Questions tagged [clothing]

Question about choosing proper clothes for outdoor activity and repairing/replacing them while being outside.

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14 votes
4 answers
7k views

Is it safe to wear a down jacket while building a fire?

The outside of a down jacket is usually made of nylon or polyester, which is inflammable. While trying to build a fire, is it safe to wear this jacket? Or will the flying embers be enough to set the ...
12 votes
4 answers
4k views

When do you put on long underwear?

Where I live in Canada, winter can be pretty cold. Sometimes -35 C. I work outside for a living and among my work peers there's an age old debate about when is the best time to start wearing long ...
12 votes
2 answers
3k views

Does wash in waterproofing work on a non-waterproof shell?

I'm considering an ultralight (non-waterproof) shell and Nikwax wash-in waterproofing as a rain layer. I'd like it to be waterproof through several wearings (a week or more). Does this result in ...
0 votes
2 answers
318 views

How to understand the ski pants size option 'Tall'?

Some ski pants have the size option 'Tall', for example S size would have inseam length varieties Short, Regular, Long but there is also a S Tall size which also has inseam length Short, Regular, Long ...
15 votes
6 answers
34k views

How can I avoid or lessen sweating in a rain jacket?

I have a nylon rain jacket that I wear to walk my dogs when it rains. It seems that no matter what clothes I wear underneath, I always end up very sweaty. I've tried long sleeves, short sleeves, quick-...
9 votes
2 answers
2k views

Synthetic breathable fabrics vs natural fabrics for 'live-in' hiking clothing?

I'm putting together a kit list for hiking and the last time I went on a big hike I wore a breathable t-shirt, but I didn't find it that comfy and it also tended to start to smell quickly. Any tips on ...
4 votes
3 answers
430 views

What clothing/fabric can mosquitos not bite through?

I've just had my first bites of 2022 (depressingly early!) and am reminded that mosquitoes seem able to bite through most of my regular clothes. I can't wear giant overcoats and PVC trousers in warm ...
7 votes
2 answers
3k views

Technical clothing brands for extra long arms?

I'm a +5 in the ape index, (6'2" tall, with almost a 6'7" wingspan) Buying nice fitting jackets has never been a luxury I could enjoy. My solution for a while was to buy jackets made for ice climbing, ...
6 votes
4 answers
9k views

How dangerous is swimming fully dressed in cotton/denim clothes?

There is a recent question What material is a good alternative to neoprene? one of the comments to an answer says: whole suit filled up with water I might be taking it out of context, but as I ...
13 votes
6 answers
6k views

Under what conditions are light coloured long sleeve shirt and long pants cooler than bare skin?

In the latest heat wave I'm well aware of the power of the sun. Step out of the shade, and it hits with sledgehammer force. Arabs are portrayed in loose head to ankle white. Cowboys in the old west ...
1 vote
0 answers
169 views

How can you get bear spray stains off clothing? [closed]

Have bear spray stains on clothing, is there a way to get it out ?
7 votes
5 answers
2k views

For fording cold rivers, is there any special clothing (as opposed to makeshift bags or tightly connected raintrousers) to stay dry and warm?

On my treks, I often need to ford rivers — on my last trek (3½ day) I forded five, including four on a single day (not counting >100 smaller streams). My current practice is to take off my boots and ...
7 votes
3 answers
319 views

How to prepare for a blizzard while trekking on a mountain pass?

This winter (not sure about the possibility) I'm planning a solo trek across a mountain pass. It's 3000 m (9800 ft) high and I'm pretty used to high altitudes. I've heard that about 30 ft of snow ...
18 votes
5 answers
1k views

Dealing with very cold climate (clothing)

In the near future I will have to prepare myself for a Siberia expedition. During the winter, average temperatures in Siberia range from -10°F (-23°C) to below -50°C (-45°F).1 What should I wear ...
12 votes
2 answers
9k views

Does wearing too many layers have any negative impacts other than sweating?

I usually go out running with many, many layers on. Even though I may sweat more, I feel more comfortable and wrapped up. Are there any dangers, other than hypothermia, of wearing too many layers?
22 votes
10 answers
13k views

How do I disinfect my wool hiking socks?

