Super Fabric: Gore-Tex

      Gore-Tex is used in many products these days, from hats to boots.  It is one of the original technical fabrics and now has a few different variations.  Billed as a "waterproof and breathable" fabric, it allows the moisture vapor from the body to escape through tiny holes throughout the fabric that are too small to allow larger water molecules such as rain or snow through.  Many companies these days have their own versions of 'breathable fabrics' such as Marmot and The North Face.  While these items are cheaper then 'Gore-Tex' made products, they still don't quite compare. 

     When shopping for a water/wind-proof outer shell jacket I definitely suggest Gore-Tex.  Gore-Tex offers four variations when it comes to their outerwear;

• Performance Shell: For everyday outdoor activities.  It is water/windproof and is the most versatile of the group.
• Paclite: Jackets made from Paclite are just that; light, and can pack up into little spaces.  This is my favorite variation for New Yorker's as it fits in your ECB relatively well, and it makes a great rain/wind protecting outer shell.
• Soft Shell: This version is helpful as it allows you to skip carrying extra layers.  It is water/windproof with the added benefit of being lined for warmth on the inside.  I personally like having a few layers, as it allows me to 'fine tune' my clothing's 'microclimate', so I'm not very fond of this type of Gore-Tex.
• Pro Shell: Jackets made from this are for extreme conditions.  It has a two or three layer version.  Though most New Yorker's would not see the conditions these jackets are made for, they are a great investment as they will last a long-time, and are durable as hell.  Jackets made from this type of Gore-Tex tend to be expensive, but are worth the investment if you are often outdoors in the cold, you ski, or your an avid hiker/backpacker.

      Gore-Tex fabrics can be found in many boots, and shoes these days too.  I suggest any boots that you buy for hiking and backpacking have some form of Gore-Tex in them, as it can make a really big difference.  You find Gore-Tex in running sneakers these days, and though it is a nice touch, I feel it is an unnecessary cost to an already expensive product.  Running sneakers with Gore-Tex are for people who do a lot of trail running, not street runners.  There are a few different versions of Gore-Tex fabrics made for footwear;

• Extended: This is for running and trail running type shoes.  It is meant for high activity in warmer climates.
• Performance: This type of Gore-Tex is made for shoes that you would wear to get around town, or for light hiking.  It is by far the most versatile of the group, and is great for shoes or boots that you wear often.  Shoes made of this type of Gore-Tex are what I wear most of the year.
• Insulated: This is the Gore-Tex fabric that you would look for in a hiking or backpacking boot.  This makes those big, bulky boots much more comfortable, breathable, and waterproof.  Never buy your hiking boots without it!  I will be doing a post on what makes a good hiking, and backpacking boot soon.

     You can also find Gore-Tex in items like hats, and gloves, but I still prefer some of the good ol' reliable fabrics like wool for those items.  You can read what I suggest for a hat here.  And you can read my post on my suggested layered glove system here.  Gore-Tex gloves are convenient and I definitely love how functional they are, but I still prefer the system I linked above. 

     As you can tell if you read this blog often, I'm a big fan of Gore-Tex.  In my opinion it really is a "super fabric" and once you own a product with a Gore-Tex fabric in it, you really start to appreciate how amazing it is.  You do pay for this technology though, as some Gore-Tex items can get pretty expensive.  It also needs a bit more maintenance to function properly.  The garment needs to be kept clean and free of dirt as to not block the small holes from doing their job and letting the moisture dissipate from your body.  You also need to replace the DWR (durable water repellent) coating on the outside of the item every few years which can be done by getting a simple to use spray.  Boots and shoes should be kept clean as well, and you should replace the DWR every six months.  I suggest buying a Gore-Tex coat and or pants for an outer shell, as its usefulness in and out of the city will be priceless.  As with everything else you buy in store and online, read the reviews and make sure the item is well made and worth the price.

     Here is a link to the Gore-Tex homepage if you would like more info.  The site lets you find what type of Gore-Tex product you want and gives you a list of all the companies that make it.  I suggest checking it out.  Below is the DWR that you spray on your product every few months, and soap you can use to clean them.

