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Layer or DieDec 22 '01 Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Get a waterproof/breathable shell and three fleeces: lightweight, mid-weight, and heavyweight. The base layer is not necessary. Wear a beanie. Depending on weather conditions, there are different ways to layer. The different variables are temperature, wind, and precipitation. The weather will determine what fabrics are appropriate to wear outside. The basics of layering are that there are four layers: base layer, mid-layer, insulation, and shell. The baselayer is worn against the skin. It provides lightweight warmth and wicks perspiration away from the skin. The mid-layer is a t-shirt. Insulation keeps the heat in. Sweatshirts, wool sweaters, and fleece are some types of insulation. The shell keeps the wind, precipitation, and cold out. The base layer is optional. It is good for exercising in cold weather, but is not really necessary. Fleece will wick the sweat from the body. The base layer will make you a little warmer. In dry, cold, windy conditions, down and windproof fleece will do the job. Down comes in a windproof nylon shell, so it will keep the cold out as the down keeps the heat in. Windproof fleece is also insulation and a windproof shell all in one. Windproof fleece has a membrane such as Gore Windstopper or Polartec Windbloc between the outer layer of fleece and the liner. Shelled fleece is also windproof. Densified fleece such as polartec windpro or thermal pro offers some wind resistance and excellent warmth. Windproof fleece is 2 to 4 times more expensive than traditional fleece, so if it is out of the price range, a traditional fleece layered under a windbreaker will do the same thing, but with a little extra bulk. The fleece keeps the heat in while the shell keeps the wind out. Without the windproof aspect, the wind will cut right through the fleece and pull the warm air from the body away. If it is not that windy outside, a fleece that is not windproof by itself will suffice. When the rain or snow moves in, a waterproof shell is necessary. The two types of waterproof shells are waterproof/breathable and waterproof/non-breathable. If the shell is not insulated, an insulation layer, base layer, or both must be worn underneath in order to keep you warm. Fleece, down, and thinsulate are some linings that may come with jackets. Insulated waterproof jackets may work around town, but they offer little versatility when conditions change. A shell without insulation is a better choice because layers can be adjusted. Aerobic activity will determine whether a breathable or a non-breathable shell is appropriate. Breathable means the shell will allow heat and body vapor to exit so that overheating does not occur. Waterproof/breathable shells are made up of a lining laminated to a nylon shell. Gore-tex is the original waterproof/breathable material, but most outdoor companies make their own that are much cheaper than Gore-tex. Gore-tex shells cost more than other waterproof/breathable jackets because Gore-tex is the original and still one of the best. For example, Columbia makes Omni-tech and Mountain Hardwear makes Conduit. Non-breathable shells are made of rubber. If you are just standing around, a non-breathable shell will do. They are much cheaper than the breathable ones. If you are active, cycling or skiing perhaps, a breathable shell is appropriate. Waterproof/breathable shells are only breathable to a degree. Some have pit zips, which are zippers at the armpits that release heat if things get too warm. Core vents are better than bit zips. They are zippers in front of the armpits that release more heat than pit zips. Waterproof shells are also windproof, but they are less breathable than windbreakers. When you go outside, be prepared. Always take insulation and a shell. Don't let the cold in. Also, keeping the head insulated is crucial to keeping warm.  |
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