17/02/2014

The Fabric Matters In The Outdoors

Recent reports from the Mountaineering Council of Scotland  have announced that wearing cotton clothing poses serious risks to suffering from hypothermia when out trekking in the winter. With this in mind, Fieldandtrek.com take a look at what mountaineers, expeditionists and serious walkers should wear during the bitter months.

The main reason why cotton is not a suitable fabric for winter activities is because as soon as it begins to rain, snow or gets a little wet, its insulation properties no longer exist, causing the skin to cool down very quickly. This in turn could cause hypothermia.

When out in harsh weather conditions it is vital to be prepared and wear the correct clothing. Many waterproof and breathable items are constructed from modern polymers and laminated with a polymer membrane called polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) and polyurethane, so always check  before purchasing waterproofs that they are constructed with these materials.

When it comes to waterproofing and fabric being breathable it is also best to look out for jackets and trousers with eVent® or GORE-TEX® properties as they work to wick away any moisture.

In terms of insulation, microfleeces are much more insulated than a normal fleece, which is crucial when out in the snow or facing tough conditions. Down fabric, whether it’s goose or duck, is also desirable as it aims to retain both warm air and cold to ensure a comfortable temperature.

On a whole, synthetic materials are lightweight, strong and durable which is everything that is required from outdoor clothing.  However, nylon is not the best option when it comes to protection in the outdoors. Although it is lightweight, tough and keeps water from seeping through, it also doesn’t allow any moisture to escape. Therefore, any sweat that builds up on the inside will stay there which won’t be very comfortable.

Wearing waterproof, breathable and well insulated clothing may seem like common sense, but sometimes it can be overlooked and wearing the wrong materials could pose serious health risks.

Visit http://www.fieldandtrek.com/walking for FieldandTrek.com’s range of suitable clothing. Keep up to date with their latest news and views online at http://www.fieldandtrek.com/news


By press release

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