CLOTHING SYSTEM

Sometimes we are not quite sure which is the greater obstacle: the element, or the heavy duty clothing designed to protect us from them.

Hot weather, cold weather, intense sunshine, snow, insects, humidity, wind, rain and bush. Welcome to life on the trail. These are some of the livelier conditions you may find yourself cycling in, and that can test your clothing. And naturally, you want your rides to be enjoyable. But if, for instance, you are cold and miserable due to a lack of warm clothing, the fun will quickly disappear. At the same time, a heavy load of inappropiate clothing can make your outings just as unpleasant. So in this blog we learn how to put together an efficient CLOTHING SYSTEM,one that will serve you well in your journeys.

Whether our chosen trails are long or short, the conditions we encounter along them will determine our needed range of clothing. Basically the conditions depend on such factors as the time of year, the elevations, and weather. The elements could be harsh and quite variable, or they could be fairly benign. either way, we benefit by equipping ourselves with an efficient SYSTEM OF CLOTHING.

The reaon we would strive for efficiency in our clothing, and think of it as a SYSTEM, is that we must carry it all. And by now, the advantages of a lighter weight pack should be evident.

But to achieve a lighter load, must we go so meagerly equipped that we sacrifice comfort and possibly even our safety?

Actually, going into the high country with a minimalist attitude, with the idea that we do not need sufficient clothing to handle cold weather, can be very risky. When we venture into the wilds, we must protect ourselves against a loss of vital body heat. This applies to every one of us, from the least experienced to the most. And because of our differences in hiking style, mental attitude and body metabolism, each of us will need to experiment, to determine what clothing works best for us, individually.

o our goal is not to dispense with warm clothing in an effort to minimize packweight. Rather, it is to put together an efficient and lightweight SYSTEM OF GARMENTS that work together synergistically, in the widest posible range of conditions. Think functionalism, not minimalism.

The CLOTHING SYSTEM are garments that are the lightest in weight and the least in bulk. They are warm on cold days and cool on hot ones. They are breathable in order to minimize sweating, and easily laundered by hand and fast to dry. They are comfortable, durable, highly versatile, and very packable. And taken as a whole, their efficiency is unmatched.