I've got athlete's foot after having my feet in the same boots for extended periods of time. How can I disinfect my wool hiking socks to prevent this from spreading and reinfecting my feet?
2 votes
2 answers
325 views

Should I wash new child snow mittens before wearing?

I bought new mittens for my kid for the coming winter holiday. They should be waterproof or at least water-resistant. Normally when i buy clothing, i wash it before wearing. The fabric may not have ...
4 votes
2 answers
413 views

Waxing G-1000 trousers - melting options

I really need to wax my G-1000 trousers - but I do not own a clothes iron and only a flimsy travel hairdryer. The instructions for the trousers/wax say, I should use either to melt the wax after ...
2 votes
3 answers
327 views

Male swimming attire that can be worn under clothing

(Use case: A hike to heated waters--hiking with only swimwear for lower attire is not an option.) I find most swimwear is not exactly suitable for wearing under clothing, speedos would work but I'm ...
7 votes
1 answer
2k views

Should wax for G-1000 be continuously applied?

I got a Fjällräven Barents Trousers for Christmas! Hell yeah! It's made of the "G-1000" material. 65% polyester, 35% cotton. G-1000 Original is the original fabric in Fjällräven’s comfortable ...
4 votes
1 answer
451 views

What is the difference between SPF and UPF, if any?

I read on https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sun_protective_clothing&oldid=930941768: A relatively new rating designation for sun protective textiles and clothing is UPF (Ultraviolet ...
3 votes
2 answers
1k views

Is it possible to apply DWR to heavy cotton fleece hooded sweatshirt for water resistance?

I have an American Giant sweatshirt that is fantastic. Superb quality and fit. Heavy 10oz cotton. What would be the best way to add water resistance to a garment/fabric normally water resistant? ...
0 votes
3 answers
782 views

How warm should a down jacket be in a layering system?

I'm building a layering system for cold Colorado winters where I will be going from strenuous hiking to standing still in below freezing weather to take photographs. In full my layering system would ...
8 votes
6 answers
1k views

Clothing for cold weather hiking

I will go for two day hiking on a mountain (intermediate level). The weather will be chilling (3 °C to 5 °C, no snowing,but it may rain). I would like to know what kind of clothing would be better? ...
10 votes
1 answer
416 views

Why does a manufacturer recommend normal detergent instead of wool detergent?

I have purchased some outdoor clothing made of 83% merino wool. The manufacturer states in their care instructions to "use regular detergents, not wool detergents". What is the reason for them ...
37 votes
1 answer
60k views

What's the UPF of a T-Shirt or jeans?

Many outdoor clothing items advertise themselves with a UPF (Ultraviolet protection factor) of 30 or even 50. How does that compare with a normal cotton T-Shirt or a pair of jeans? Do I have to use ...
5 votes
1 answer
234 views

What do I call this hat(?) with sun protection on the sides?

It looks like a typical hat but also has fabric hanging down around the sides/back of your head for sun protection. I saw one on the trail that was labeled North Face but I can't find anything like ...
6 votes
2 answers
9k views

How much UV protection does different color linen provides?

I am going to South East Asia for quite some time, and was looking for appropriate clothing. Quite a few websites recommend linen clothes, and almost all of them recommend UV protective gear due to ...
3 votes
4 answers
756 views

What makes a fisherman's hat so popular among outdoorsmen?

Lately I've recognized the huge amount of fisherman's hats on a 3D archery tournament. Also, I see them a lot while hiking. I can't really figure out what makes them superior above a common hat or ...
20 votes
4 answers
18k views

In cold conditions, will you freeze faster wearing wet clothes than not wearing any?

I have heard that in cold conditions, you'd freeze faster wearing wet clothes than not wearing any. I cannot find any proof that this is true. Is it?
7 votes
2 answers
10k views

What is the impact of clothing color in a tropical jungle environment?

I heard that light colors attract less insects than dark, that dark colors could be warmer, and I was advised against wearing white in the jungle. Where can I get a comprehensive list of the effects ...
8 votes
2 answers
218 views

Where can I get long but light bottoms for water?

I need clothing for kayaking in the summer. I already have the "heavyweight" equipment - thick neoprene longjohn and a whitewater cag. But for places where I need less protection from cold and ...
27 votes
5 answers
22k views

Are mittens warmer than gloves?

