wool vs. synthetics a "scientific" study

Backpacking Light posted a great article about wool vs. synthetic base-layers (click on title of post to go to the article). It is a bit long, but there is some excellent information in it, including some of the science and real-life technology behind each fabric. The following are their personal conclusions from this series of tests and field testing.

• Wool is significantly better at resisting buildup of body odors than most synthetics - even the improved ones
• Wool feels warmer and less clammy on the skin when damp
• Wool takes approximately 50 percent longer to dry than synthetics (range 40 to 60 percent). This was consistent across the board under a large range of conditions - in lab tests of fabric swatches, whole shirts on hangers, shirts on warm bodies, and actual in-field performance of shirts wet with sweat and shirts intentionally saturated with water.
• In our soak test, the difference in water absorption (x increase over dry weight) between wool and synthetics was less than we initially believed. Approximately 3x dry weight for synthetics versus 4x dry weight for wool.
• Synthetic fabrics wick moisture out faster over a larger surface area. This may in part contribute to their faster drying times but also to a chilling effect in cool and especially windy conditions.
• Synthetic fabrics are lighter than wool for comparable warmth.
• Many synthetic garments are significantly less expensive than wool.

A layer to love

On nearly every trip I guide, I get what I call "clothes envy". There is invariably some really cute and functional outdoor gear that someone wears on the trip that I either wish to own, or wish I looked half as stylish wearing the same item. Every once in a while my envy will lead me to purchase a similar item for myself. One of my favorite acquisitions from clothes envy is my REI Sahara long-sleeve button-up shirt.

I am someone who normally gets very hot in the sun, and has to wear a very lightweight shirt or tank top when I hike or paddle. But when I take a break or if it is windy I tend to cool off quickly and like to have something to cover my arms at this time. A long-sleeved shirt is a nice item to have, and a layer I almost always carry along in my pack. But layering becomes more like "clothes aerobics" when pulling things on and off over your head repeatedly. A button up shirt (and it can be any brand really, as long as it is lightweight and quick dry) is just the perfect layer in this situation. It adds enough covering for sun protection without being too hot (it even has vents you can unzip to let heat escape). It adds enough warmth without being too bulky. It adds bug protection often without needing spray. It slips on and off so easily - and heck, you don't even have to button it if you don't want. And if you need something for being in town or going out for a meal, it is a slightly fitted, stylish top.

I have brought this shirt sea kayaking in the Caribbean, hiking in Europe, multi-sport traveling through Australia, camping in Havasu Canyon and even bicycle touring. It is almost always one of the first items of clothing I grab when I pack. And it has never been a piece of clothing that has gone unworn. While I really resisted getting my first one, I now own 2 (though the original one I bought in white is still my favorite; the other one is red).

I strongly recommend adding one to your wardrobe and using it as the "long-sleeved, lightweight shirt for sun protection" that we include on so many of our trip packing lists.

Enjoy! Deb

A metaphor for what's wrong with our approach to fitness

Two metaphors really. I have the good fortune to live quite close to Lynne Brick's health club, a really great gym that has good equipment and excellent classes. As an added bonus, this branch is just for women. It's a 7 to 8 minute walk and when I have go somewhere else after working out, I drive and that takes 4 to 5 minutes. When I first moved here, my neighbors on both sides also belonged- and they both always drove. When I asked why, they said they didn't have the time. That's the first metaphor.

But this one gets me even more. The club is on the third floor and the entry is on the second. As you walk in, you can either ride up in the elevator or walk a bit further and go up the stairs at the back of the building. Which is fastest depends on the elevator, but even then we're talking maybe 1 minute. Going to a health club and then taking an elevator instead of the stairs! I understand it when someone has a baby stroller or is carrying their young child but otherwise it strikes me as absurd. And an example of what's wrong with our approach to fitness- instead of taking advantage of the natural opportunities to get exercise, like walking to neighborhood stores or taking stairs or riding our bikes, we rely on the "easiest" way to do these and then go to a health club to get our exercise. Go figure. -- Marian