Originally Posted by
Arctic1
...Modern hard shells, although I never use them, have the advantage that they freeze dry. Just let the moisture trapped in the garment freeze, and just remove the ice the next morning.
....
The reason for choosing cotton is that it can take more abuse than synthetic hard shells, and it doesn't melt if it comes in contact with a heat source or a spark from a fire.
I have been doing it this way in the military for 10 years, never had a cold or frost injury to myself or my soldiers. I do however see civilians go on expeditions and hiking trips, with all the latest Gore-Tex clothes, and they usually end up with some kind of frost injury.
Some interesting points. We get this whole "synthetic of best" and "cotton is death" thing so much that we tend to forget the lessons of the past.
personally I have done a great deal of work at altitudes of 8000ft layered with a cotton tshirt, flannel shirt,, polypro long-johns then wool outer layer, and simple costco wool socks and decent boots and been perfectly comfortable all day in spite of sweating. Seems like sweat more with synthetics I've been trying this season, and it's been hard to find that system that works.
I had a synthetic tight shirt on a couple of weeks ago on an outing and I couldnt get warm! even back at the house with the fire blazing and the ambient temp at 78 degrees I was still chilled til I took that shirt off.
My wool outer layer has proven itself in some pretty serious snow storms as the snow doesnt freeze and can be brushed off and you still stay warm.
My capacity for self deception is exceeded only by yours.
Bookmarks