Cold Weather Camping

  CHAPTER 4

Clothing and Materials

   Now we turn our attention to clothing and the various materials used to make them.  We'll turn our attention to the pros and cons
  of these materials, what to look for in cold weather clothing, and how to dress for warmth.  The clothes you bring with you on a
  backpacking trip must perform 2 important jobs. First, they must protect you from the elements (rain, snow, and wind). Second,
  they must keep you comfortable during a variety of activities and weather conditions.

Principles of Clothing.  To help us remember come of the basic principles of wearing our clothing; use the acronym "COLD". 

C ‑ Keep Clothing CLEAN. Clothing keeps you warm by trapping warm air against your body and in the pores of the clothing itself. However, if these pores are filled with dirt, sweat, or other grime, it will not be able to do its job as efficiently.

O ‑ Avoid OVERHEATING. Allowing just enough clothes and body activity to keep you cool, and the environment to cool you down, will keep your clothes from getting sweaty and dirty, and therefore more effective. Overheating can also cause you problems, not with just your clothes. Several cold weather injuries can be caused by overheating such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and hypothermia.

L ‑ LOOSE and LAYERED 

(1)   Loose Clothing. You want to keep your clothes loose for comfort. If clothing is too tight: 

(a)    It may act somewhat like a tourniquet, causing blood in your extremities, i.e., arms, legs, fingers, toes, etc., to pool there, not allowing it to get back into your body core and re-warm, thereby causing that limb to get cold. 

(b)   Little or no air can be trapped between your body and clothes. It's this warm air that keeps you warm, not the clothes. 

(2)   Layering. This is another important principle for staying warm in the cold.  The more layers, the more warm air that is going to be trapped. Strangely enough, several thin layers working together will work better than one thick layer working alone. 

With that, let's first let's start with some basic definitions:

• Layering
  Layering is the practice of dressing in a number of lightweight clothing layers instead of 1 or 2 heavier layers. Layered clothing systems are versatile (you can add or remove layers in response to changing conditions) and efficient (a number of thin layers will be warmer than 1 or 2 thick layers, and they'll take up less room in your pack).
   
• Wicking
  Certain clothing layers enhance comfort by pulling sweat from the surface of your skin and transferring it into other clothing layers. This process, called wicking, keeps you dry and comfortable in warm conditions. It also keeps you warmer in cold conditions by reducing evaporative and conductive heat loss.
   
• Breathability
  To stay comfortable when temperatures rise or your activity-level increases, you need clothing layers that let your sweat and body heat escape. A garment's ability to do this is referred to as its breathability. Breathability is affected by the materials that a clothing layer is made out of and the design of the layer itself.

  Step #1: Consider the Layers You'll Need
  Backpacking/camping clothing can be grouped into 4 basic categories: inner layer, mid layer, insulation layer and outer layer.
  Each type performs a specific task   within a clothing system. Whether or not you need them depends on your backpacking or
  camping plans.

  -  Inner layers
  Inner layer clothing is worn right next to your skin. Its job is to keep you comfortable by wicking the sweat from your skin and
  providing an extra layer of insulation. Inner layer clothing is usually worn in moderate to cold conditions when a little extra
  insulation is needed and the chance of aerobic activity is high. It's available in a variety of thicknesses for different activities and
  weather conditions.

  -  Mid layers
  Mid layer clothing consists of the items you use every day: shorts, T-shirts, lightweight pants and long-sleeve shirts. The primary
  function of mid-layer clothing is to provide basic insulation and protection in warm conditions. Mid layer items are often worn
  alone on short trips in good weather conditions. The pieces you choose should be comfortable, lightweight and built to last.

  -  Insulation layers
  Insulation layer clothing is designed specifically to provide additional warmth. It's typically worn whenever mid layer and/or inner
  layer pieces are not warm enough for the current conditions. The insulation layers you use should be warm, lightweight and as
  non-bulky as possible. They should also breathe well to let sweat and body heat escape.

  -  Outer layers
  The primary job of outer layer clothing (both tops and bottoms) is to protect you from the wind, rain and snow. But it needs to be
  somewhat breathable as well, to let sweat and body heat escape. Backpackers should always carry protective outer layers.

  -  Step #2: Consider Your Fabric Options

      Inner Layers

• Cotton- Cotton is comfortable when it's dry, but it absorbs sweat and holds it right next to your skin (which can lead to significant heat loss). Cotton also takes a long time to dry, which can cause discomfort. For these reasons, cotton is not recommended for inner layers used in cold conditions.
• Silk- Silk is an effective wicking and insulating material. It's extremely comfortable and lightweight, but not as durable as the options below. Some silk layers require special care when washing and drying.
• Polypropylene- One of the very first man-made wicking materials, Polypro wicks sweat away from the skin effectively. Early versions tended to retain odors and become scratchy after repeated washings. Newer Polypro fabrics have overcome these difficulties.
• MTS 2 (Moisture Transport System) - MTS 2 is a durable, reliable polyester-based fabric that wicks sweat like polypropylene--without its drawbacks. It's comfortable like cotton, and it's available in a variety of "weights" for different conditions.
• Capilene - Capilene is another comfortable, reliable polyester-based wicking fabric. It performs like MTS 2, with a special chemical treatment to help spread sweat throughout the fabric so that it evaporates quickly.

