The Benefits of Water Wicking Clothing
In the past if you wanted to keep dry and warm you needed to wear wool. The down side was that wool can be itchy and uncomfortable and some people are allergic to it.
Technology has changed that now giving us a new option. Water wicking materials like polypropylene and polyester have now given active people choice in the matter.
I first heard of water wicking materials about 10 tears ago. Since then they have grown in popularity so much that they are now a mainstream fabric for professional athletes as well as hikers and backpackers like you and me.
Why Water Wicking Clothes?
Most of us wear a cotton blend for our everyday clothing but that is no good for our more active days.
Cotton will absorb all of that sweat as you hike, retaining it against your skin. This will lower your temperature in the cooler weather and making you hot and sticky in the heat.
Along comes our old friend polyester (please leave the leisure suit in the closet). Like wool, polyester and polypropylene work with your body to regulate your temperature by wicking water from your skin allowing you to stay cool and dry.
Winter Layers, Layers, Layers
Dressing for the cold is all about warm layers and keeping the water away from your skin.
The most important layer is the one closest to your skin so choose something that will take that sweat away from your body. Socks and undergarments are an important part of this philosophy. After that choose clothing that will keep you warm.
Summer Fun
Water wicking materials are as flexible as you need them to be. They will help you as much in the afternoon summer sun as they will in your winter bundle.
In the summer they will help you stay cool because they are lightweight and breathable. Many mornings when I hike I have had to bundle up in the morning chill only to have to strip off layers as the afternoon sun began to rise.
Water wicking materials will help you stay as comfortable as possible.
You should have no trouble finding these articles of clothing that wick water at your local camping store. Be sure to read the tags and find out if it is water wicking materials before you buy.
Microfiber: The Next Generation
Technology has taken another step in improving our comfort while hiking and exercising. Microfiber technology is weaving these polypropylene fibers more densely making the cloth wind resistant and wicking the water away faster.
Comfort and Style
Not only are these materials useful but also they are comfortable. They are lightweight, breathable and they can be found in any color you want.
Water wicking materials are not only for hiking or other activities where you might sweat. In fact manufactures like Nike, Adidas and North Face have made it possible for you to look stylish while you are being functional.
Check out the many styles, colors and manufactures that create a variety of cloths to fit your needs.
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