Power Gel

     There are many power gels on the market right now, all touting different things.  Most people use it as fuel for long distance activities like running and biking.  These gels give you instant energy, and are easily transportable.  I personally don't like the taste of the gels you can buy, and I definitely don't recommend you buy them.  Not to mention, it drives me crazy to see all the discarded 'empty' gel packets all over the Central Park running paths.

     What if I was to tell you there's a cheaper, much tastier option for you that takes minimal effort on your part?  Well there is (obviously!)  It is not my idea, and all credit needs to go to Ron Fontaine over at Survival Topics.  He also has a great survival store linked here, where I buy my Firesteel and paracord from.  His site has a ton of information on outdoor survival that I suggest you read when you get time, if you are into outdoor survival.  Ron calls his little gel "Survival Power Gel".  He gets into why you would want to use it, what it does for your body, and how to make it.  I suggest reading his article here if you are interested in knowing the in's and out's.

     I have used this gel for over a year, and I make sure to always have some on me.  It is in my ECB, and I also keep a tube in my B.O.B.  It makes a perfect survival food.  It stays for long periods of time, it is lightweight, gives you instant calories and energy, plus it tastes amazing.  Beside its intended emergency purposes, I often use it as a 'quick meal'.  If I just couldn't get to breakfast or lunch due to a busy day, a shot of this stuff is like having instant energy in a tube.  Because it is broken down by your body so quickly and efficiently.  It stops hunger pangs, and regulates your blood sugar in one shot.

     This gel is also ideal to have while hiking or backpacking.  I have used it while backpacking a 25 mile path in The Catskills called Devil's Path.  A quick shot when it has been a while between meals really helps raise energy levels, and it is also a great moral booster.

     The way I suggest you make this gel is to buy a 16 oz. jar of honey from your local health food store, or online.  A 21 oz. bottle of brown rice syrup, and a small bottle of blackstrap molasses.  The ratio is 50% brown rice syrup, 30% honey, and 20% blackstrap.  Pour all of the honey and brown rice syrup into a pot, that you have set up to double boil (double boil is when you put a larger pot on the stove, with a little bit of water, then place a smaller pot inside of it, so the smaller pot can get hot, but does not touch the flames.)  Keep at a low temperature, as your not cooking the ingredients, but instead your heating them up so they are a little bit easier to work with.  Put into the mixture only about a quarter of the bottle of blackstrap molasses, and a little less then a teaspoon of salt (added benefit of electrolyte replacement.)  Mix it all together and let cool for a few minutes.  Place the finished product in a food safe squeeze tube like the one I use, and suggest below.  If you have left over, and you definitely will, put it back in the honey and brown rice jars.  Leave the tops off the containers and allow the gel to cool for a few hours.  

     This is great stuff, and I thank Survival Topics for the idea.  It has been a lifesaver many times when I just can't find time in my day for a meal.  Not only can it save you from everyday hunger, but this amazing little gel could one day "save your life" while in the bush or in a long-term disaster situation.  No ECB, B.O.B., or survival kit should be without!

You can also buy these items 'bulk' from this website.  I like having a large quantity of honey in the apartment, because it really is natures 'super food'.

   

Quick Pick: Cooler

     No, this is not a "Quick Pick" of an item that allows you to keep a few beer's cold while lounging in the park, though you could!  Keeping a cooler in your apartment is actually a great tool to have on hand.  The first, and very useful, thing you can use your cooler for is; in the event of a black-out you can place all the perishable food you keep in your refrigerator and freezer in your cooler.  This will give you more time to either consume the food before it goes bad, or it allows enough time for the electricity to come back on.  Sickness will start to run rampant if the electric goes out for more then 24 hours, especially during the warm months.  People will be eating things that are bad or are on the way to bad, due to the fact that they won't be able to cook it.  Also because bacteria thrives at room temperature.

