11/21/2010
Clothing: Factors to consider
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Before leaving home…
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Temperature
Precipitation
Wind speed
Terrain
Altitude and elevation gain
Distance
Nutrition/calorie utilization
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Your “shell” against the elements
Keeps wind and wet weather out
Traps warmth inside
Breathability lets perspiration out
Get the best quality you can afford
The Wicking Layer
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Wind
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Warmth
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Wicking
This is a sponge
…and throughout the day
The Wind Layer
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The Three W’s
Moves perspiration away from your
skin
Long underwear – polypropylene,
other new high-tech fabrics
Comes in light-to-heavy weights;
usually light or medium weight is
sufficient for nordic skiing
Cotton is dangerous for any layer,
when wet it promotes heat loss
The Warmth Layer
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Insulating layer with loft to trap
heat
Fleece and wool maintain heat
retention even when wet
Down is a risky choice; good
warmth for weight, but does not
insulate when wet
Transitions
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Points at which clothing needs may
change
Reactions to changes in
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temperature, internal or external
terrain or altitude
exertion level
weather
sun exposure
Try to anticipate need for clothing
adjustments