• Cotton- Cotton is a common choice for warm-weather backpacking clothing. It's comfortable, lightweight and it keeps you cool. Cotton is best for warm weather uses because it takes a long time to dry and is an ineffective insulator.
• Nylon- Lightweight, durable and (generally) non-absorbent, nylon is great for backpacking shorts, pants and shirts. It is available in a variety of styles, for both warm and cold weather uses. Most modern nylons are soft and comfortable against your skin.
• Wicking materials- Some backpackers wear wicking inner layers like MTS 2 and Capilene as mid layers. Why not? These layers help you keep dry and comfortable and they provide good insulation.
• Wool- A great natural insulator, wool is perfect for moderate- to cold-weather backpacking clothes. It's available in full-sleeve shirts, pants, over-shirts, sweaters, jackets and more. Wool insulates well when wet but it can be somewhat scratchy and/or bulky.

• Wool- Wool is a great natural insulator. It's available in knickers, pants, long-sleeve shirts, pullovers, sweaters and jackets. It insulates when wet but can take a long time to dry. Can be heavy/bulky.
• Pile/Fleece- These popular man-made insulation materials are available in a wide variety of styles and thicknesses. They are comfortable, warm (even when wet), fast drying and lightweight (half as heavy as wool). Pile/fleece products are available in shirts, pants, vests, jackets, pullovers and sweaters. Traditionally, pile/fleece layers have provided only minimal protection from the wind. But new pile/fleece garments are available today with wind- and weather-stopping liners built right in.

• Water-resistant/breathable fabrics (like REI Windpack outerwear)
  • Positives: These repel wind and light precipitation while providing excellent breathability. They tend to be less expensive than other options.
  • Negatives: They are not waterproof enough to protect you in harsh weather conditions or extended periods of rain.
  • Typical Uses- Water-resistant/breathable fabrics are perfect for backpackers who travel in arid and/or warm conditions where good breathability is important and the chance of heavy precipitation is low. They are popular among backpackers who plan short trips in good weather and those who enjoy strenuous activities like trail running.
  
   
• Waterproof/Non-Breathable Fabrics (like Columbia Sportswear Ibex rainwear)
  • Positives: These are completely waterproof, and they're less expensive than waterproof/breathable fabrics.
  • Negatives: They provide very little breathability, which can be extremely uncomfortable it's hot or if you're working hard on the trail. To let moisture out, layers using waterproof/non-breathable fabrics have to be cut extremely loose (like ponchos) or they must have special vents or openings built in to let the heat and sweat out.
  • Typical Uses- Because of the lack of breathability, most backpackers stay away from waterproof/non-breathable outer layers (unless temperatures are very low or the chances of heavy precipitation are very high). They are used occasionally in moderate conditions in inexpensive rain pants and emergency ponchos.
  
   
• Waterproof/Breathable Fabrics (Gore-Tex)
  • Positives: These fabrics are both waterproof and breathable (to a degree). They are good performers in a wide range of weather conditions.
  • Negatives: Even waterproof/breathable fabrics heat up and trap sweat during strenuous backpacking. Exact performance depends on the specific type of fabric used, the outside temperature, the amount of activity and other factors. Waterproof/breathable fabrics are more expensive than other types of outerwear.
  • Typical Uses- More and more wilderness enthusiasts are choosing waterproof/breathable fabrics for their outer layers. These fabrics are comfortable in a wide variety of situations and conditions. And performance levels keep improving all the time.

• Fit- Outer layers should be roomy enough to fit over your clothing layers but snug enough to cinch down tight in nasty conditions. They should also allow for a full range of motion.
• Access- Full-zip jackets and full-zip pants are easier to get in and out of than pullover tops or pull-on pants. However, more zippers mean a higher chance of leaks.
• Specific Features- Specific features can have a significant effect on an outer layer's performance and comfort:
  • Adjustable Openings
  • - The waist, cuffs and neck should seal tight for bad weather but open easily for extra ventilation.
• Vents- Vents enhance breathability no matter what type of fabric an outer layer is made of. Larger vents are typically more effective than small ones, but they may leak more. Typical vents include under-arm zips, side zips, mesh-lined pockets and draft flaps.
• Pockets- The more pockets an outer layer has, the easier it will be for you to store essential gear items. But keep in mind that pockets increase the weight of the layer. Pockets should be easy to reach, easy to open and close, and well-protected against leaks.
• Hoods- Any outer layer top you use for backpacking should have a hood to keep your head dry. Integral (permanently attached) hoods offer the best resistance against leaks. Hoods that can be rolled up and/or folded away when not in use are easier to deal with in changing conditions.
• Storm Flaps- Storm flaps cover zippers, pockets and other openings to protect against leaks. They are commonly found on front zippers, under-arm zips and external pockets.
• Sealed Seams- Sealed seams are a must for any waterproof outer layer. They're not necessary for water-resistant ones.