     The second use of a cooler, or any large portable container for that matter, is as a rain catch.  Water will be a hot commodity in NYC if we lose electric for more then a few days.  The treatment plants that make our tap water potable (or consumable) will go down after a few days.  These plants only have a few days worth of back-up fuel to run generators in the event of a grid failure.  The water company, just like all other utility companies, need electricity to function.  Not to mention that the water system in NYC is antiquated and a bit fragile.  Our water comes from the mountains in Upstate New York through a very long piping system.  The first of which; Water Tunnel No.1 was completed in 1917 and has not been turned off since, not to mentioned cleaned or maintained internally.  The second, Water Tunnel No.2 was completed in 1935 and goes to Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.  The new tunnel; Water Tunnel No.3 (very original names, I know) has been under construction since the 70's and is expected to be completed by 2020, at which point they will attempt to clean and repair No.1, if it makes it that long...

     To use your cooler as a rain catch, just line the inside of it with your trusty contractor bag and allow the water to fall freely into the container or place it under a gutter.  Rain water is completely safe to drink on its own, but once it touches anything, like a gutter or roof, it is contaminated.  To treat it use a disinfecting method (i.e. boil, halogen, filter, etc.) to clean it.  You should also treat water that has sat around for more then 24 hours.  I will be doing a comprehensive post on all things water soon.  Don't forget that water weighs a lot (a gallon of water weighs 8lbs. the world around!  It's actually a little bit more, but it's a good way to remember.)  So either get something with wheel's or don't fill it all the way.

     So there you have it, grab yourself a multipurpose and very functional medium size cooler today, and I'll see you in Sheep's Meadow this spring...

Winter Gloves

Maggie Smith-freedigitalphotos.net

     A good pair of winter gloves are important to us as city dwellers for many reasons.  Mainly because we as New Yorker's are a part of the elements just about 365 days a year.  Our suburban counterparts go from home, to garage, to car, to work.  Not so with us as we go outdoors just about everyday, braving whatever temperatures and conditions are thrown at us.  We don't have the luxury of putting the things we acquire through the day in our portable, easily warmed shelter (i.e. car.)  We are always stuck carrying all sorts of stuff like; bags of groceries, purses, babies, phones, you name it.  Often having so many things on us, that putting our hands in our warm pockets is just not an option.  On a bitter cold winter day, our hands suffer because we don’t want to deal with having to take gloves on and off just so we can function in our daily busy lives.  Using a cell phone, counting money, or just plain doing anything with your hands is a pain while wearing big, bulky gloves.

      

     You have to remember that keeping your hands warm is important to keeping the rest of your body warm.  For a good portion of the fall/winter you can get by with a pair of 100% wool gloves.  They are very insulating, small, lightweight, and can even get fairly wet without losing their insulating properties.  They are also easy to wash by hand, or in a laundry machine.  Like anything wool, allow them to air dry, as they will shrink when thrown in a dryer.  If, like me, you get hot easily I suggest using a lightweight liner worn under the wool glove made of polyester to help with wicking moisture.  Exactly like the three-layer system I suggest for your clothes, you can do the same with your gloves.  With the light polyester liner as your base, wool insulating layer, and an unlined leather outer-layer or shell, you can handle the worst conditions The Apple can throw at you.  This functional system is actually very cheap too.  Not to mention, it allows you to customize your gloves for the conditions of the day.  Just like the three-layer system, you can add or remove layers to fit with the temperature of the day.

     For those of you that are often in the bush, or for those that need as many layers as possible to stay warm, there are a few options to help keep you even warmer.  You may look a little out of place, but I'm personally not one to worry much about what people think, and hope you've gotten to the point in your life where you don't as well.  In extremely cold conditions, or while in the bush in cold conditions, I suggest mittens for the added benefit of being much warmer then “fingered” gloves.  By keeping your fingers together, they heat each other up conserving much more body heat.  You can then clip, sew to the outside of your jacket, or tie a lanyard around your wrists to the glove, like children do, helping you slip the gloves off and on with ease.  This method also helps you not lose them, and is used by the Inuit people's of the arctic, who definitely know how to dress for the cold.

     By keeping your extremities warm, your body can concentrate on keeping your very important core warm.  With the ideas behind the simple, affective three-layer system, we can all have a much more enjoyable outdoor fall/winter season this year.  Here are some items I own to keep my hands toasty warm that I can suggest from Amazon. 

I use a polyester glove liner from EMS.  The "EMS" brand name stuff is of OK quality.  I suggest buying EMS for simple things like glove liners and the like.

