120 likes | 381 Views
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….
E N D
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 Insulating Layer Shell Layer Cold
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 water-resistant
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.