Coat Insulation Selection for the Snow and Mountaineering

[seazal]

I need to buy most insulated jacket or snow coat at amazon or other online retailers (because it's not locally available). What materials are best insulator for snow or very cold weather? How do you select.

What have you used that can even apply in Antarctica or in the mountain tops?

I want to use it at mountain tops so it shouldn't look so snowy fashion (as not to look odd or weird when walking inside the mall in the mountain top resorts with temperature that can reach 64 Fahrenheit (18 Celsius)).

 

[Mark44]

I need to buy most insulated jacket or snow coat at amazon or other online retailers (because it's not locally available). What materials are best insulator for snow or very cold weather? How do you select.

It depends a lot on how cold the temperatures will get. At temperatures well below, say, -20° C, down is probably your best bet, although there are some synthetic insulating materials that work pretty well. If the temperatures get up to around freezing, synthetics are better than down, since wet down loses its insulating capabilities.

What have you used that can even apply in Antarctica or in the mountain tops?

Nothing I have would suffice in Antarctica, but I've been to the tops of lots of mountains in the U.S -- all of the volcanoes in my home state of Washington, a few in Oregon, and a few in California, including Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states. I do a lot of backpacking now, but not much in the way of mountaineering, so I haven't followed the latest trends in mountaineering clothing. Are you really considering climbing in Antarctica?

I want to use it at mountain tops

It depends on where the mountains are, how high they are, and what time of year you're planning to go.

 

[seazal]

It depends a lot on how cold the temperatures will get. At temperatures well below, say, -20° C, down is probably your best bet, although there are some synthetic insulating materials that work pretty well. If the temperatures get up to around freezing, synthetics are better than down, since wet down loses its insulating capabilities.

Nothing I have would suffice in Antarctica, but I've been to the tops of lots of mountains in the U.S -- all of the volcanoes in my home state of Washington, a few in Oregon, and a few in California, including Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states. I do a lot of backpacking now, but not much in the way of mountaineering, so I haven't followed the latest trends in mountaineering clothing. Are you really considering climbing in Antarctica?

It depends on where the mountains are, how high they are, and what time of year you're planning to go.

In Dec 22. I will go to the mountains for vacation. The lowest temperature can reach 18 Celsius. I just want to make sure I order the right thick jacket at amazon. I already have existing jacket and it's the typical one. No I never plan to go to Antarctica. I just want a jacket with insulation used for Antarctica so the jacket/insulation i'll order at amazon will at least be right.

 

[russ_watters]

In Dec 22. I will go to the mountains for vacation. The lowest temperature can reach 18 Celsius.

You mean -18C, right? That's really not all that extreme. A normal ski jacket and a few layers of thermal underwear will do it, especially if you are moving around.

 

[seazal]

You mean -18C, right? That's really not all that extreme. A normal ski jacket and a few layers of thermal underwear will do it, especially if you are moving around.

So I must simply buy a ski jacket at amazon? Can this be used normally in malls inside very cold movie houses in the city too? I just don't want it to look weird. Or I want one with same insulation as ski jacket but can be used regularly. What must I look for in amazon? Can one give any example there of the one I need? It's expensive to return it.

 

[seazal]

You mean -18C, right? That's really not all that extreme. A normal ski jacket and a few layers of thermal underwear will do it, especially if you are moving around.

I didn't mean negative 18. I just meant positive 18C or the lowest temperature setting of any airconditioning. It's just that in the mountains, the resorts have aircon in the hotels too. It's too cold so I plan to buy the thickest jacket at amazon so I won't get chill.

 

[Drakkith]

I didn't mean negative 18. I just meant positive 18C or the lowest temperature setting of any airconditioning. It's just that in the mountains, the resorts have aircon in the hotels too. It's too cold so I plan to buy the thickest jacket at amazon so I won't get chill.

I have no idea why you think you need serious thermal insulation for 18 C temperatures. A single sweater or light jacket purchased from nearly anywhere will work just fine. If that is still not enough, wear a long sleeve shirt or some thin thermals underneath.

 

[russ_watters]

I didn't mean negative 18. I just meant positive 18C or the lowest temperature setting of any airconditioning. It's just that in the mountains, the resorts have aircon in the hotels too. It's too cold so I plan to buy the thickest jacket at amazon so I won't get chill.

Oh. In that case, I recommend one of these:

 

[Drakkith]

@russ_watters is that a onesie?

 

[russ_watters]

@russ_watters is that a onesie?

Yes, it has to be a onesie because you don't want to lose heat through the overlap between the top and bottom. Also, it contains an inflatable life preserver in case the mall is consumed by a tsunami.

I wore one like it on lookout watch in the navy.

 

[Drakkith]

I wear something like this when it's below about 70 F outside: https://www.harley-davidson.com/store/-1-skull-slim-fit-leather-jacket
Mine's about 10 years old now... man, I can't believe I've had it for that long.

 

[Drakkith]

Yes, it has to be a onesie because you don't want to lose heat through the overlap between the top and bottom. Also, it contains an inflatable life preserver in case the mall is consumed by a tsunami.

I wore one like it on lookout watch in the navy.

If that doesn't work, I recommend this:

 

[seazal]

Oh. In that case, I recommend one of these:

No I just need it for upper body. Where we could use it to walk casually in the malls in the mountains. It has no snow so we don't want to look weird. Again, the temperature is positive 16 Celsius (the lowest setting in aircon) adding to the very cold atmosphere of the mountain. Right now. I have to wear 3 shirts and jacket just to watch movie with very cold aircon. I'm looking for a single jacket that can function as 3 shirts and thick ordinary jacket together.

