Dressing for the Outdoors
Have you ever been caught outdoors without an umbrella or raincoat? Do you remember how it felt? First you got wet, then cold, then miserable? Perhaps things became a bit more worrisome – your teeth began chattering, your fingers and toes got “frost nip,” you began shivering uncontrollably. Every year thousands of people are caught unprepared by a sudden change in the weather. For many, the situation becomes even more desperate, leading to hypothermia, frostbite, and sometimes death. Following a few simple rules can make the difference between a fun adventure and a miserable and potentially dangerous one.
When planning your next outdoor adventure - be it a hike in the woods or a multi-day backpacking trip - keep these rules in mind:
Check the Weather-
Before heading into the outdoors, it is important to check the weather reports for the next couple of days. Knowing what to expect will help you in deciding which clothing will be appropriate for your outdoor adventure.
Leave a Note-
If you are planning to head into the wilderness (anything away from telephones and people) be sure to let someone know your plans - where you will be, what you will be doing, when you expect to return. In the event of an emergency people will be able to get to you quicker if they know where to look!
Dress in Layers-
Wearing multiple layers will keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Remember the three-layer system – base layer, mid/insulating layer, and outer/shell layer. Adding or removing a layer helps your body adapt to changes in your activity level and temperature. Here are a few rules of thumb:
Base Layer-
The base layer is the one next to your skin - your underwear. Although you might think it’s relatively unimportant, choosing an appropriate base layer can make a huge difference in your comfort level. In winter, a wise choice for your base layer is non-cotton long underwear (tops and bottoms) made of either a natural fiber (silk or wool), or a synthetic fiber (polypropylene, nylon). The benefit of choosing non-cotton over cotton underwear is the way that the fabrics react to water. Cotton fibers are hydrophilic – they absorb water -- whereas non-cotton fibers are hydrophobic – they repel water. As more water is absorbed, less heat is retained, which translates to you getting colder faster. Choosing hydrophobic materials will allow both perspiration and rain to be repelled from the body – thus enabling your body to retain heat for longer periods of time.
Insulating layer-
The insulating layer is the layer between the base layer and the shell. As before, choosing a non-cotton insulating layer will help to retain heat and wick perspiration away from the body. Two of the most popular choices for insulating layers are wool and polyester fleece. Not all polyester fleece is created equal! The thicker the garment, the more heat it will retain. For thicker garments, be sure there is some way to vent the heat, either through pit-zippers, front zippers, or both. There is such a thing as being too warm!
Waterproof/Breathable Shell-
The shell layer is the first line of defense against the elements. Choosing a jacket that is “water resistant” will help protect you from an early fall shower but might not be as effective during a late spring deluge. Choosing a jacket that is “waterproof” (such as a PVC rain slicker or poncho) may keep the rain out, but without the benefit of breathability you could become soaked in your own sweat. Breathable/waterproof fabrics (such as the venerable Gore-Tex) will provide the optimum combination – both keeping the rain off and letting the sweat out. Once again, choosing a garment with vents (pit-zippers and front zippers) will provide better temperature control.
Protecting the Extremities-
A wool or fleece hat will help with heat retention and can be easily removed to prevent overheating.
Wool or other non-cotton socks are a must for outdoor comfort. Warm even when wet, wool/poly-blend socks can be worn in winter or summer and can even help with blister prevention.
No matter what level of adventure you are planning, by using a sensible layering system and following a few simple rules you can avoid exposure and potential danger in the outdoors.
- June 2nd, 2007 - Well, it's been a busy week at GO-Adventures. The end of the school year at Butler School means the beginning of the summer season, and between end of school-year trips and beginning of summer trainings, I re-installed a zip line for the Family Fun Day.
Last weekend we ran a zipline/climbing wall program at JR's Pavilions of Turkey Run (corporate picnic facility near McLean, VA). Participants had to climb up our challenge wall, step onto a platform that sits 40 feet off the ground, and zip down the 500 foot cable. Fun!
On the hottest day of the year (so far!) we headed out to Rock Creek Park and met a group from Georgetown University Medical Center for an Adventure Challenge! The group took part in a self-led, rotational teambuilding program, and in spite of the heat, they were great sports and had a good time...
Saturday, June 23rd -
July 28th, 2007
Wow! Great trip last weekend with the kids from Talbot Park Baptist Church. The kids had a great time, worked well together, weren't afraid to get a little wet and dirty... It doesn't get any better than that.
