Clothing

The new Canadian goose down blue/black jackets were used by K049 members. The jackets are warm but blowing snow is easily trapped in the zip and Velcro pockets and the artificial fur ruff causing parts of the jackets to freeze solid in the limited warm/drying conditions of the field camp. The outer jacket material is also rough and does not shed snow well. Natural fur would have been a better option for the hood and the pocket closures should be improved for future purchases.

We used both Carhart insulated jackets and bib overalls and the ECW salopetts. The Carhart bibs are significantly warmer than the ECW's but the zips and closures pack blown snow freezing the garmets and making them difficult to dry. A long leg zip option for the bibs was easier to get into with boots on but trapped more snow and was colder in strong winds. The Carhart cotton Duck and ECW outer materials do not shed snow well, get wet and are difficult to dry in the field. The Carhart and Canadian Goose Jackets come only in medium sizes and larger.

page 14

Furthermore, there are no women Carhart bibs. It would good, if a few smaller sizes and possibly women Carharts could be purchased

Overall, the Carhart garmets and the ECW's are not very satisfactory active field clothing in locations subject to blowing snow, strong winds and cold conditions. Field camps have limited warm and drying conditions for clothing.