Title2

32 Pillory Street, Nantwich,

Cheshire. CW5 5BG

enquiries@making-tracks.net

Telephone 01270 610033

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Body Heat Management. (Sorry, a bit wordy!)

Imagine its a cold frosty morning and the sun is shining down from a clear blue sky. As you set off the ground is hard under foot and your breath can be seen out in front. You are all wrapped up against the cold and you set off at a brisk pace to summit a hill or two.

As you walk your body uses energy and you give off heat - you get warm. Then you start on a steeper section and your energy levels rise and you start to sweat (or perspire!). This is not particularly pleasant but as your energy levels are high its not too serious. The real problems start when your energy levels drop, for example returning to the flat, walking down hill or stopping for that well deserved hot drink. That sweat will now get cold and form a cold layer around your body and you will start to feel cold. Now consider that you are half way round your 10 mile walk and have a number of hours before you get back. In extreme cases this can lead to hypothermia.

 

We at Making Tracks believe that the answer to this problem is the ‘Layer System’. Simply take a layer off if your getting hot or put a layer on if your getting cold.  

Your clothing must ‘breath’ out the heat, which seems odd if you want to stay warm but this prevents you from getting hot and sweaty. This system is totally flexible and is based around 3 different layers. The Base Layer, The Mid Layer and the Outer Layer. These are also inter-related with ‘soft shell’ fabrics but don’t worry about that until you know how your body works. SO......

 

The Base Layer is normally a thin man made fabric (or merino wool) that has an open weave and does not absorb moisture unlike cotton and wool. Being an open weave it lets the warm air out into your mid layer before it condenses. Under great exertion sweat may form but will dry out exceptionally quickly. Your mid layer is a quality fleece that holds the warmth but still allows air to flow out and the outer layer is your waterproof, windproof and breathable jacket that keeps the weather out. Then simply mix the clothing to suit the conditions.