Back Pack Sweat
Add to Del.icio.usThis Month's Gear Guru Question:
by Backcountry BobQ. In Randonnee skiing one has a pack on virtually all day. Even with various improvements in pack suspension, the area of the pack that sits close to your back causes excessive perspiration. What could be done in shell design to offset that wet spot?
A. Good question! The problem is that the back of the pack effectively creates a vapor barrier which does not allow moisture transport, causing the dreaded wet spot. This is especially true when wearing your supposedly "breathable" Gore-Tex shell. I cannot even wear a shell while hiking unless it is really nasty out, they just do not breathe enough. The new soft shell (Schoeller, Malden Power Shield, etc.) technology outerwear breathes much, much better, but still you have the pack there, and the moisture has nowhere to go. Here's a trick that one of my mountaineer friends uses: He made a custom shirt with basically a non breathable back panel - since this vapor barrier is next to skin, the moisture stays put and does not penetrate into his clothes. It makes for one sweaty back (where does that sweat go? I'm afraid to think) but keeps his layers dry. He swears this works and keeps him from chilling until the moisture eventually evaporates from his clothes. Wishing you good luck and dry hiking!
Last month’s Gear Guru question was won by Michael Levin from New York, New York. Michael will receive a BackcountryStore.com Nalgene bottle for his question. Enjoy Michael!