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gear notes

The Basics – long underwear
Synthetic or wool base layers in come in several differents weights, from silkwieght to expedition weight. With technical base layers, the principle built into the fabric works like this: The fabric touching your skin is hydrophilic (loves water) and drinks up the perspiration like a thirsty camel. The outer weave of the fabric has the ability to spread the moisture onto a wider surface so that it takes less body heat to dry it than if it was concentrated all in one place, like under your armpits. Remember when you are dry, you are warm. Very simple. As for socks and gloves this principle works to a degree but it’s more difficult to dry a sock in a ski boot and gloves and mitts usually have a waterproof liner so not much evaporation can occur. I always pack extra socks and gloves and change half way through the day. It seriously makes a world of difference to your whole body warmth. So, remember when you buy your next long underwear, ask some questions? Is it quick dry? How much insulation do I want, thick or thin? If you’re in the outdoors a lot you’ll probably need light-weight, mid-weight, and expedition weight. But when you buy the good stuff it will last you a lifetime. That is unless you just can’t resist and new pair of rainbow striped long johns, or that great new pink Patagonia capilene zip top.