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Choosing Gear - Clothing

Choosing Gear - Clothing


CHOOSING YOUR OUTDOOR CLOTHING

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Outdoor clothing choices come in countless styles, weights, and constructions, so it can be quite confusing when trying to determine which item of clothing will cater to your activities specific needs.


Fabric Comparison:
The most basic and critical component of clothing is fabric. Not all fabrics are equal, but all have a time and place.


The Main Materials Are:

Nylon/Polyester– synthetic, very breathable and moisture-wicking

Silk – natural,lightweight and good for warm or cold conditions – not very durable

Wool – natural,insulating even when wet and cool in summer

Cotton –natural, durable, but not very moisture-wicking


CLOTHING PERFORMANCE

Technical outdoor clothing is often made out of synthetic, silk, or wool fabrics, simply because they are highly wicking, drawing moisture away from the body. This feature will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. When clothing holds perspiration next to the skin the body loses heat faster due to conductivity. Water against your skin conducts heat away much faster than just air.

Performance clothing is best when you’reengaging in any physical activity.


LAYERS 

MOST ESSENTIAL LAYER: HAT 

• 40-45% of body heat is lost through the head

• Plus sun protection from the harsh New Zealand sun.

Base Layer

It is important that you do not wear anything cotton as a base layer due to the fact it retains perspiration and can leave you feeling wet, clammy and chilled.For outdoor comfort, you should opt for synthetic, merino wool or silk.

Benefits:

• Lightweight& Compact-able

• Trap natural body heat

• Wicks moisture away from the body

• Fast drying 

Merino Wool:
Best for cooler conditions, but good for most activities in most conditions.Merino offers more warmth than synthetic material, but is still comfortable on  the warmer days.

Synthetics:
Faster-drying than other fabrics, synthetics are best for rainy conditions and for heat and high humidity, but work for all activities and conditions. These are soft and lightweight and easy to car for.However, odor may build if worn repeatedly.

Silk: 
Silk is best for moderate cool-weather activities. Silk threads are usually chemically modified to enhance wicking, although slower than synthetics, while still retaining their luxurious texture. However, silk is not as robust as base layers made out of merino or synthetic material.

Mid Layer

This layer typically consists of a merino wool or fleece long sleeved jacket.The purpose of this layer is to capture warmth through trapped air. A mid layer can also be an insulating layer such as a thin down jacket. When choosing amid-layer try to stay away from most general synthetic fibers as they aren’t as breathable as natural fibers, and they take a considerable amount of time to dry when wet.

Outer Layer

Your outer layer should be able to protect you against the extreme elements. Jackets can protect you against humidity, wind, and cold. When choosing an outdoor jacket, you either put emphasis on one of these factors, or compromise for a sufficient level of all-round protection.


NOTE: There are a number of different types of outerwear materials that can be worn depending on the temperature.

Down Jacket:
 High loft to maximize heat retention, lightweight, breathable.

Ski Jacket: Wet/outdoor activity, block wind/rain, suitable for the more extreme weather conditions(including snow), aid in ventilation while moving.

Soft Shell Jacket: Waterproof,breathable, multi-purpose.




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