not waterproof after all

[Cranky Bear]

Dave, thanks for posting this, and I feel the lessen to be learned by all is test your gear/equipment prior to going out.

I have the Z-Packs breathable cuben mitt's, and they have kept my hands completely dry in some nasty rain storms.

For hiking my system depends on the weather, I bring the mitt's everytime but summer (really hot weather). I have a pair of smartwool liners that I use, and I also have the Z-Packs fleece mittens.

This layering system works extremely well for me, and while my hands may get a little sweaty from built up condensation (which actually isn't all that much), it's better than frostbite, or numb fingers.

[Mikeinajeep]

Klim gloves are crazy pricey but very waterproof.

[Rune]

So what is the principle at work here? Does it have to do with the salt water or the properties of the felted wool?

My theory is this. While we are in the arctic. I am at 68 degreees Northern latitude. We should have ice bergs floating in the sea, which should freeze in winter. After all, we are nearly as far north as the North Shore of Alaska. But it does not, due to the Gulf Stream. That is literally a warm sea current that crosses the Atlantic from the Gulf of Mexico.

But the air tempos are still quite cold. It may be as cold as -20-30* celcius. So dipping the mittens in sea water that holds +10 degrees is a noticeable difference. Specially when they where going to be wet anyway in small, open fishing boats in open waters. And since wool has naturall hollow fibers, it retains 70% percent of it's insultaing capability even when wet.

The felting makes them sturdier also, but a bit stiff, so dipping the mittens in water also softens them. They would also be stiff from all the salt water. Another thing was that these sea mittens where very tighly felted so they where almost water proof. And they where large enough to wear another layer inside them if need be.

Here is the type of boats my great grandfater fished from:

[Detail Man]

Thanks, Rune. Your theory makes sense. It just seemed odd that wet gloves would be warmer. What a neat boat, too. This is one of the many reasons I like HF. One man's disappointment with modern materials leads to an education in natural fibers from half a world away. Awesome.

WV, here's something I came across looking for felted wool mittens. http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/family/...d-sweaters.htm It has nothing to do with felting, but ends with a tightly woven wool mitten you treat with lanolin. I had to share, knowing your DIY tendencies.

[MedicineMan]

Against the laws of physics and thermodynamics that wet gloves are warmer than dry. I want proof on this===assuming a human hand HA!

[Detail Man]

Against the laws of physics and thermodynamics that wet gloves are warmer than dry. I want proof on this===assuming a human hand HA!

MM, you could organize a group hang in Norway next winter, if Rune could provide felted wool mittens for everyone.

[MedicineMan]

talk it up. I'm willing and have an active passport

[spamburglar]

talk it up. I'm willing and have an active passport

Crap! Now I am gonna need a passport!

[Rune]

Against the laws of physics and thermodynamics that wet gloves are warmer than dry. I want proof on this===assuming a human hand HA!

Is also against the laws of physics that -10*C is warmer than +10*C

They where fishermen in winter in open boats. Their mittens where going to be wet anyway. And they could not always wear them. So the mittens froze up and became stiff, and lost it's insulation. So rather than putting there hands into a frozen block of ice. The dipped it in sea water, wich held +10*C, that melted the ice off the gloves. Then they Beat the water out of them and wore a warmish glove that because of wools properties, was restored to a mitten that still retained 70% of it's insulating capability. Which is why wool will keep you warm while wet. While cotton retains 0% of it's insulation when wet.

[Rune]

MM, you could organize a group hang in Norway next winter, if Rune could provide felted wool mittens for everyone.

You're all welcome. My mom just need to know how many to make :-)