Weathering the Elements

SUSQUEHANNA AP= PALACHIAN TRAIL CLUB &n= bsp;

Quarterly Membership Meeting – January 24, 2008

Weathering the Elements

Presented b= y Karen Balaban

Summary:

Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Trapped air between the layers will= insulate you. Remove layers to avoid sweating and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded. Wear a hat, because half of your bo= dy heat can be lost from your head. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs fro= m extreme cold. Mittens, snug at the wr= ist, are better than gloves. Try t= o stay dry and out of the wind.

Layering to Stay Dry and Warm

Base layer - Next to the skin: The purpose is to manage moisture. = Your base layer should wick sweat away from your body to keep your skin dry. A tight fitting and wicking materia= l is best to keep you warm and dry. Look for clothing made with fabrics such as Thermion, polypropylene, Thermax, Thinsulate, and silk.

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Mid layer - Insulating layer: It should be a bit looser than the= base layer, but to function properly it needs to maintain contact with the base layer. Mid layers also carry moisture away from the base layer to the outer layer. Common materials for mid-layers inc= lude down, polyester, fleece, wool and newer synthetic / natural blends. M= any mid layer clothing have extras such as pit zips, long front zippers, adjust= able cuffs and collars.

Outer layer:&n= bsp; It should be worn loosely. It blocks wind and allows moisture to escape. Typical o= uter layers include shells made of Gore-Te= x or a similar material. Extras= such as pit zips, ankle zippers (for pants), and a variety of ventilation options are standard. Outer layers sh= ould also be tough enough to withstand tears and abrasions. Other less high tech options may in= clude wind resistant materials, or water resistant fabrics.

Head, Hands and Feet
After your core is covered, you need to properly dress your extremities. Wear a hat, mittens /gloves, socks and shoes that m= atch your activity and weather conditions. To cool yourself if you overheat, y= ou can often just remove your hat or gloves. Keep in mind that wind blocking fab= ric is also important for hats and gloves. Although fleece is warm it does not pro= vide protection from wind.

Informational Web sites

Layering

http://www.o= utdoorreview.com/guide%5Elayeringcrx.aspx

http://w= ww.rei.com/learn/Camping/rei/learn/camp/cllayersf

http://gorp.a= way.com/gorp/gear/features/layering.htm

http://www.adventurenetwork.com/cgi-bin/adventurenetwork= /Underwear_Or_Outerwear.html

Staying Dr= y

ht= tp://www.backpacker.com/waterproof/

http://www.rei.com/learn/Camping/rei/learn/camp/how= rainf?vcat=3DREI_EXPERT_ADVICE_CAMPING

http://gorp.away.com/gorp/gear/expert/wet_gear.htm

http://www.adventurenetwork.com/cgi-bin/adventurenetwork/search_engine.ht= ml?criteria=3Dwaterproof&field=3Ddescription&x=3D26&y=3D8

Gear Revie= ws

= http://www.trailspace.com/gear/outerwear/

h= ttp://www.gearreview.com/appreviews.asp

http://outside.away.com/outside/gear/index.html

Tech-Fabri= c Glossary

http= ://www.backpacker.com/gear/morejargon/0,4050,1228,00.html

http://www.tog24.com/pages/cm/cm.asp?sCCPage=3Dglossary&coo= kie%5Ftest=3D1

http://www.adventurenetwork.com/cgi-bin/adventure= network/glossary_fabrics.html#Anchor-51540

http://gorp.a= way.com/gorp/gear/features/outerwe5.htm