After visiting the Winter Field Day operations last weekend the ops could certainly have used some hi-tech clothing. In –20C weather prevalent here in Ottawa and the actual temperatures measured at the winter field day site, this clothing would have been a boon to the operators’ endurance. I see Martin VA3SIE has been on another arctic trek with Roy VA3CKD operating portable yesterday during the Arizona ScQRPions QRP Club 2010 FYBO (Freeze Your B___s Off QRP contest). Temperatures and wind are always issues to be taken seriously in these northern climes.
Here’s an excerpt about this winter gear:
The heat is on
From the "why didn't I think of that" files, Mountain Hardwear (mountainhardwear.com/ardica) has just introduced the first pre-wired winter sportjacket that not only provides heat on demand but also powers and recharges your iPhone and other hand-held gadgets.
Called the Refugium (for men) and Radiance (for women), these stylish, insulated jackets are designed to accommodate the optional Ardica Moshi power system to generate heat (up to 37 C) via integrated circuitry woven throughout the jacket. Toss in the $60 Tech Connector Kit for iPhones (or MP3 players, GPS units or cameras) and you're ready to rock 'n' talk while braving the Canadian winter.
Now I’m not sure if the power pack could be re-wired to power the KX1 or the FT-817 but I’m sure hams can find a way.
Links:
http://www.ardica.com/enabled/enabled.html
2 comments:
Nice article, Bob.
There have been some situations clothing like that would have been useful for example in Summits on the Air, up there exposed to the wind!
Of course there is good advice about keeping warm when it's cold out without the high-tech heating:
* Wear layers and take them off while walking/snowshoeing to your operating position - don't sweat. You can even layer legs & hands - long johns, fleece pants and padded ski pants for the legs, glove liners and padded outer gloves for the hands.
* Wear synthetics and wool, not cotton.
* Take along an emergency thermal blanket in case you get stuck.
Good points Martin. I used to ski as a safety in the Canadian Ski Marathon (25 years ago!) and followed all of your points about dressing for cold weather. One certainly can't be too careful with sub-zero temperatures and wind chill factors.
Thanks for stopping by the blog Martin.
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