Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 3-5. Expedition-quality tent from North Face holds up to extreme weather.
Photo courtesy of Eastern Mountain
Sports (EMS)
If you are living in your tent for extended periods, pitch your tent in the shade, or shade
your tent with a tarp that you are willing to sacrifice. After a couple of seasons in the sun, most
synthetic materials will lose their strength and shred easily.
Clothing
Wool and the new synthetic piles are warm when wet. Synthetic pile sheds water quickly and
dries fast. Cotton clothing is terribly cold when wet, and is referred to as “death cloth” by my
friends in Yosemite Search and Rescue. A good set of long underwear, made from wool, silk,
or one of the synthetic moisture-wicking materials, can make a huge difference in keeping you
warm. When your body is covered but your head is not, you will lose most of your heat through
your head, so get yourself a warm hat that covers your ears. If the weather is severe, you should
have a thick balaclava, which is a knit hat that can be pulled down to cover your face and neck.
In addition, your head should be covered with a hood or another hat to add an extra layer over
the ears. A breathable waterproof jacket or a waterproof poncho is a must for keeping yourself
dry. Breathable waterproof fabrics such as Gore-Tex should have factory-sealed seams. Spe-
cialty backcountry stores and many camping/surplus stores carry these items.
