[AZ-Observing] Re: Cold Weather Wear

Some good cold weather recommendations going around, here.
For many years, I have worn a down mountaineering jacket for astronomy, and have
been very comfortable.  It's light in weight, and can be adjusted (snap flaps 
over
the zipper) and has a removable snap on hood. The jacket is rather long, so it
comes down over your kidneys and lower back.  There is an adjustable drawstring 
at
the waist, so you can pretty well set the amount of warmth needed.  There are
inner and outer pockets to warm your hands and/or carry eyepieces, etc.
It's been so many years, I can't recommend a dealer or quote a price, now.
I had always wanted to match the jacket with down "expedition pants", but never
found them in stock in Phoenix, so I settled for a pair of insulated ski pants
(sometimes referred to as a "ski bib").  These are set up so you can zip them on
over top of other trousers.  "Long johns" are needed with those.
I think I may need to update my wardrobe....seems all my outfits have "shrunk" 
in
the waist for some reason.........?? :>))
Steve Coe always has recommended the snowmobile outfits.  But those look rather
heavy.  But they certainly should be warm.
I agree that the problem here in the desert (even sometimes in the fall and
spring) is that when observing, you are stationary, just like lying down (as in 
a
sleeping bag), so you really need to stay covered up to hold in the warmth.  The
trick is to find some comfortable system that is not bulky and restrictive.  I
like my down jacket, as I can adjust it to just the right amount of warmth, and 
it
is sooooo light, not heavy or restrictive.  In addition to the nylon outer shell
kind, there is another model that has a waterproof poplin fabric shell, for
situations where it is wet.  (Down doesn't do very well in the rain!)  I have 
had
favorable experience washing my jackets, but I will say that is something you 
only
do every couple of years, and it does take some time to get the down fully dried
and fluffed back up properly.
There are synthetic materials that mimic down (that are also waterproof), but
nothing that truly has the light weight and loft.
Some people say, "If your FEET are cold, cover your HEAD!"  I think I read that
your brain consumes most of the warmth when you are not actively moving around.
Gene Lucas
(17250)

Jon Milan wrote:

> I second the capilene.  A bit pricey, but well worth it.   As Mike
> says, next layer for warmth, top layer for wind block.
>
> Capiline comes in several ranges, you can pick from lightweight (if
> you're active or it's not too cold) to heavyweight (if you're idle or
> in the arctic).
>
> Good gloves and good hat (or even a balaclava - call motorcycle shops)
> and you're set.
>
> Jon
>
> On Tuesday, December 17, 2002, at 04:17  PM, Mara Loftus wrote:
>
> >
> > My 2 cents:
> >
> > Pol-pro, & Capeline are best for long underwear, next layer with Fleece,
> > then use a shell to eliminate air/wind. Cotton is out!  Wetsuit material
> > face shields are also great and used extensively in extreme cold conditions.
> > Wool is good if it's wet, lets hope that's not an issue!   Also available
> > are foot and hand warmers, both in chemical and battery form.  I have had
> > success with both types, even in temps at 70 below or more.  Campmor's web
> > site has had the best deals I've seen, better then Cabelas, SA, Wal-Mart
> > etc...
> >
> > Mike
> >
>
> --
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