OUTDOOR CLOTHING INTRO
These indeed are good times, and that is especially true when it comes to selecting outdoor clothing. In many ways, this topic will boil down to a Ford vs Chevy type of discussion. In the end however, it will be
your experience with
your selections that will matter, and often those choices will differ from "
expert" opinions. Obviously, if it works, who cares!!!
So, for this net, we intend to open the discussion to what we believe are the most commonly used fabrics, with a little discussion of the strengths of each. We also intend to highlight some of the standout performers of outdoor clothing that we have either used or with which we are familiar.
Here are a few general suggestions or rules, if you will, that we have found to be helpful in buying and settling on the clothing that works best for you:
- Clothing is a consumable product, meaning that it will all wear out at some point. The message here is that you will eventually have an opportunity to experiment with other types of clothing and in particular, other fabrics.
- Don't be afraid to try out new fabrics. And conversely, don't be afraid to try classic fabrics. And, importantly, don't be afraid to make mistakes, because eventually, either sooner or later, you will make some.
- Having more than one type of clothing will greatly assist you in deciding which is best for you. So, for example, having two different types of socks, (or more), should help you in making a decision which works best.
- Often times, you will find that your regular clothing will work just fine for your outdoor activities.
- Some fabrics are more resistant to wear than others, like wool. If longevity is important to you, keep this in mind.
- Be careful from whom you take advice. This covers a lot of territory, so let me explain. Taking the clothing advice of Antarctic explorers may not be advisible if your activities all take place in climates where the temperatures never goes below 40 degrees. Similarly, reading about various clothing items from a manufacturer's or retailer's website may be a good start, but you may want to dig a little deeper and check with people you trust who have used the clothing item or fabric you want to buy. Also, go to sources that have a credible degree of experience.
So, time to get down to business. 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. And, speaking of cold weather, it is your base layer which is most important. Subsequent layers should also have wicking ability or be breathable. 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.
Silk
Silk has always been famous for its luxury and comfort (and price.) What is not well known is the fact that it makes for a good base layer that will help keep you warm, even when you perspire. Silk long underwear and turtlenecks are light, thin and breathable, as well as sweat-wicking. If you have the wallet for silk, it is an excellent choice.
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. Polypropylene, which is a petrochemical and one of the most commonly used fibers for outdoor clothing, has seen some of the greatest advances in technology. The development of synthetic fabrics has been enormous, with the net result being that some of the best outdoor clothing is now made with these materials. 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. But for those who need proper clothing in cold climates, synthetic clothing 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 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.
