Hvordan kle seg i lag for å være tørr, varm og trygg i kalde omgivelser
Brynje har utrustet mange ekspedisjoner til klodens mest ugjestmilde steder. Her er tips om hvordan du kan kle deg i flere lag for å holde deg tørr og varm i skiftende vær, enten du er i høy eller lav aktivitet.
Vi tør påstå at ingen mennesker liker å fryse. Det er ubehagelig, og kalde kropper tappes fort for energi. Frysing kan også utgjøre en sikkerhetsrisiko, både for deg selv og andre. Det er ikke bare polfarere som fryser. Det gjør også Kari på topptur, jeger-Knut på post og Sivert med fiskestanga. Uansett hvor på kloden du befinner deg, så er det de samme prinsippene som gjelder for å kle seg og holde varmen.
Med flere lag tøy på kroppen kan du enkelt regulere kroppstemperaturen ved å ta av og på tøy etter behov. Tre lag holder deg varm fordi lagene holder på luft som isolerer. Dersom du i tillegg velger plagg som transporterer fukt vekk fra kroppen og isolerer når du er i ro, holder du deg enda varmere.
1. Innerlaget skal frakte fukt vekk fra kroppen
Når du blir varm, produserer kroppen svette for å kjøle deg ned. Hensikten med det innerste laget er å frakte fukt vekk fra kroppen og holde deg varm når du ikke er i bevegelse. Innerlag kommer i forskjellige tykkelser og vekt, så velg ut fra aktivitetsnivå og temperatur.
Tester har slått fast at Super Thermo netting av Polycolon er det undertøyet som tørker raskest og isolerer best innerst mot huden. Super Thermo brukes av Forsvaret, polarguider og folk som er mye ute i vær og vind. Se tester av Super Thermo her
Ved høy aktivitet, i vått eller kaldt vær sørger Super Thermo for luftsirkulasjon og frakter damp og overskuddsvarme vekk fra kroppen. Ved lav aktivitet holder Super Thermo på varmluften slik at du får et isolerende lag nærmest kroppen. Nettingen motvirker også kuldebroer fordi den danner et sammenhengende luftlag innerst mot kroppen. På grunn av denne dobbeltvirkningen holdes kroppstemperaturen under kontroll – som en termostat. Overoppheting og nedkjøling er hovedårsakene til energitap, og Super Thermo forhindrer altså begge deler.
Fordelene med Super Thermo netting:
- Trekker nesten ikke til seg fukt, tørker raskt og veier 40 % mindre enn bomull.
- Klør ikke og er ideell for folk som ikke tåler ull innerst. Forårsaker ikke allergi.
- Klistrer seg ikke til kroppen pga. store hull som gir få kontaktpunkter mot huden.
- Selv om nettingen er grovmasket, føles den svært myk mot huden.
- Lukter lite, selv etter mange dager fordi nettingkonstruksjonen gjør at plaggene ikke blir "tette" av avfallsstoffer fra kroppen. De ventilerende og isolerende egenskapene bevares godt over tid. Vaskes på max 40 - 60 grader.
- Angripes ikke av mikroorganismer eller møll ved lagring.
- Hyppig vask reduserer ikke kvaliteten; nettingen er ekstremt sterk, holder i årevis og kan resirkuleres.
Eksempler på Super Thermo netting som egner seg godt innerst mot huden:
Other excellent base layer options:
1.2. Arctic Double is our innovative and award-winning baselayer collection for extremely cold temperatures. The dual-layer construction - with a Super Thermo mesh interior and a soft, low itch merino wool exterior - is our warmest baselayer, with an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio. Arctic Double is suitable for all types of outdoor activities and excels during extended exposure to cold temperatures and high exertion.
The inner layer stays dry due to few contact points against the skin and the mesh absorbs virtually no moisture. Cells in the mesh trap warm air, which is the secret to superb insulating performance. During high physical activity, perspiration vapour is wicked away from the body to the wool exterior, which absorbs and evaporates the moisture further and forms an insulating layer over the mesh cells.
