Cotton T-Shirts

greencreeper · 23-04-2008, 02:01

Any ideas why you shouldn't wear them when taking part in outdoor pursuits, such as hiking? I've read on a couple of websites that they're best avoided but I can't find an explanation for this. Seems weird.

v0id · 23-04-2008, 02:10

nothing wrong with wearing them, if you slop a bit of vaseline on your nips

frogstamper · 23-04-2008, 02:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by greencreeper

Any ideas why you shouldn't wear them when taking part in outdoor pursuits, such as hiking? I've read on a couple of websites that they're best avoided but I can't find an explanation for this. Seems weird.

I would have thought cotton would be ideal when doing any physical activity, well almost any

, due to the fact that cotton lets your skin "breath", unlike a lot of man-made fibres. I cant say Ive heard of this before greencreeper, weird.

**Hugh** · 23-04-2008, 08:48

They absorb the sweat, unlike some modern man-made fibres, which allow the sweat to "wick" away.

When they absorb the sweat, it stops the layering effect working (or so I have been told).

Ramrod · 23-04-2008, 09:03

Yep, they have a phrase in Canada and the colder bits of the US:'Cotton Kills'

greencreeper · 23-04-2008, 12:11

Ah - I can understand now. I've always gone for cotton because of my skin being so fussy. Hmmm

frogstamper · 23-04-2008, 12:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by greencreeper

Ah - I can understand now. I've always gone for cotton because of my skin being so fussy. Hmmm

Snap, Ive always thought that cotton was the best fabric in hot weather, oh well, you live and learn, thanks chaps.

Saaf_laandon_mo · 23-04-2008, 12:49

Cottons great for normal use, but like forever mentioned, if you are sweating to much it becomes a problem as the sweat gets absorbed, ur tee will also feel wet and you might get cold.

Just read theat Cotton Kills article, pretty good reading.

SMHarman · 23-04-2008, 16:27

As everyone else has said wicking / drying. I'm going white water rafting in a couple of weekends and there is a big notice above the what to bring / wear is NO COTTON.

In a boat it will soak water and then that water will get cold and then that will move blood from your body core to warm up the skin / clothes and then your core temperature drops and then you go hypothermic and die.

The recommendation is UnderArmour. I have an underarmor mock turtle for skiing and it is fantastic. Will be taking that, or shopping for a short sleved one or a water based one and some leggings. Equally silk is a great natural product for the skin layer as that wicks well.

Wasn't there an experiment recently about the everest climbers who were alternating silk / wool (wool retains warmth when wet) the early climbs and it works as well / better at moisture management in cold weather.

**Hugh** · 23-04-2008, 16:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMHarman

As everyone else has said wicking / drying. I'm going white water rafting in a couple of weekends and there is a big notice above the what to bring / wear is NO COTTON.

In a boat it will soak water and then that water will get cold and then that will move blood from your body core to warm up the skin / clothes and then your core temperature drops and then you go hypothermic and die.

What - every time?

danielf · 23-04-2008, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMHarman

Wasn't there an experiment recently about the everest climbers who were alternating silk / wool (wool retains warmth when wet) the early climbs and it works as well / better at moisture management in cold weather.

Yes.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/5076634.stm

**Rob** · 23-04-2008, 16:46

It's not just about cotton absorbing the moisture, it's also how long it takes to dry out. That's when the risks of hyperthermia can increase. For most outdoor, or sports related activities, clothing technology has moved on significantly. You may pay more for the right clothing, but your comfort levels should be so much better.

White water rafting though I think I'd be wanting a wetsuit, rather than a T shirt

SMHarman · 23-04-2008, 16:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

White water rafting though I think I'd be wanting a wetsuit, rather than a T shirt

They are providing them, I'd bring my own but it is a 3mm shortie and more a protective layer than a warmth layer. I don't like diving if the water temperature is under 75f.

Quote:

Originally Posted by foreverwar

What - every time?

Picky Picky.

**Rob** · 23-04-2008, 16:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMHarman

They are providing them, I'd bring my own but it is a 3mm shortie and more a protective layer than a warmth layer. I don't like diving if the water temperature is under 75f.

Wimp - get a drysuit, and a few proper thermal underlayers

In the UK, even in summer the water won't get close to that. The popular inland dive sites are still well below 50f (10 deg C). You know about it when you do skills in those temps like taking off the mask

Saaf_laandon_mo · 23-04-2008, 17:11

Bear Gryls never mentions not wearing cotton. Good think I have read this thread, just incase Im travelling soon and fall out of a plane into Copper Canyon or the Amazon rainforest.