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msar-riders - Re: [MSAR] Socks

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Subject: Mounted search and rescue

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  • From: "IRVIN LICHTENSTEIN" <ilichten1@verizon.net>
  • To: "'Mounted search and rescue'" <msar-riders@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [MSAR] Socks
  • Date: Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:14:52 -0500

I usually buy through REI as there is a store nearby (Conshohocken).  Most of the hiking socks are available in synthetic only.  Polyproplene is a wicking material and the fabrics made from it are good for the innermost layer.  Gore product Gore-Tex is a membrane used as a vapor barrier in various products.  If it says Gore Tex the membrane must be the Gore product and meet certain minimum product standards.  There are competitors that perform as well but may not have the follow through on the product.  The military socks are acrylics for the outer shell and polyprop for the inner.  Wool shrinks, is organic so it can trigger allergies, and can carry anthrax spores, so the Army has gone to synthetics.

 

You can become hypothermic at +60F if there is a wind (like riding at 7 MPH) or rain (even a mist) if you get wet and then cool by evaporation.  The biggest argument for spending the bucks for Gore Tex is a nylon rain shell that does not breathe. As to other materials, staying with synthetics can save a lot of money on initial purchase and are usually easier to care for.  I have both down and Halofill vests or liners and the Halofill works just as good dry and better wet than the down does.  It is a matter of loft and the synthetics generally have their loft built into the hollow of the yarn rather than the separation of the feathers.  

 

Clarification: My Dehners have ribbed soles, not slicks.  I ride with wide, leather covered, stirrups and a padded seat roping saddle.  I usually wear full suede schooling chaps over jeans.  I carry a rain hoodie, Gore Tex lined (in my saddlebags), on sale from REI also.

 

CAUTION: When encountering a hypothermic subject current protocols are not to warm them up until a heart monitor is available and they will be warm from then on.

There is a danger of arrhythmia during the warming process and there is no sense warming someone and then getting them cold again.  What you want to do is stop any further cooling by removing wet clothes, wrapping loosely in a blanket, or similar.  Consult with your medical director for a proper protocol consist with BLS or ALS in your jurisdiction.

 

Irv Lichtenstein

SE PA SAR  

 


From: msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:msar-riders-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Lila Corey
Sent: Friday, December 18, 2009 2:07 PM
To: lhanahan@mindspring.com; Mounted search and rescue
Subject: Re: [MSAR] Socks




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