Given a mitten and a glove (made of the same materials, thickness, etc), is the mitten warmer than the glove? It seems to me that having all four fingers together in one area (vs separate fingers for ...
7 votes
2 answers
323 views

Are liner mittens significantly warmer than liner gloves?

Under a windproof shell mitten, is an insulating liner mitten significantly warmer than an insulating liner glove made of the same material and thickness? This is a different question from "Are ...
7 votes
1 answer
215 views

I didn't apply enough DWR treatment to my jacket, can I just add more?

I went and applied grangers DWR treatment to my waterproof cycling jacket and put it in the dryer for a few minutes to set it. After my first couple rides, it appears there are a few small spots where ...
19 votes
3 answers
4k views

Material of shirt for desert hiking

I have pretty much always worn 100% cotton shirts when hiking but I have been reading more and more about the amazing "wicking" properties of other fabrics. Is there one that will keep me cooler ...
13 votes
3 answers
37k views

What are the differences between alpaca wool and merino wool?

I'm curious what the differences are between alpaca wool and merino wool. Say for hiking in hot weather and cold weather, using socks and base layers. I'm especially interested in the durability of ...
27 votes
3 answers
1k views

What do I need to look for in good, quality hiking boots?

My wife and I are going to buy some hiking boots as we've been using regular tennis shoes anytime we go on a hike. What are the things I need to keep in mind when looking for a good set of quality ...
30 votes
6 answers
24k views

Are dark or bright clothings preferable in the desert?

Natives from regions which are really hot and have a high sun intensity are wearing sometimes white/bright and sometimes black/dark colors. I mean there has to be a better strategy in terms of heat ...
17 votes
5 answers
11k views

What natural (non-synthetic) fabrics are good for the winter?

Which natural (non-synthetic) fabrics are good for hiking winter weather? I know cotton will generally trap moisture and invite hypothermia, while wool is warm but heavy. What other natural fabrics ...
9 votes
6 answers
2k views

How should I dress for sweat inducing activities in cold weather?

I never seem to find the perfect way to dress for sweat inducing activities in cold weather. By sweat inducing activities I mean mostly activities in the mountains, especially hiking uphill or ski ...
5 votes
3 answers
1k views

What are quality differences between Fleece?

I'm currently preparing for 3 weeks of Trekking in March in Nepal (Lukla / Cho La Pass / Everest Base Camp...). One thing my guide told me to bring is a Fleece jacket. I'm confused by the wide range ...
3 votes
3 answers
6k views

What material is a good alternative to neoprene?

What material – such as polyester, polypropylene or wool – or combination thereof, both works to keep you warm when wet and dries quickly, as an alternative to neoprene? I'm looking for ...
9 votes
2 answers
2k views

Does cotton make you colder or hotter?

I realise this might be linked to this question, but hopefully is a little different. In updating my 'outdoor work' wardrobe to 'hiking' activities, I'm now looking at base layers and am a bit ...
33 votes
2 answers
15k views

Why don't climbers use electrically heated suits?

Why do climbers not use electrically heated suits to climb peaks like Mt. Everest? Or am I just mistaken and they already do it?
1 vote
6 answers
273 views

Winter wear in New York

Recently I moved to NY and I am finding hard time to get accustomed with the weather. I have never experienced temperature below 15℃ back home! So, its quite a challenge. Expectedly, the winter wears ...
5 votes
2 answers
2k views

Titanic survival, ice cold water?

When the RMS Titanic sank, there were not enough life boats, many hundreds of people went into the cold water and many died from hypothermia. The water temperature in the area where Titanic sank, ...
15 votes
4 answers
2k views

Is a full waterproof coat more important than waterproof trousers for hiking?

I've spent most of my working life outdoors (forestry mostly), but have not done much hiking, which I now intend to do. When working outdoors, my clothing consisted of a wool shirt and waxed cotton ...
10 votes
3 answers
7k views

What clothing or gear should I wear to prevent ticks?

When I hunt grouse I usually wear hip waders to be able to cross small creeks and to not get my pants wet from dew. My problem is that I get a lot of junk collected in my waders, and specifically I'...
10 votes
3 answers
1k views

How to keep socks from wicking rain off pants into boots

My wife and I have been very fortunate in our long distance hikes - we've never been rained on except for our last day on the way out. So, while we have rain jackets that we pack, we've never packed ...