Winter Clothing

Cotton Organic fiber spun from plants Good: Cheap Breathable Durable Comfortable Washable Light Weight

Cotton (continued) Bad: Absorbs water Loses 90% of insulative value when wet Stays wet

Wool Organic fiber spun from hair of sheep or sometimes other animals Good: Breathable Fire Resistant Keeps 75% of insulative value when wet Durable Dries easily

Wool (continued) Bad: Absorbs water Itchy Expensive Heavy Shrinks when washed

Down Feathers (goose or duck) stuffed inside of a liner Good: Very light weight Compresses well Extremely durable Comfortable Breathable

Down Bad Very Expensive Absorbs water Stays wet Loses 90% of insulative value when wet Can be bulky Allergies

Polypropylene/Thermax/Under Armor Synthetic fiber that is essentially stretchable plastic Good: Light weight Comfortable Dries very easily Wicks away water Breathable Keeps 75% of insulative value when wet Durable

Poly Bad: Expensive Flammable Can be too breathable

Thinsulate/Holofill/Fleece Loosely woven synthetic fibers that create a lot of dead air space Good: Non allergenic Keep most of insulative value when wet Less expensive Washable (down)

Fleece Bad: Flammable Not as durable as organic fibers Holds water

Rubber/Plastic/Nylon Synthetic fiber usually used as an outer wind/water proof layer Good: Windproof Waterproof Cheap Small Bad: Low insulative value Not breathable Flammable

Leather Organic Fiber made from skin of mammals Good: Fire Resistant Water Proof Wind Proof Very Durable Bad: Heavy Low insulative value Not breathable

Gore-Tex Synthetic fiber that is designed to allow vapors through and not liquids Good: Waterproof Breathable Lightweight Bad: Very Expensive Isn’t really perfect for either

The End