Does Cotton Provide the Best Insulation for Cold Weather?
Cotton clothing provides poor insulation for cold weather because it does not trap much air, gets wet easily and, once wet, takes a long time to dry. There are better choices, from Granddad's long johns to sensuous silk. Does this Spark an idea?
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Staying Dry
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Moisture steals warmth. Cotton holds sweat, and you need a layer next to your skin that wicks moisture away and spreads it to other layers to evaporate slowly. On Princeton University's backpacker's list, a synthetic material such as Capilene is rated best. If you prefer a natural fiber, Women on the Road recommends silk.
Trapping Air
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Cotton traps very little air. The best outerwear insulation is down---the fuzzy feathers of a cold-weather bird such as a duck or goose. Ohio State University says next-best is polyester fiberfill. A fur coat works well for animals, but humans need to wear the fur on the inside.
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The All-Around Champ
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While it is not the best at anything, wool is good at everything. The Boy Scouts of America recommends it for winter camping. Unlike cotton, it traps a significant amount of air and, while it does absorb moisture, it loses less insulating air when wet. Unless it makes your skin itch, wool in any layer is a much better choice than cotton.
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References
- Princeton University: Outdoor Action: Cold Weather Backpacking Equipment List
- Ohio State University Extension: Fact Sheet
- Boy Scouts of America: Scouts' Winter Campout:Cold Weather Camping
- Women on The Road: Cold Weather Clothes: What Women Pack When Heading for Winter
- Alaska Guide Services: Alaska Trapping
Resources
- Photo Credit giovane donna in inverno image by flash from Fotolia.com
