The choice of clothes in areas of extreme cold can be summed up as "fighting moisture to fight the cold"
Basic rules on the choice of technical clothing
During physical exertion, our body produces heat and moisture and this is the most difficult to fight. Clothes must let sweat through, do not hinder movements, dry quickly, and be windproof:
– choose loose clothing,where you feel comfortable and do not wear them tightly adjusted.
– choose insulated or waterproof clothing,composed of the right materials, for the right layers.
– protect the ends. As with the rest of the body, the rule of three layers apply to the extremities: the head, hands and feet.
– dress and undress. You have to know how to put on and remove the different layers of clothing according to the situation, to know how to create heat, without sweating.
– avoid moisture.
Below is a table of the different materials, with their advantages and disadvantages:
Materials | The benefits | The disadvantages |
Cotton | Cold if wet and dry slowly |
|
Leather | Robust, comfortable | Heavy, cold |
Gore Tex | Insulating, breathing | Breathability limited by very great cold |
wool | Hot even wet | |
Nylon | Resistant, light waterproof also in the wind |
Leads the cold, does not breathe |
polar | Hot, light, dry quickly |
Wind permeable |
polypropylene | Warm, light, comfortable insulator |
Soaks up smells |
The "three layers" method remains the most suitable for combating moisture.
It is a matter of wearing several layers of clothing, the closest to the body of which easily let out sweat. The other layers retain heat or preserve the body from external conditions.
– the base layer (on the skin). It must allow the circulation of the perspiration of the body to the outside and allow to remain dry; it is usually an undergarment. Synthetic fibers ensure the best results. However, the Norwegians use wool (especially the ullfrottés underwear distributed in France by Pronor…). The underwear, which will absorb this moisture, must be changed systematically at the end of the day, even if the clothes look dry.
– the middle layer. It traps body heat. For a long time, wool was abundantly the basic insulator; today polar fiber (synthetic polyester fiber) is very effective. Water almost does not penetrate it, and it dries quickly.
– the outer layer. Its function is to protect from water, snow and especially wind. Its construction must be solid. It will have to be ample and go down as low as possible. It should be both breathable and waterproof with if possible technical opening options for better ventilation.
List of recommended hardware
Number | Type of clothing | matter | Trademark example | Our tips |
1 | Light windproof jacket | Genus Gore-Tex or equivalent | Patagonia, Kichatna, The North Face, Millet | |
1 | Breathable windproof pants | Genus Gore-Tex or equivalent | Ice Nine Jacket, Patagonia, The North Face, Millet | |
1 | Hot cap | Fleece or wool | Lowe alpine, North face | |
1 | Sweater or thick fleece jacket | wool or fleece | R4 Windbloc, Patagonia and other brands | |
1 | Lightweight fleece jacket | polar | R4 Windbloc, Patagonia and other brands | (optional) |
2 to 3 | Fine T-shirts | Polypropylene – polar or wool | Ullfrotté | Ullfrotté 200g |
1 | Long underpants | Polypropylene – polar or wool | Captilene, Patagonia, Arctic Lyfa, Carline, or Ullfrotté | Jooging or cross-country skiing tights |
2 to 3 | Thin socks | Polypropylene or wool | Captilene, Patagonia, Arctic Lyfa, Carline, or Ullfrotté 400g | Ullfrotté 400g |
2 to 3 | Pairs of thick socks | Polypropylene or wool | If possible Ulfrotté 600g | |
1 | Pair of mountain shoes | |||
1 | Pair of lightweight sneaker shoes | For the camp | ||
1 | Pair of open shoes types "Crocs" | To walk with the GoreTex combination | ||
1 | Pair of rubber boots (high) | The sole must be notched | ||
1 | Pair of gloves or mittens | Polar or Polypropylene | polar | |
1 | Cap | |||
1 | Pair of Sunglasses Class 3 | |||
1 | Down –5° comfort | synthetic | Failing this, two downs 0 ° C in the other | |
1 | Polar fur overalls | polar | Helly Hansen | For kayaking and ashore |
1 | Swiss army knife | Optional | ||
1 | Mini toiletry bag: wipes, ultra thin towel | |||
1 | Lip stick | Bag Balm |
Kayak specific equipment
Gore tex dry suit with built-in slipper
pair of kayak gloves
kayak skirt
two-pocket lifejacket
neoprene hood
Camping equipment
2-seater tent type "Isfjell Helsport"
gas stove
Safety equipment in nature areas
Miniature Sarsat tag
radio V.H.F.
alarm gun / 1 carbine
pen launches alarm rocket/pers.
pharmacy kit