Posts from — November 2007

I’ve covered legs and torso in previous posts, but how about head, hands, and feet? The extremities are critical- up to half the body’s heat lost can occur through the head, for example. [Read more →]

Here is an acronym I had ingrained into my mind while in the military and it still serves me well.

• S-size up the situation
• U-undue haste makes waste
• R-remember where you are
• V-vanquish fear and panic
• I-improve your surroundings
• V-value living
• A-act like the natives
• L-learn basic skills

If you can remember and utilize these basic tenets and keep a positive attitude your potential for surviving in the wilderness is increased exponentially.

Now that the base and mid layers have been identified we now look at the third layer. This is the main insulating layer, used mostly at rest stops and around camp. I carry a polyester fleece or pile jacket. Patagonia’s “Synchilla” and the widely used “Polartec” are common fabrics. Although somewhat bulky, polyester fleece has the outstanding advantage of retaining its insulating value when wet. You can soak a fleece jacket in water, wring it out, put it on, and have nearly the same warmth as a dry garment. [Read more →]

Base Layer

Which layers to carry? I’ll start from the base layer out and describe a system that works for me. In all but the warmest weather, I’ll carry with me lightweight long underwear top and bottom. This base layer, which is next to your skin, should perform the essential duty of transporting moisture out of your skin away from your body, rather than trapping it. It should also provide some insulation, even when damp. Most natural fibers, such as cotton, trap and absorb water, and quickly become clammy and cold. Wet clothing must be avoided, because wetness multiplies the chilling effects of wind. [Read more →]

Out the birth canal…Yes here it is, the beginning, the christening, the leap of faith. Today is the beginning of the Upadowna blog!!

Welcome!

First things first. [Read more →]