Recently, fans of outdoor activities, hunting and fishing have discovered thermal underwear – a unique type of equipment that allows you to solve a great many diverse tasks at the same time. Here and protection from cold and precipitation, and prevention of wind blowing, and regulation of body temperature in a comfortable range for him. However, the most important feature is the ability to wick sweat out during intense exertion, as a result of which the back simply does not have time to sweat! Of course, all of the above is feasible only when the thermal underwear is selected correctly, and its characteristics are fully consistent with the operating conditions.
What is thermal underwear
Depending on their physical properties, all modern thermal underwear can be divided into two main categories:
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The moisture-repellent thermal underwear is designed for active use, long transitions and intense loads. It is based on synthetic materials with high vapor permeability. Thanks to this feature, such thermal underwear perfectly wicks moisture out, preventing the back from sweating. This means that maximum comfort will be maintained even with intense exertion;
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Heat-saving laundry belongs to the so-called 'slow' category. Its task is to provide maximum heat savings in harsh operating conditions, and therefore such models are almost always designed for passive rest and long stay in one place.
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There is also a third type of thermal underwear – the so-called combined. Depending on the percentage of certain fibers, such equipment can simultaneously have heat-saving characteristics, and at the same time, it is very good to drain sweat from the body;
Advantages and disadvantages of the materials used
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Cotton is the most common material used to make thermal underwear for everyday wear. Such material is only suitable for use in moderately positive weather and for loads of medium intensity. It's all about its high hygroscopicity – cotton immediately absorbs sweat and retains it, delivering a lot of unpleasant sensations, especially felt in the cold season;
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Wool has maximum thermal insulation characteristics, and therefore is an excellent option for making heat-saving 'slow' thermal underwear;
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Synthetic materials are distinguished by high vapor permeability, and therefore their number is maximal in the top models of 'fast' thermal underwear, the main characteristic of which is the quick removal of moisture from the body. To achieve certain parameters, synthetics can be paired with natural wool or cotton;
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Polyester and polyamide are very popular nowadays. To the touch, these materials resemble cotton, and their characteristics not only match, but even surpass this material. All things being equal, polyester and polyamide thermal underwear is excellent at wicking moisture away, which makes it ideal for those who move a lot;
How to choose thermal underwear
The choice of thermal underwear is not particularly difficult, even for beginners. All that is required of them is to determine precisely the specific characteristics of this or that model, as well as the conditions in which this or that model will be used:
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Thin cotton thermal underwear or its analogs made of polyester and polyamide are good in warm summer or as a demi-season outfit for active operation, provided that a high-quality suit is used. It is chosen by hunters, fishermen and fans of expeditions and travel;
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Warm thermal underwear made of natural wool with the addition of synthetic fibers or other options for 'slow' equipment are intended for passive use. They are excellent at warming and are able to remove a small amount of moisture. Such equipment is used for ice fishing, as well as for ambush hunting, when the hunter does not move for several hours in a row;
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If thermal underwear is chosen for everyday use, preference should be given to cotton models or their analogs made of polyester and polyamide. These materials perform well under any operating conditions. And only in warm winter time, thicker, woolen or fleece models can be used in a pair with thin thermal underwear.
How to try on thermal underwear
Before giving preference to this or that model of thermal underwear, you must remember that it is used exclusively on the naked body, and therefore this equipment should not cause discomfort and cause unpleasant sensations. It should not press, rub, the seams should not be felt. Having put on thermal underwear on the body, it is necessary to perform a series of sequential actions – sit down, stand up, shake the body from side to side. This is done in order to assess the nature of the work of thermal underwear in dynamics, under load.
Thermal underwear care
Thermal underwear care does not require any special costs and is very unpretentious. Such equipment is washed at temperatures up to 40 degrees using powders and cleaning agents that do not contain chlorine and are intended for washing thermal underwear and synthetic fabrics. Drying of thermal underwear is carried out in a natural way, away from sources of open heat and sunlight. Spinning is not recommended either – mechanical influences can harm the structure of thermal underwear.
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Video on choosing thermal underwear
Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.
