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Outdoor Education…Character development through the outdoors
An important decision we need to make when heading outdoors is what clothing items we should wear and bring with us. As we know, the weather in New Zealand is very changeable and therefore to ensure we stay safe, we need to be well prepared.
TASK: Record clothing notes in your Bushcraft workbook on slide 3.
The four essentials
The four essentials
To protect your vital organs and allow you to carry out simple tasks these items must always be carried when going outdoors:
Woolen hat that covers your ears
Pair of wool gloves
Wool or fleece jersey
Waterproof jacket with hood and long enough to cover your bottom
Woollen beanie
Woollen gloves
Fleece jacket
Waterproof jacket
Materials: Cotton
Materials: Cotton
Very comfortable and light weight when dry
Inexpensive
Unfortunately cotton holds water
Is uncomfortable and clings when wet
Has very poor thermal retention heightening the risk of hypothermia
Materials: Synthetics
Materials: Synthetics
E.g. polypropylene, polyester and nylon
They are warm when wet, light when wet and dry extremely quickly
Unfortunately they have little wind proofing
Can be very expensive, readily combustible and they can hold odour
Materials: Wool
Materials: Wool
Wool stays warm when wet
Odour free
However, becomes heavy when wet and dries slowly
Can be very rough causing chafing and itching when worn next to skin
Expensive
Layering Principle
Layering Principle
As NZ weather is always changing the layering principle allows:
Air to be trapped between layers
Enables you to adjust your clothing to suit the conditions
Lets you use different materials for different purposes
What should I wear next to my skin?
What should I wear next to my skin?
A material that stays warm when wet. Use a body layer that will work in most weather. Merino is popular.
What outer layer should I use?
What outer layer should I use?
A water proof and windproof layer is essential. Breathable fabrics are the most comfortable. Most heat loss is from the head, so a woollen beanie is essential on all trips.
What do I wear on the move?
What do I wear on the move?
No more clothing than you need to keep warm without perspiring
Synthetic shorts are good as legs dry much more quickly than wet trousers
Be bold, start cold!
Footwear
Footwear
Synthetic shoes
Very light, comfortable, wide price range, good traction
Not waterproof, not as robust as boots
Shoes do not have ankle support
What else should I carry for when I stop moving?
What else should I carry for when I stop moving?
Long trousers made of wool, fleece or polypropylene.
A synthetic fleece for the upper body.
Carry them in a plastic bag to keep dry.
HOMEWORK: What do you need to acquire? Could you borrow equipment from someone?
Macpac is an outdoor brand with a clear purpose. They are founded by and are operated by outdoor enthusiasts. Their customers require high performance outdoor clothing and equipment made for the toughest conditions. Their products are created from adventure for adventure.
The Macpac Adventure Partnership is an initiative that partners Macpac with Mount Albert Grammar School to demonstrate a sharing of our core values of openness and honesty, adventurous thinking, sustainability and which, in our own way, promote “adventure for life”.
By choosing to select Macpac products you will directly benefit Mount Albert Grammar School, as 10% of your purchase will return to the MAGS Outdoor Education department to be used to purchase clothing and equipment for students to use.
Sign up to the Macpac Wilderness club (free to join), mention you are linked to Mount Albert Grammar School and receive 30% off the full retail price of all Macpac products in all stores.
10% of all of your sales will return to MAGS Outdoor Education
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