Effective outdoor clothing knows no season. And, as important as it is to stay warm in cold weather, it is just as important to keep as cool as possible in warm weather. Long gone are the days when we really had just two choices, cotton and wool. While synthetics have earned a place in the outdoor clothing market, they have, by no means, replaced cotton and wool. In fact, today's technology has made these traditional fabrics real contenders when it comes to effective outdoor clothing.
The market for effective footwear today is better than it has ever been. The competition for your footwear dollars has not only created a very strong and crowded marketplace, but it has also created more choices, with better technology, than ever before.
Whether your needs are for hunting, camping, hiking, backpacking, concealed carry, or just the occasional walk through the neighborhood, there are plenty of companies that are producing some really great products. We hope to cover the lines of clothing and footwear known to us, but we hope we can get other knowledgeable outdoorsmen to join us with their suggestions as well, (and ladies too!!!)
GETTING READY FOR THE WEATHER
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So, for starters, we need to cover some basics about the fibers that make up the clothing we will discuss on this net. Two of the most important considerations for selecting the right outdoor clothing are warmth and wicking. Wicking is simply the ability of the fabric to transport perspiration moisture from your clothing to the outside environment. So here are the most common fabrics:
Cotton
Cotton has not historically been a recommended fabric for outdoor clothing, especially in cold weather, and where exertion was expected. The reason for this was the fact that cotton absorbs perspiration moisture, and instead of wicking it out, it remains in the clothing. The argument, which was valid, went something like this: when activity stops, your wet cotton clothing would chill you rather than keep you warm. Technology has come to the rescue of this fabric, and today many manufacturers are making great outdoor clothing with "moisture wicking cotton." On the other hand, non wicking cotton does have a place in warm climates, as it will retain moisture, thus helping the body to remain cool.
Wool
If wool were to be discovered today, it would be heralded as one of the most significant advancements in cold weather clothing of or our time (a little exaggeration, maybe), and it would certainly be at the very top of the list of fibers that make for good outdoor clothing. That's not to say that wool is not already there, because it already is, but the point here is that today, wool is, In many, many ways, the gold standard for cold weather clothing, and for many good reasons. That, by the way, is a gold standard to which all other fibers, including synthetics, strive to match or surpass. For those interested in digging a little deeper into the benefits of wool, read this article, "Why Wool Stomps the Comp": https://weatherwool.com/pages/why-wool.
Aside from its ability to serve in both warm and cold climates, wool is extremely durable and long lasting, and YES, wool wicks moisture away from the body and breathes. It's protection from cold is almost legendary.
Synthetics
Most (and probably all) synthetic fibers used for outdoor clothing are derived from petroleum and are considered petrochemicals. Polyester, which is a petrochemical and one of the most commonly used fibers for outdoor clothing, has seen some of the greatest advances in technology. These advances have created some of the best outdoor clothing on the market today. One of it's most significant advantages is the ability to wick moisture, as well as it's ability to dry quickly. Also, it's light weight and low bulk have added to it's appeal and function. And, for those who need proper clothing in cold climates, synthetic clothing also offers great protection.
One note of caution here is in order, however. Synthetic clothing does not do well when subjected to high heat, and by that I mean that the flying embers from a campfire. If this happens it will quickly burn a hole in your in your favorite jacket (or whatever), and if your clothing is next to your skin, the melting fabric could be dangerous.
Down
Strictly speaking, down is not a clothing item, but it is contained within a fabric, to make clothing items. Like wool, this natural product has phenomenal properties which can serve you well in very cold climates. Among its many strengths are its light weight. its ability to breathe or wick, it's ability to be super compressible for packing purposes (not for long periods however), and, of course, its fantastic insulation capabilities, which will keep you warm.
There are a couple of disadvantages with down, the first being cost. The second issue has to do with downs susceptibility to getting wet. Traditionally, when down got wet, it lost most of its insulating capabilities. In recent years however the technology has developed to treat down to make it water repellent, thus preserving much, if not all of its insulation qualities. Since all (or almost all) of the outer shell for down garments is made from synthetic fibers (and usually nylon), it is a very good idea to not wear your down clothing around campfires.
KEEPING THE FEET DRY, WARM AND COMFORTABLE
Need some new boots?????
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Getting a good pair of outdoor capable boots these days is not as easy as going down to your local sporting goods store, at least for most of us. The exception, of course, is when your local sporting goods store is a Cabela's or a Bass Pro Shop.
With the transition of our buying habits to the internet, the reality now is that this is where you will find good information on footwear as well as a great selection. The bottom line is that your footwear should be the product of good research as well as information from others that do what you want to do.
For the many reasons which we will discuss on the net, your footwear is one of then most important pieces of equipment you carry. Recognition of this means that you need to do some home work and make sure that you are getting the best that your budget will allow. There is no comfortable way to speak the truth here, so I'll get it out now, without any sugar coating: DON'T BUY CHEAP!!! Quality boots will last longer, perform better, offer more protection, and be more comfortable. They will, of course, cost more.
(I hope to make it to at least half the places this bike has been)
