[AZ-Observing] Re: Dressing well for the COLD on the cheap
- From: "Thad Robosson" <starstarcracker@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 29 Dec 2002 10:08:02 -0700
Hey All,
I was conducting an experiment at Sentinel on Thursday and Friday. Not
really scientific, but some interesting realizations came from it. I had
purchased a heavy winter coverall, similar to what Steve and AJ have been
wearing for years, and this was the first time using it. Knowing that this
item in itself is not the end of being cold, I also brought a large amount
of what I used to bring "just in case." My layering for Thursday night was
like this....
Microfleece underpants and undershirt. (Like Tom says, "give fleece a
chance.")
Jeans. (I know, I know, cotton=bad, but it worked for me...it's not like I'm
skiing in this get up.)
Capilene "liner" socks with Thorlo extreme winter socks on top in my regular
hiking boots laced loosely.
T-shirt and long sleeved shirt (not cotton, but some blend of synthetics)
My head got a knit stocking cap and some fleece "behind the head" earmuffs.
(the earmuffs were an Xmas gift, and I have to say they worked very
well....)
This was fine for just as the sun was setting and about 1/2 hour later. As
the temp dropped, I started layering
more stuff on my torso. My legs really don't get too cold, so I could let
them go for a while. My top layering was a synthetic wool pullover (useless
if it's windy), and is quite warm. Once I get chilly in this amount of
stuff, I either need to put on a wind resistant layer, or in this case, my
new winter coveralls. I took off the wool top layer and put on the
coveralls, and despite the 30 degree temp, I can't say I even got chilly
EXCEPT when I sat down in my camp chair. My back got cold where the outfit
was being compressed. The insulated hood on the coveralls went a long ways
towards helping me forget that it was cold out. Another interesting note I
observed is that I didn't put on my snowboots I brought along, and my feet
only got slightly chilly, and not unbearably so. I did have toe warmers,
but it probably would've been overkill. I'm going to credit the coveralls
with keeping my legs warm and in turn my feet. I also noticed that I wasn't
running for my glove/mittens like I usually do. Between my arms staying
warmer, and in turn, my hands, slipping my hands in the pocket of the
coveralls for a minute or two thawed them out sufficiently.
The following night only got down to 37, but I did put on my snowboots
early, and the feet NEVER got even close to cold. I also overdid it a bit
by putting on my synthwool top under the coveralls, and was roasting a short
while later despite standing relatively still. I took it off, and was much
more comfy for it. At least I know that I can overdo it. Now I won't be as
likely to think that it'll be too cold to go out to observe.
And for any lurkers on this list who think that we're wimps for crying cold
about 30 degrees, I'd invite you to visit us in July/August.
Thad
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