 

[Drakkith]

Right now. I have to wear 3 shirts and jacket just to watch movie with very cold aircon. I'm looking for a single jacket that can function as 3 shirts and thick ordinary jacket together.

I recommend thermals. They work much better and can't even be seen. They also cover your entire body, unlike a shirt or jacket.

 

[seazal]

I recommend thermals. They work much better and can't even be seen. They also cover your entire body, unlike a shirt or jacket.

This an example of thermal jacket in amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JHX8XMQ/?tag=pfamazon01-20

But it doesn't seem to insulate better than 3 shirts and ordinary jacket. I need a single jacket that has insulation of 3 shirts plus ordinary jacket. What's next thicker to a themal?

 

[Tom.G]

Thermal underwear comes in several different weights or thicknesses. Here in Southern California all that is in the stores is the thinnest that could be called 'thermal', not much use when wandering around in the snow. Some descriptions mention the suggested temperature range. If you are after maximum effectiveness beware of those that don't state one.

Next layer would be a medium to thick long sleeve Cotton shirt. Over that either a lined flannel jacket (shirt-jack or hoodie) or a Wool shirt. The thermals and the flannel or Wool will do a very good insulating job because they trap air so well (the key for anybody insulation). Outer layer, if even needed for indoor use, can be just about anything; just something to keep the air still against the Wool.

The reason for the Cotton shirt is to keep the flannel or wool layer away from the thermal underwear. This has two advantages, first it adds a layer of still air, and second it makes movement more comfortable because the flannel or Wool is not sticking to the thermals.

Don't forget heavy socks. And a hat helps if you will be outdoors in a cold wind.

If you have any Sporting goods stores where you are, you might ask them where to get Ski wear.

Cheers,
Tom

 

[Mark44]

In Dec 22. I will go to the mountains for vacation. The lowest temperature can reach 18 Celsius. I just want to make sure I order the right thick jacket at amazon.

Meh. I saw a kid at the school I teach at a couple of days ago. The temperature was about 4 deg. C, and he was wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and flip-flops. You definitely don't need anything that would be suitable for Antarctica.

And 18 deg. C would be a late spring day up here where I live. People would be out in shorts and t-shirts.

 

[seazal]

Meh. I saw a kid at the school I teach at a couple of days ago. The temperature was about 4 deg. C, and he was wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and flip-flops. You definitely don't need anything that would be suitable for Antarctica.

He must have a very efficient ATP system that can convert fats to heat. Is it normal for a human to take 4 degree C wearing shorts, t-shirt and flip-flops? If not, then you may have just encountered a mutant (X-Men, lol)!

 

[Mark44]

He must have a very efficient ATP system that can convert fats to heat. Is it normal for a human to take 4 degree C wearing shorts, t-shirt and flip-flops?

Probably not normal, but he was a young guy, and probably not outside all that long. However, one time when I was in Montana in the winter, where it gets pretty cold, I walked around that outside of my inlaws' house when it was about -30 deg C, with about 15 cm. of snow on the ground. I was barefoot and wearing only a pair of shorts. My feet were a little cold by the time I got back inside the house.

 

[seazal]

Probably not normal, but he was a young guy, and probably not outside all that long. However, one time when I was in Montana in the winter, where it gets pretty cold, I walked around that outside of my inlaws' house when it was about -30 deg C, with about 15 cm. of snow on the ground. I was barefoot and wearing only a pair of shorts. My feet were a little cold by the time I got back inside the house.

I read some Yogi can sleep naked at snow. Is there any scientific studies how they did it? Also what exactly regulate our body temperature? How much is the role of ATP in it?

 

[Drakkith]

This an example of thermal jacket in amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JHX8XMQ/?tag=pfamazon01-20

But it doesn't seem to insulate better than 3 shirts and ordinary jacket. I need a single jacket that has insulation of 3 shirts plus ordinary jacket. What's next thicker to a themal?

Sorry, I meant thermal undergarments. Aka thermal underwear or long-johns. Pants + undershirt type.

I read some Yogi can sleep naked at snow. Is there any scientific studies how they did it? Also what exactly regulate our body temperature? How much is the role of ATP in it?

That's best left to another thread.

<< Mentor Note: The poster @seazal has started a new thread with his yogi question here: >>
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/what-exactly-produces-and-regulates-body-heat.962007/

 

[Borek]

18° C is 64 F, using snow coat is a sure way of cooking yourself up.

 

[gfd43tg]

I almost choked on my breakfast reading this. Thanks for making me laugh on this Monday morning. I needed it

 

[Stephenk53]

I think he might have misremembered or misinterpreted the temperature range. I did that yesterday with the walk in freezer at my new job, I wore a light coat (light enough to be more like a sweatshirt) inside the freezer. To be fair though it was my second day there and first time in the freezer.

 

[f95toli]

This an example of thermal jacket in amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JHX8XMQ/?tag=pfamazon01-20

But it doesn't seem to insulate better than 3 shirts and ordinary jacket. I need a single jacket that has insulation of 3 shirts plus ordinary jacket. What's next thicker to a themal?

It doesn't work that way. You need multiple layers for efficient insulation. Typically you would wear thermals+2-3 other layers+outer jacket.
A jacket that could "replace" multiple layers would be way too tight fitting, would not be able to wick sweat away and it would also be very uncomfortable since you wouldn't be able to move properly.

This principle applies at any temperature, be it skiing in -20 degrees C (which I used to do as a kid) as well as in just a cold room,.
My step-son used to wear thermals (which we bought when visiting Sweden) underneath his school uniform for this very reason when he was little (in London)