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

WickingLayer

Insulating Layer

ShellLayerCold

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.