Warm-Weather Clothing

It's vital to stay as cool as possible in warm weather to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Too much exposure to direct sunlight can cause sunburn and dehydration, and heat rashes can be exacerbated if sweat is not able to evaporate properly. Choose breathable fabrics that will keep you cool and protect your skin from the sun. Stay hydrated and always wear a hat.

Cold-Weather Clothing

In cold weather, you need to pay particular attention to your clothing layers. Use a lightweight base layer, which will wick moisture from your skin, several layers of warm, insulating clothing, and an outer shell that's windproof and waterproof. The secret to staying comfortable is to adjust your layers as your body temperature changes. Remove layers as your body temperature rises to avoid sweating.

Desert hat: combines the sheltering brim of a baseball cap with the neck protection of a bandana. Jacket: your outer layer should be a loose-fitting jacket. T-shirt: choose one made from moisture-wicking fabric, which allows air flow. Shorts: the legs of convertible pants can be unzipped to make them into shorts. Pants: full-length convertible pants protect the skin from insects and the effects of sunburn.

Ski mask: helps to keep your face warm and protect it from cold. Jacket: filled with down or a synthetic equivalent, a windproof outer layer will help you to stay warm in exposed surroundings. Fleece: wicking base layers come in several different weights. Gloves: in cold environments several layers of gloves are more efficient than a single layer. You can add or remove the different layers as required. Leggings: wicking insulating leggings are worn under waterproof pants.

Wet-Weather Clothing

Sudden downpours can occur almost anywhere and it is easy to be caught out by them. The best fabrics to wear in such conditions are those that are breathable, waterproof, and allow sweat to escape-the best known of these is Gore-Tex. Always carry the gear necessary to stay warm and dry, and make sure you can access it quickly if you are caught out- it can be the difference between comfort and misery.

1. Rain hat: the wide brim stops water from dripping on to your face and down the back of your neck.
2. Poncho: an effective waterproof layer, a poncho can be made into a shelter or bed.
3. Waterproof jacket: allows sweat to escape while keeping rain out.
4. Waterproof pants: keep your legs dry in wet conditions.

Gaiters

Gaiters are useful, both in temperate areas for keeping the feet and lower pant legs dry, and in polar regions for keeping out snow.

How Breathable Waterproof Fabric Works

Breathable waterproof fabric is a laminate of three layers: two layers of nylon on either side of a thin layer of micro porous teflon, which contains tiny pores - 50 times smaller than the Width of a human hair - that keep rain droplets out but allow perspiration (water vapor) to escape.

1. Microporus teflon
2. Raindrops repelled
3. Jacket shell
4. Perspiration escapes
5. Jacket lining