Re: [Paddlewise] Winter Wind

> From: Sisler, Clyde <Clyde.Sisler_at_wang.com>
> Not that I plan on paddling in sever winter weather, but what do you wear
to
> protect your face from the winter wind?  Those Polish face mask things,
> bachalavas or whatever?

For skiing I use a light neoprene cowl which has vents for my nose and
mouth.  It covers my cheeks, nose, and mouth.  Terrific for wind.  Ice just
knocks off.

In the deep freeze I use a fleece balaclava.  It isn't the best for wind,
but is very comfy if I hunker down inside my jacket collar and under my
hat.  Ice build up can become a bit of a problem.

Seeing can be a problem.  On snow, glare necessitates the use of UV
protective glasses or goggles, but they fog and freeze up easily.  Waxes
and soaps help.  Exhaling down through the mouth helps.  Never entering a
warm, moist tent with the goggles or glasses helps.  Weeny glasses (e.g.
Oakley's) help by permitting air flow, but this conflicts with wind burn
and frostbite if it is very cold.  Electric fan goggles are wonderful, but
of course require batteries.  

Probably the best wind protection is to find some macho type to hide
behind.  Pride has no place in the backcountry ;>


Richard Culpeper
Past-member, Canadian National Ski Team, Telemark Division

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