Page 22 - 2015 AMA Autumn

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keeping your extremities warm this winter
by Tomo Thompson
We’ve all been there; you take a glove off to adjust a crampon strap in winter and, at best, you get the hot aches when the blood refills the capillaries in your fingers and it hurts like hell for a short period. The hot aches have often been seen as just part of being in the mountains in winter, something to be expected, but that’s not necessarily the case. Common sense combined with modern equipment can ensure that your extremities stay warm and functioning. This article looks at some of the gear available today to help keep your extremities warm, dry and functioning. This is in no way a definitive guide, and others with much more experience may have different approaches and opinions
Fundamentals
• Carry flexible layering options for hands and head – and use them.
• At the first tingle of cold DO SOMETHING.
• Keep warm BUT NOT TOO WARM
• Use zips and vents on your upper body clothing system
• Be proactive so that drinking, eating and managing yourself on
the go are all second nature
• Be acquainted with your gear before you head out – if there are
any limitations you have discovered you can adapt your gear or manage yourself accordingly – add longer zip pulls to zips, retaining straps to mitts etc.
• Stay well fed and adequately hydrated
Head
Within the human body the brain is king. If the brain is not warm, well fed and happy it will start making wrong decisions. It is important to have a flexible system in your pockets that allows you to regulate the warmth of your head. Suggested layers could be;
20 ARMY MOUNTAINEER
Layer 1 Layer 2
Layer 3
Layer 4 Layer 5
Buff or Powerstretch headband / earwarmer
Thin Powerstretch helmet liner hat – ideally windproof and long enough to cover the ears. Using a thin Pow- erstretch or Helly Hansen type balaclava rolled up for this layer gives you the ultimate option of hiding inside it when the weather turns Scottish.
Softshell warm hat (that fits under helmet, and over Layer 2 if required).
The hood of your shell jacket.
The hood of your belay jacket.
The hard-working uphill walk-in to a corrie may require you to only wear a Buff. Static and gearing up (and cooling down) may require you to put a hat on. Buffs cost little and weigh little – carry a few of them to seal gaps, insulate your neck, use them as wrist warmers. Merino ones are available.
Take your helmet and goggles to the shops when you buy your hat to ensure it fits. Ensure that your shell hood will still go over your head + hat + helmet and function correctly. Finding out that your left ear pops out from under your super smart Christmas hat (and is exposed to the elements) whenever you raise your arms above your head is a lesson to be learnt in the shop not on pitch 3 on the Ben. The current crop of branded beanies might look mega cool on the High Street advertising your brand loyalties but serious winter weather demands a “proper” hat.
• Close but not tight fitting
• Windproof
• Breathable
• Allows you to hear through the fabric
• Has the ability to be cinched down in epic weather (chin cord).