Kits: NYC Survivalist Bug-Out-Bag (Clothes)

     I'm going to explain what clothing I suggest you keep in your bug-out-bag.  These items should be kept in a separate, waterproof bag inside the main compartment of your bug-out-bag.  There are two parts to this kit, the first explains what should be left in your bag.  The second section explains the clothing you should keep outside your B.O.B.  The articles of clothing on the outside of the kit are meant to be the clothing that you will be putting on in the event of a disaster (if you have time.)  I suggest keeping the external clothing in something like a small plastic bag so that if you are too hurried, and have to go, these items will still be with you, and can be put on when you get time.

     The clothing I suggest is meant to keep you warm and relatively comfortable through all seasons we have here in our area, and is based on the Three-Layer System.  Even if it is August and 90 degrees out, I believe you should still have the heavier layers in your kit.  I do this because there's no way of telling how long a disaster will last, and find it's better to be over prepared then under.  The only clothing you can, and should, switch out is the external clothing that you will be "throwing on" and wearing in the event of a disaster.  So, for example, in the spring you should put the warm, winter gear back into the B.O.B. and take out your lighter warm weather clothes.

• (1) Waterproof bag - This bag needs to be waterproof, and compact.  Large enough to fit in all your clothing, but not so big as to take up too much room.  I prefer the compression dry sack I link below, but you can also use something like a squeezable "Space Saver" type bag.  Try and get a good quality bag, as it will be taking some abuse from you going in and out of it.  I find medium bags fit my clothing, but if you are smaller, or if it's for a child, try a smaller bag. 

• (2) Pairs underwear - I use, and suggest nylon or polyester fabric underwear.  You can read more about what I recommend here.

• (4) Pairs of socks - So it's 4 pairs, two are base layers and two are insulating layers.  I suggest the base layers to be a polyester or a similar lightweight blend.  The insulating layer should be wool.  I also suggest a higher cut sock like ski socks because they don't cut off the circulation at the artery below our calves like everyday socks do.  For more information on my suggested sock system, read my article here.

• (1) Pair thermal trousers - Also know as "long johns".  I only carry one pair of these around, and use them when it is extremely cold.  They are also great for sleeping in your sleeping bag on cooler nights.  In fact, sleeping with a base layer in your sleeping bag, is much more comfortable then sleeping naked, especially if you use a synthetic sleeping bag (which I highly suggest.)  I prefer lighter base layers made from fabrics like polyester or Capilene.  In fact, I primarily use Capilene 2 as my base layer, and double them up when cold.  Base layers made of materials like polypropylene are very warm, but make the body work harder because of the fabrics "way to amazing" wicking abilities.  If you are typically cooler in the winter, add one more medium-weight pair of thermal trousers.

• (2) Pair thermal shirts - Once again, I use two medium, to lightweight base layer shirts because I tend to heat up quick.  I buy one small, and one medium, so they fit better when used in conjunction.  Make sure to buy a base layer with a zip-neck to help you control your clothing's 'microclimate'.  You can also use a wool base layer if you prefer.  They tend to be a bit more expensive, but are durable, and extremely warm.  I suggest 'Merino Wool' as it's much lighter and comfortable.

• (1) Short sleeve shirt -  This can be used as a 'lightweight' base layer under your clothing, or as a t-shirt when the climate is hot.  In the summer, you can add one more shirt to your bag if you prefer.  These shirts should be polyester or similar fabric, and somewhat loose fitting.  They are very comfortable in hot climates or when active.

• (1) Pair of wool gloves - Wool gloves are very warm, and great to have.  You can wear them alone, or under your unlined leather work gloves from your B.O.B. for added warmth and insulation.  Make sure to buy leather work gloves a bit big, so you can fit your wool gloved hands into them.  You can read a post of my suggested glove system here.
  
  

• (1) Wool hat - This can be one of the most important articles of clothing you can have on you.  For more information, you can read my post on wool hats here.

• (1) 'Boonie hat' or sun hat - Any lightweight wide-brimmed hat will do.  This is for keeping the sun off your head and face, and can be paramount to your comfort/safety during the hot summer months.  These are also useful for keeping you hidden by breaking the lines of your head and face if you wanted to blend into the foliage.  Make sure to wear the brim pushed down to help accomplish that tactic.

