell Layer
Wicking Layer Moves moisture away from skin • Silk • Polypropylene (Cool-Max, Capilene) • Polyester • Spandex, Lycra Expensive = Less smelly. . .
Insulating Layer Think volume- many thin layers • Fleece - light, water resistant, medium bulk • Wool - bulky, scratchy, water resistant, heavy • Down - light, compressible, NOT waterresistant
Shell Layer Wind and/or Water Barrier • Nylon • Coated nylon • Gore-Tex (or other spinoff DWR products)
Accessories Little Stuff That Matters • • • Mittens & Gloves (layering) Hats, balaclavas, neck gaiters Socks (single vs. two layer) Gaiters Goggles
Footwear • • Mouse boots Sorels or Kamiks Leather mountaineering boots Plastic boots You will encounter ankle deep mud, slush, and water. Sneakers and Gore-Tex hiking boots don’t cut it.
$$$$$ • Clothing is not something MITOC rents, so you’ll have to get it on your own. • Get items that fit and will last. They can be found cheaply, if you look. • Check out the MITOC Links page for info on web sites and local stores.
