Adventure Awaits – Gear Up With Essential Outdoor Clothing for Your Next Expedition
The gear you bring on an expedition must tick a couple of boxes. It has to keep you safe, warm and dry and be easily carried when moving. It’s also more comfortable to carry on an expedition if your clothing doesn’t catch on every bump or catch on your rucksack strap. This can be easily avoided with effective planning and the right choice of clothes.
Long-Sleeved Shirt
Simms clothing Canada, such as long-sleeved shirts, are a staple outdoor apparel piece that can help keep your body warm. The shirts can be made with either natural or synthetic materials, depending on the weather and your activities. Some of the best long-sleeved shirts feature special subtle features that make them stand out. For example, some of the shirts have wrinkles, which are extra folds of fabric that add a little more room for the sweater. This can be a great feature for taller men as it can help to flatter the body shape and fit. There are also many options for the base layer, which is worn directly against the skin.
Short-Sleeved Shirt
Short sleeves may be more comfortable than long ones when trekking in the heat, but they’re also essential for protecting against sun and insect bites. Look for a shirt with an easy-to-use loop and button that keeps sleeves up out of the way so you can keep them secure without having to adjust them frequently. It’s important to note that cotton and similar fabrics do not wick moisture well, which can cause your body to lose natural warmth. This is why you choose a performance fabric like polyamide or merino wool when choosing a base layer for an expedition. This Sea Threads short-sleeve performance shirt is a great option, as it’s made from recycled ocean plastic and can be worn alone for sun protection or layered as the ideal lightweight insulator.
Water-Repellent Clothes
Water-resistant fabrics are synthetically made and designed to push moisture away from the body. They’re popular for outdoor clothing, gear, coverings, and umbrellas. Some fabric technologies are breathable and waterproof, allowing you to stay comfortable while exploring. However, it is important to understand the difference between a waterproof and a water-resistant jacket to know which one will be appropriate for your expedition. Waterproof clothing has taped seams and may have a layer of protection under zippers to prevent moisture from seeping through. Moreover, it will also likely feature a DWR (durable water-repellent) finish to protect the fabric from wear and tear. The DWR finish can be reapplied as needed to maintain the water resistance of your waterproof jacket.
Hiking Boots
The right footwear can help you enjoy a stress-free hiking experience. Choose boots that fit you well, flex easily and have soles designed for the types of terrain you’ll encounter on your expedition. Look for boots with a waterproof and breathable membrane. Boots that are not breathable will cause your feet to sweat and overheat, leading to blisters. If you’re shopping for leather boots, remember they may take a while to break in. Try them on and walk around the store or a nearby trail with them on to see how they feel. Be sure to test the fit by bending the forefoot of your boot to see how far it can turn.
Socks
Having the right layers of clothing is essential on any expedition. Your base layer (merino wool or synthetic underwear) pulls moisture away from your skin to keep you dry, while your mid-insulation layer (shirts, sweaters and jackets) traps air to keep your body warm. Finally, the outer wind and waterproof layers protect you from the elements. You can expect to encounter various weather conditions on a polar expedition. Enjoyable sunny days can quickly change to freezing wind and snow, so planning is important. A good base layer and comfortable clothes you can wear while strolling around polar coastlines, drinking at the bar and relaxing in the observation lounge are key. You will also want to bring a hat and scarf for face protection from the sun and cold winds.