• (1) Balaclava - These make great multi-purpose gear.  They can be worn as a hat, neck gaiter, scarf, or partial face mask.  I prefer wool as the fabric for these, but you can also opt for polyester if you get hot easily.  There are a lot of polypro balaclava's on the market, but I don't suggest them for the same reasons I stated above.  Balaclava's make great head-wear while sleeping in your sleeping bag at night.

• (1) Wool sweater - You can also choose a wool button down shirt if you prefer.  These make a great insulating mid-layer.  They also make great pillows while sleeping in your sleeping bag.  I like 'Merino Wool' because it is a bit lighter, and softer.  If you decide to go with a sweater, get a turtle neck for added warmth.

• (1) Fleece jacket or vest *Optional* - This is optional because you can just use the wool sweater from above as a mid-layer.  It is nice to have the extra insulation if you get cold easily on hand though.  I suggest a vest or jacket that has a full-zip front with some pockets.  As I have mentioned before, I prefer the Condor Micro Fleece that you can find here.

• (1) Pair outer-shell pants - Try for something lightweight like Gore-Tex Paclite or DWR coated nylon.  These are useful as rain pants, or as a wind break in extremely cold conditions.

• (1) Outer-shell jacket - This jacket should be of good quality, as it will take much abuse from your pack being on your shoulders, and from being subjected to the elements/terrain.  If weight is a problem for you go with Gore-Tex Paclite as it is very lightweight.  Be careful though as it is not as durable as some fabrics.  If you want something a bit more durable, but still waterproof and breathable, go with a jacket made with Gore-Tex Pro-Shell.  It is by far the most durable, waterproof fabric on the market today.  It tends to be very expensive, so start saving now.  You should not place this jacket in the actual compression sack, instead leaving it free near the top part of the inside of your pack to make it easier to get to.

     This next section is going to explain the items that I suggest you keep near, or attached to the bag to be 'put on' in the event that you have to bug-out.  Just to be certain you understand; say for example there are two pairs of underwear in your B.O.B. as explained above.  With the pair of underwear I suggest you keep outside of the bag if you have to flee, you will have a total of three pairs on you: (2 pairs in bag + 1 pair your wearing = 3 all together.)

• (1) Pair of underwear - Same kind as the pairs I suggest you keep in the above B.O.B.

• (2) Pair socks - One pair of liners like I suggest above, and one insulating wool pair.  Use this configuration during all seasons, even in the summer.

• (1) Shirt - This depends on the season, and should be changed accordingly.  During fall/winter leave a light- to medium-weight base layer shirt.  During the spring/summer months wear a lightweight short-sleeve polyester or similar shirt.  If you want to save on weight, and or money, use one of the shirts that you keep in your bag from above.

• (1) Pair of pants - This is the first, and only pants that I mention, because it's the only pants that I recommend you bring.  I personally prefer blended nylon or polyester, cotton ripstop TDU's or BDU's that our military and law enforcement wear.  Cargo packets are also a must.  Some people may want a better insulating layer like wool or fleece pants under these for warmth, but I personally can handle our coldest days with a base layer, these pants, and an outer Gore-Tex (or something similar) shell.  Some people may also prefer to bring some shorts.  I personally don't like wearing shorts in the bush, and wouldn't want to wear them while walking/running around a dangerous urban environment.  If you need to cool off and swim, do so in your nylon underwear as they will dry fast.  By the way, I know I often suggest staying away from cotton of any form in the bush, but blended cotton are a bit more comfortable then straight polyester or nylon.  The best way to deal with cotton blend pants, is to keep them dry in cold climates by wearing the outer shell pants I suggest.  I own the 5.11 TDU pants below, and can suggest them as they have held up to my abuse for a longtime, and still look almost new.

• (1) Belt - Sort of an obvious one, but very important none the less.  I like to use a 1.75-inch thick nylon belt.  A good belt can have many uses; from a tourniquet, to strong latching.
  
  

• (1) Jacket - I suggest using the fleece jacket that you keep in your pack here.  This is a fall/winter item, and can be placed back in your pack during the warmer months.  You can also use your outer shell jacket here as well.

