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 Warm YOU Wicking Layer 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.