Winter Is Coming: How to Dress for the Cold
WATER AND THE HUMAN BODY
We all know or should know that the human body is about 75 percent water. That said you would think that water is good for us humans, and it is, but it is a double edge sword. We need water in our body to stay healthy. However, we also eliminate water via urination and through pores i.e. sweat. If we do not allow the sweat to move away from our skin surface, it does become our enemy. Hence the double edge sword that water is.
Companies that sell clothing and sleeping bags to people who camp, whether it is hunters or people who just want to commune with nature, offer a host of products meant to make your life easier while out in the field with respect to dealing with water. They are well aware of the unpleasantness (I say danger) of being wet.
You may have heard the saying “wet cotton kills.” Yes, if you are wearing a first layer of cotton, wool, silk or rayon long underwear it will absorb the perspiration and that of course is not good if you are going to be out for a week or so. By the same token wearing any synthetic long underwear that is closely knitted, while not actually absorbing the perspiration, does trap it next to your skin surface so you get the same chill as with the natural fiber garments.
Long underwear made from synthetics is often said to move your perspiration via wicking or some other method, but the moisture stays right there next to your skin and you get a chill. Ideally what you need to wear is a first layer that does not absorb nor stifle the movement of the moisture while it’s a vapor. Yes, the answer is fishnet long underwear. You will also note while wearing fishnets your body heat stays next to you.
If you are looking for a 15 degree bag for use in the Rocky Mountains, keep in mind that means elevation. The closest bag for that temperature is my Ultra-Light and it weighs in at 3 ¼ pounds to 4 ¼ pounds depending on size.
The hunting season is fast approaching so I get calls constantly from people placing orders and asking for advice. Most often the asker accepts what I share with him. However sometimes I get negative reaction. A guy called from Arkansas and told me he was heading to the Kenia Peninsular for a goat hunt in November. I recommended my fishnets, Lamilite socks, and my Super-Light FTRSS. Since he was out in the field a lot I told him the two bag system would give him plenty of flexibility versus the Ultima-Thule. He then told me his wife was going to be with him and I said she will appreciate using the complete system even if the temperature was 10 degrees. He did say he had a bag he used in August of last year up there. I told him there is a significant temperature change in Alaska from August to November.
What you should be looking for are clothing items that are completely unaffected by moisture from you or the atmosphere. I can tell you right now you will not be fashionable; why; because you will be wearing Wiggy under garments.
First layer fishnets
Second layer liner vest with a liner jacket over it.
So far you have on layers that will not stifle moisture movement or you are managing to not retain moisture. Would that be moisture management, maybe?
Now depending upon the ambient air temperature, plus minus 20 and higher you are fine. Want to go colder, the Antarctic parka.
On your legs, fishnets!
Jeans over them and then the leg jackets! My experience was about -30 F when I was lost.
Now for your feet, Lamilite socks and finally the over boots. Again definitely -30 F. Also note with the Lamilite socks all you need for a month is one pair.
Because more and more of the contestants on the “Alone” program seem to be using Wiggy bags I have paid a little more attention to it. Biggest complaint is being wet and cold. Well they are in a wet cold region of the world. If they were to wear what I just listed they would not be cold, wet probably but cold no.
We live on a wet planet and water is the sustainer of life as well as the taker. You can be fashionable and uncomfortable or comfortable wearing Wiggy’s clothing.