• (1) Pair of backpacking/hiking boots -  These are a very important item, and should not be skimped on.  Good boots can make bugging-out feasible or impossible.  Look for a pair that is meant for carrying heavy loads, like backpacking boots.  Also, it is imperative that they be waterproof.  I, once again, suggest a boot made with Gore-Tex.  You should also look for boots that use one-piece full-grain leather on the outside.  When you do get good boots, buy them a size bigger, as your feet will swell and you will have big socks on.  Make sure to take a week or so to break them in as well.  Here is my posts on my suggested boot system.  You can also choose to bring a pair of lightweight sandals for river crossings and to wear around base camp at night to relieve your feet if the temperature permits.

• (1) Pair of gloves *Optional* - Really depends on the time of year, and personal preference.  I suggest keeping your leather work gloves in one of the pockets of your pants, so that if it's cold you have some insulation.  If it's a major disaster, you have some hand protection to help you with labor intensive things like; removing building debris, and getting around tactically.

Socks! An Explanation

     Proper socks can make a big difference in staying comfortable all year long.   If you walk a lot or go hiking, proper socks can be a godsend.  Rule number one for keeping your feet warm, toasty and comfortable is to keep your footwear, especially socks, dry.   By keeping your feet dry you help keep them warm and insulated in the winter, and comfortable, blister-free in the summer.  Wet feet can also promote fungus growth, and trench foot, which you definitively don't want to mess with.

     Layering and proper use of fabrics is, again, the key to obtaining this.  Also paying close attention to when your feet are wet and or cold, making sure to change socks and get your feet dry/warm as soon as possible.  When wearing boots, or shoes try not to tie the laces to tight as to restrict blood flow, and allow the circulation of air.  While taking a break, or stopping (i.e. getting to your office after your morning commute) take time to pay special attention to your feet, especially your socks.  If their wet, change them.  I recommend carrying an extra pair of socks either in your EDB, or leaving a pair or two in your office for the days your feet do get wet.  

     During warm/hot seasons, the main goal is to wick moisture away from the feet allowing them to breath.  Use of a thin, lightweight sock liner made from materials like silk, nylon, and polyester are excellent choices.  Polyester and nylon blends with stretching materials mixed in like Lycra are easy to find, and cheap.  You can also ditch socks all together if you wear sandals, but don’t expect your feet to be very clean when you get home after walking the city streets.  If you decide to wear leather shoes with no socks (which is in style right now) be very careful of forming blisters.  I really don't suggest this option but if you must, make sure to carry moleskin pads around and use them as soon as the problem starts, not after.

     As the thermometer starts to drop you are going to need more than sock liners to keep warm.  Keeping the sock liners as your base layer, you can start to use heavier, more insulating socks as the middle layer for your feet.   In these types of conditions I suggest medium, to heavy hiking socks.  I also suggest looking into buying a higher cut 'ski sock', because they don't cut off the circulation to the feet like normal cut socks do (there is a major artery located right where our normal socks lay, leading to poor circulation.) The fabrics I like to use are wool, or wool blends (wool mixed with synthetic fabrics dry faster) because it make an insulating, breathable mid-layer that help keep your feet warm and dry.  Polypropylene blends can be used for extremely cold weather due to its great insulating qualities, and super-fast drying time.  As a personal rule of thumb in cold weather, especially when outdoors, I never go to sleep with a wet layer on my feet.  I do not recommend, or use cotton or cotton blend socks anytime of the year.  They absorb sweat, and take a long time to dry.  If cotton is your only choice though, make sure you have multiple pairs, and change them often. 

     There are currently a number of companies that make great socks.  I suggest looking for hiking socks and trying a few different companies and materials to see what you prefer.  I personally love Patagonia and Smartwool wool socks.  When it comes to liners, you don't have to break the bank, just make sure they are a light material and dry fast.

These socks make great all-around lightweight socks for the warmer seasons here in the city.

These Patagonia liners are my personal favorite hiking/city walking sock liners.

Patagonia also makes really nice midweight hiking socks that are perfect for our winter weather.  Remember your liners though!