No other baselayer achieves the same effect in a single product. Arctic Double has been awarded the Norwegian Textile Industry’s Innovation prize and frequently ranks high in comparisons with other brands.
1.3. Wool Thermo mesh baselayers are perfect for anyone who prefers the soft feeling of merino wool next to the skin. These comfortable thermals are low-itc and naturally odour resistant due to the antibacterial and antimicrobial properties of the wool. The snug fit and open-weave design ensures excellent moisture management at low activity levels all year round.
- In extreme cold temperatures, Wool Thermo Mesh can be worn in combination with Super Thermo Mesh. Use Super Thermo Mesh next to the skin.
- For high exertion activities, we recommend Super Thermo Mesh baselayers.
1.4. Wool Thermo Light is a fine-mesh version of Wool Thermo. With a more conventional look than our open-weave baselayers, it is perfect for everyday use during spring, summer and autumn. In winter temperatures, Wool Thermo Light Mesh can be worn in combination with our other base layers.
2. The purpose of the midlayer is to insulate and provide warmth
The midlayer should be lightweight, highly insulating, and breathable, with a slightly looser fit than the base layer. Examples of materials to choose from are wool, polypropylene, and polyester.
Choose midlayer products with performance-enhancing features such as full-length front zips, collar zips, hoods, and pulse warmers, that enable you to regulate your body temperature more conveniently.
2.1. Upper body wear
- We recommend the Polar Expedition Jacket, designed at the request of several Greenland expeditions teams who needed quick-drying, lightweight mid-layers with high insulation properties.
- Another excellent option is our Classic Wool sweater in fine merino wool, designed to complement our Super Thermo baselayers.
- Alternatively, an extra layer of Super Thermo or Wool Thermo underneath a shell layer will keep you dry and warm. Remember to always wear a Super Thermo baselayer next to the skin due to its superior moisture-wicking and thermo regulating properties.
- The Antarctic Jacket is perfect for cold, dry days. It is a very warm jacket constructed according to the same principles as our Arctic collection, but with thicker wool and windproof panels at the front. Use the jacket as a mid-layer in cold conditions, or during activities when weight is not the most important consideration.
2.2. Legwear
We recommend the Wool boxer or Arctic boxer, depending on your need for a thinner or warmer undergarment. For ultimate warmth, combine your boxer with Classic Wool thermal leggings.
2.3. Headwear
We recommend the Arctic hat and suggest you also bring a back-up headcover in case your face needs more warmth and protection from the elements. The Arctic balaclava is a versatile back-up that can double as a neck gaiter.
As a general rule, unless your baselayer has become damp, there is no need to change into a spare set or put on a mid-layer during rest breaks. It may be more convenient to throw a down jacket on top of your shell jacket. We recommend choosing a lightweight, compressible down jacket with high collar and hood.
Midlayer options:
3. The outer shell layer should allow moisture to escape and shield against the natural elements.
Shell jackets and trousers must be breathable, comfortable to move freely in, and have good ventilation options underneath the arms and along the thighs and calves.
The shell layer needs to be loose enough to fit the base and mid-layers beneath and have taped seams to prevent water from entering. The shell jacket should provide neck and chin coverage and the hood should be adjustable, both around the face and at the back of the head, so that it stays firmly in place in windy conditions. We recommend the Expedition Jacket and Expedition Pants, both are robust, windproof, breathable and water repellant. The trousers protect well against cold because they conduct body heat towards your core. We also recommend robust and highly breathable Explore Ventile Jacket and Ventile pants. Ventile is very durable and perfect in cold, windy and dry weather. Both the Expedition and the Explore Ventile set has been developed in collaboration with Norwegian explorers and leading outdoor guides. They have been made to meet the high standards required for alpine and polar expeditions.
- Use Insulation jackets to stay warm during low activity. Insulation jackets can be worn as outer jackets or under the shell jacket to increase warmth.
- Remember suitable glasses to protect your eyes from sun, wind, and snow.
Outer layer options:
