If you are like me the winter months for me mean bundling up! I love outdoor winters sports but dread the winter chill so I am always sure to bundle up with the right gear before heading out to the cold.
Your socks are just important as the rest of your gear whether you are running, hiking , skiing or snowboarding. A pair of high-tech socks is your first line of defense for dry, comfortable and blister-free feet. Many outdoor companies offer a wide range of sport specific socks that will accommodate your sport and weather needs. Each of your feet are densely covered with about 250,000 eccrine sweat glands, making feet one of the sweatiest places on your body. Performance fabrics help absorb and disperse all that moisture. Cotton is not recommended for active use, they do not wick moisture but absorb the sweat and stay wet longer. Look for a combination of synthetic and natural fabrics such as Nylon and Lycra® spandex help socks retain their shape, create a snug fit and, in some sock styles, provide arch support. CoolMax® polyester, Wickspun™ acrylic and Isolfil® polypropylene are commonly used fibers that wick away moisture to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters. Merino wool is a natural fabric that is used for athletic socks, it is a good wicker of moisture but a bit more expensive and dries slower than the synthetics.
www.REI.com for more information and a complete line of athletic socks.
Your socks are just important as the rest of your gear whether you are running, hiking , skiing or snowboarding. A pair of high-tech socks is your first line of defense for dry, comfortable and blister-free feet. Many outdoor companies offer a wide range of sport specific socks that will accommodate your sport and weather needs. Each of your feet are densely covered with about 250,000 eccrine sweat glands, making feet one of the sweatiest places on your body. Performance fabrics help absorb and disperse all that moisture. Cotton is not recommended for active use, they do not wick moisture but absorb the sweat and stay wet longer. Look for a combination of synthetic and natural fabrics such as Nylon and Lycra® spandex help socks retain their shape, create a snug fit and, in some sock styles, provide arch support. CoolMax® polyester, Wickspun™ acrylic and Isolfil® polypropylene are commonly used fibers that wick away moisture to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters. Merino wool is a natural fabric that is used for athletic socks, it is a good wicker of moisture but a bit more expensive and dries slower than the synthetics.
www.REI.com for more information and a complete line of athletic socks.
Frostbite is always a risk when participating in outdoor winter sports. Your feet as well as hands, ears and nose are the most likely to be affected. When exposed to very cold temperatures, skin and underlying tissues may freeze, resulting in frostbite. There are three degrees of cold injury: frostnip, superficial frostbite, and deep frostbite. Although children, older people, and those with circulatory problems are at greater risk for frostbite, most cases occur in adults between 30 and 49. If your skin looks white or grayish-yellow, is very cold and has a hard or waxy feel, you may have frostbite. Your skin may also itch, burn or feel numb. Severe or deep frostbite can cause blistering and hardening. In the most severe cases the tissue will turn black and become nonviable.
As discussed before the proper gear including your socks will help you prevent a cold injury. When out in the snow and cold you want to have water proof shoe gear, be mindful that some shoes are water resistant meaning they are not designed for sustained water exposure. Your socks should wicked sweat and dry quickly to prevent wetness in your shoe. Be careful not to layer with bulky material, this will make your shoes too tight and decrease circulation. You can layer with socks that are specifically designed as liners, they are not for cushioning or insulation they are primarily to wick moisture and protect skin, you would pair these with a wool or thicker synthetic sock. You want to be able to freely move your toes when inside your shoes. Mittens are a better alternative to gloves in the cold whether as it allows the circulation of body heat.
To treat frostbite get out of the cold immediately. Protect your skin from further exposure. Once you're indoors, remove wet clothes. Gradually warming frostbitten areas is the key. If you're outside, warm frostbitten hands by tucking them into your armpits. Protect your face, nose or ears by covering the area with dry, gloved hands. Do NOT rub the affected area this will damage the fragile tissue. Put frostbitten hands or feet in warm water if possible — 104 to 107.6 F (40 to 42 C). Wrap or cover other areas in a warm blanket. Don't use direct heat, such as a stove, heat lamp, fireplace or heating pad, because these can cause burns before you feel them on your numb skin. Don't walk on frostbitten feet or toes if possible. This further damages the tissue. If there's any chance the affected areas will freeze again, don't thaw them. If they're already thawed, wrap them up so that they don't become frozen again. If numbness or sustained pain remains during warming or if blisters develop, seek medical attention. Many people with frostbite may also be experiencing hypothermia (body temperature that is too low), which can be deadly. This is why it is so important to seek medical attention immediately.
As discussed before the proper gear including your socks will help you prevent a cold injury. When out in the snow and cold you want to have water proof shoe gear, be mindful that some shoes are water resistant meaning they are not designed for sustained water exposure. Your socks should wicked sweat and dry quickly to prevent wetness in your shoe. Be careful not to layer with bulky material, this will make your shoes too tight and decrease circulation. You can layer with socks that are specifically designed as liners, they are not for cushioning or insulation they are primarily to wick moisture and protect skin, you would pair these with a wool or thicker synthetic sock. You want to be able to freely move your toes when inside your shoes. Mittens are a better alternative to gloves in the cold whether as it allows the circulation of body heat.
To treat frostbite get out of the cold immediately. Protect your skin from further exposure. Once you're indoors, remove wet clothes. Gradually warming frostbitten areas is the key. If you're outside, warm frostbitten hands by tucking them into your armpits. Protect your face, nose or ears by covering the area with dry, gloved hands. Do NOT rub the affected area this will damage the fragile tissue. Put frostbitten hands or feet in warm water if possible — 104 to 107.6 F (40 to 42 C). Wrap or cover other areas in a warm blanket. Don't use direct heat, such as a stove, heat lamp, fireplace or heating pad, because these can cause burns before you feel them on your numb skin. Don't walk on frostbitten feet or toes if possible. This further damages the tissue. If there's any chance the affected areas will freeze again, don't thaw them. If they're already thawed, wrap them up so that they don't become frozen again. If numbness or sustained pain remains during warming or if blisters develop, seek medical attention. Many people with frostbite may also be experiencing hypothermia (body temperature that is too low), which can be deadly. This is why it is so important to seek medical attention immediately.