The Effect of Textiles on Clothing Physiological Comfort While Backpacking in the Cold

The purpose of this study is to design and evaluate a single-layer garment that incorporates different textiles to improve the physiological comfort of backpackers hiking in cold weather conditions. The objectives are to identify comfort needs, to design a prototype shirt, and to evaluate comfort and performance of the prototype over time, in comparison to a control. Qualitative data were collected by interviewing wilderness backpackers regarding their physiological comfort needs and hiking clothing preferences. Findings were used to develop a prototype garment and a control garment. Both garments were wearing tested by subjects while backpacking. Additionally, thermal properties of both garments were measured using a thermal manikin and compared.