The Outer Layer
More Articles Related to ClothingLast in the 3 layer system is the outer layer or outer shell.
You outer layer of clothing performs a very important function. Its main responsibility is to keep wind (dangerous wind chill) and water from penetrating into the inner two layers. This outer shell should also allow moisture to continue on its way from the body and into the outside world so that you remain dry.
Materials like Gore-Tex have the ability to repel water in the form of rain, snow, and fog while at the same time being able to expel the water vapor that collects inside your clothing from your sweat. Because a drop of water is very large in comparison to a molecule of water vapor, the small pores within a Gore-Tex shell garment allow this water vapor to pass through the membrane while the big water drops fall right off.
Gore-Tex is a PTFE polytetrafluorethylene petrochemical polymer that was the first fabric made to exhibit the desirable characteristics of waterproofness and breathability. Now there are a number of materials that have similar properties.
Vulnerable areas in fabrics that are both breathable and waterproof include the seams and zippers. You do not want rain, melting snow, or the particles of heavy fog to penetrate these portions of your outer shell. Be sure that seams and zippers are either well sealed or shielded.
Costa Rica
I wear outerwear all of the time, most Gore tex is heavy and gets damp inside after a while. Frog Toggs are an excellent choice for wet weather.
You are welcome to share this Survival Topic with others. I only request that you use a short blurb (not the entire survival content) and this code to
link to the origional:
Honolulu, HI
I'm having some trouble finding suitable pants for backpacking, hunting, etc. here in Hawaii it can be rainforest to wide open lava fields, to dry, dusty mountains and I need to find a material or better yet pants that will serve me well in all of the above climates. Any suggestions?