[net.bicycle] Cold/Wet weather clothing

paulhus@euclid.DEC (N. CHRIS PAULHUS DTN 223-6871 MLO8-3/T13) (03/18/86)

	
	The following is a handout that I have used when I give
	workshops on this topic at GEARs and NEARs.  Part II is
	useful in workshops/interactive.  The mail order list 
	should be helpful to all.  Any additions?  Chris
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		COLD and WET WEATHER OUTDOOR SPORTS CLOTHING

	1. Basic Principles

	    A. Cold & Wet weather clothing TASK is similar:
		1. Must keep skin dry			\
		2. Must provide insulation		 \  layers starting
		3. Must provide wind/water barrier	 /   from inside
		    - only difference			/

	     B. To keep skin dry: WICK moisture, do not absorb it.
		  ie: polypropelyne ("poly"), wool, other plastic based.

	     C. Provide insulation: layers of still air -
		 poly, nylon fleece, wool, down, "Thinsulate",
		 other synthetics.
	 
	     D. Provide wind/water barrier: tightly woven or coated fabric.
		  PROBLEM: moisture build-up inside this shell - soaks all
		           other clothing.  You must let moisture OUT through
			   this barrier if you - 1. are working hard, OR
					         2. long duration (over 1 hr)

		Gore-Tex and similar permeable membrane fabrics are great.
		The alternative is permeable layers of insulation such as wool,
		nylon fleece.  This is good only for cold weather.  Wet
		weather almost demands Gore-Tex or similar.
	        I advise:  demand under-arm vent zippers in jacket!  (Do
		  back vents work?)

	II. Specific Recommendations  -  see over

	III.  Mail Order Clothing Catalogs

	Early Winters, 110 Prefontaine Place South, Seattle, WA 98104-9977
	REI Co-Op, P.O. Box C-88125, Seattle, WA 98118
	Eddie Bauer, Fifth & Union, P.O. Box 3700, Seattle, WA 98124
	YAK Works (?), 2030 Westlake Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
	  (there must be something about Seattle and wet weather)
	Moss Brown, 1522 Wisconsin Ave, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20007
	Campmor, 810 Route 17 North, P.O. Box 999, Paramus, NJ 07652
	Eastern Mountain Sports, Vose Farm Road, Peterborough, NH 03458
	Sears, Roebuck & Co.
	Jones Cyclewear, 24 Brown Ave., Lunenburg, MA 01462
	Leading Edge, 949 Walnut St., Boulder, CO 80302
	Nature Wear (Protogs), 27 Ludy St., Hicksville, NY 11801
	Patagonia Mail Order, P.O. Box 86, Ventura, CA 93002