Hypothermia Information






                           SOME SNOW CAMP RULES


                             From Gene Haning


	SHIRTS
	The outer shirt of jacket should be of a material that will stop 
wind and shed snow.  Some slick synthetics work well.


	PANTS
    	As with shirts, the outer pair of pants should shed snow and block 
wind.  Some types of ski-pants do both well.
    Problem with wind-resistant synthetic outer layers (save the most expen-
sive, such as Gore-Tex) is that if they keep moisture out, then they'll keep 
it _in_, too.  So persoireation, wicked away from the skin by the polypro/wool
inner layers, cannot escape.  At the outer layer, where it's coldest, that 
moisture comes close to freezing (if it doesn't in fact), and (either way) 
progressively blocks subsequent perspiration from escaping.  Result:  Damp 
clear through.  If one cannot afford the $80-400 per garment for Gore-Tex, 
next best is to go with a blend of synthetics and natural fibers that'll cut 
the wind and let moisture pass in both directions.  I prefer %60-synthetic-
to-%40-natural blend, but %65-%35 has proponents.  If one is properly layered,
 it's perfectly feasable to be comfy while the outer surface is at or below 
freezing.  Vapor pressure will force perspiration to the outer surface of the 
outer garment, where it freezes and can be brushed off.  Snow from the outside
won't melt, and it too can (and _must_) be brushed away.  When this is so, it 
doesn't really matter _what_ the materail is, so long as snow doesn't adhere 
when brushed, and moisture passes through.  I have been perfectly happy in 
outer shells of %50-%50.
    The problem with ski-pants is that they are cut fashionably tight, where-
as baggy is warmer.  Again, treated "wetlock" fabrics popular for insulated 
skiing overpants won't let moisture escape.  I go with $35 army surplus baggy 
wool pants, and wear home-made %65-%35 overpants (straight cut leg, draw-
string waist, ankle ties (usually left untied and just tucked into Sorrels 
(or gaiters when the snow is deep))).


	GROUND CLOTHS AND PADS
    	Standing all day long is uncomfortable, but sitting on snow just 
gets 
your highly vascular (big muscle) bottom wet, making you cold in a hurry.  
Rock may be dry, but it sucks heat even faster.  I paid $6 for the cheapest 
closed-cell foam pad that I could find, and cut it into 2 by 2 foot squares.  
Everybody carries a square on the outside of the pack, so we can flop down 
anywhere and sit dry and insulated during breaks on the trail.  "Don't leave 
home without it."