[at-l] Re: Tablecloth VBL

[thornel@attglobal.net (W F Thorneloe)]

It is one of those things that don't make sense to me either, but 
apparently works. The idea is that you will sweat, the sweat will 
evaporate, and you will lose heat consequently. Theoretically, VBLs work by 
containing the sweat and limiting how much the covered anatomical part will 
sweat further. I've used VB socks and have been impressed. You must have a 
lining between the plastic and the skin, and it must be removed and allowed 
to dry some each night - or at least exchanged with a dryer liner. It isn't 
a matter of simply packing Saran Wrap and wrapping up each morning 
(although that can be an okay burn cover).

The Stephenson tent folks have the most info on the idea. The BPL list 
periodically brings it up. It still seems strange to me, but limited winter 
walking in VB socks have kept me almost uncomfortably toasty warm.

OrangeBug

At 05:26 PM 1/4/2001 -0500, cosmo catalano, jr. wrote:
>Excuse my ignorance, but doesn't wrapping yourself in plastic make things 
>kind of slimy in there?  The thought of sleeping in a plastic bag makes me 
>want to take a shower.  I have very little outdoor winter overnight 
>experience, so maybe when it's that cold and dry you just don't put our 
>much water vapor?