Cold weather skydiving is an incredibly exhilarating experience that demands painstakingly meticulous preparation. Amidst all the aspects that require careful attention, one of the most crucial elements is without a doubt choosing the right clothing. The appropriate apparel serves a dual – purpose: not only does it keep you warm in the frigid high – altitude environment, but it also plays a pivotal role in ensuring your safety throughout this daring high – altitude adventure. This comprehensive guide is designed to painstakingly walk you through every single essential piece of knowledge you need to know regarding dressing for cold – weather skydiving, leaving no stone unturned in equipping you for this thrilling endeavor.
The Significance of Proper Clothing
Skydiving in cold weather presents distinct challenges compared to jumping in warmer conditions. As you ascend to high altitudes, the temperature drops substantially. During the freefall, the wind chill factor exacerbates the cold, making the environment feel even more frigid. Without the proper clothing, you are exposed to several risks. Hypothermia, a condition characterized by dangerously low body temperature, can set in rapidly. Reduced mobility becomes a concern as stiff fingers and limbs make it difficult to control your body and equipment. Frostbite is also a real threat, especially on any exposed skin areas. Wearing the right gear is not just about comfort; it allows you to maintain focus and perform the necessary actions during the jump with ease.
The Optimal Approach to Staying Warm
Base Layer (Moisture – Wicking)
The base layer is the innermost layer that comes into direct contact with your skin. Its primary function is to wick away sweat. When you are engaged in the physical activity of skydiving, even in cold weather, you may perspire. If this sweat is not removed from your skin, it can make you feel cold and uncomfortable. A good base layer should fit snugly, but not be so tight that it restricts blood circulation. It is crucial to choose a material made of synthetic fabric or merino wool. Cotton should be avoided at all costs as it has a tendency to hold moisture, which can lead to a significant drop in body temperature. Thermal underwear, both the top and bottom, is an excellent choice for the base layer. A long – sleeve moisture – wicking shirt also serves this purpose well.
Mid Layer (Insulation)
The mid layer is responsible for providing warmth. It should be made of materials that can retain heat, even when they get wet. Fleece jackets or pullovers are popular choices as they are lightweight and offer good insulation. Down or synthetic insulated vests are also great options. These vests are known for being lightweight yet extremely warm, making them ideal for cold – weather skydiving where you need to move freely without being weighed down.
Outer Layer (Wind & Weather Protection)
The outer layer acts as a shield against the wind and cold air. It must be windproof to prevent the freezing air from penetrating to your inner layers. Additionally, it should be water – resistant to protect you in case of light rain or snow. Flexibility is another key factor as you need to be able to move your body freely during the jump. A windbreaker or a softshell jacket fits the bill. Some drop zones may also allow the use of a skydiving – specific jumpsuit, which is designed with all these features in mind.
Essential Accessories for Cold – Weather Skydiving
Gloves
exposed during the freefall, and without proper gloves, they can quickly go numb. When choosing gloves, look for ones that are insulated to keep your fingers warm. Grippy palms are essential as they help you maintain a firm grip on the parachute controls. The gloves should also have a snug fit, but not be too bulky, as overly bulky gloves can impede your dexterity. A good combination is to wear thin thermal gloves underneath skydiving gloves. There are also winter skydiving gloves specifically designed for cold jumps that offer excellent protection.
Headgear
A significant amount of body heat is lost through the head. Therefore, proper head protection is vital. A balaclava is a great option as it covers the neck and face, providing comprehensive protection against the cold. A thermal beanie can be worn under the helmet for added warmth. If you want even better wind protection, a full – face helmet is a superior choice compared to an open – face helmet.
Footwear
Cold feet can quickly turn a thrilling skydive into an uncomfortable experience. Wear thick socks, preferably made of wool or thermal materials, to keep your feet warm. Ankle – supporting shoes such as hiking boots or skydiving boots are recommended as they provide stability. Make sure to tuck in any loose laces to avoid the risk of them getting snagged during the jump.
What Not to Wear
Certain types of clothing can be dangerous or highly uncomfortable for cold – weather skydiving. Cotton clothing should be avoided at all costs. Since cotton holds moisture, it will make you feel colder as the wet fabric clings to your body. Loose scarves are a hazard as they can get tangled in the equipment, potentially causing serious problems during the jump. Bulky jackets restrict movement, which is essential for a safe and enjoyable skydiving experience. Open – toed shoes are a no – go as they expose your feet to the cold, increasing the risk of frostbite.
Special Considerations for Tandem Skydivers
If you are participating in a tandem jump, your instructor will be there to guide you through the process. However, you still need to take certain precautions. Wear warm layers as the plane ride up to the jump altitude can be quite cold. Avoid wearing excessive bulky clothing as the harness needs to fit snugly for maximum safety. It is also essential to bring gloves as your hands will be exposed during the freefall.
Pre – Jump Warm – Up Tips
Before boarding the plane, it is a good idea to do some light exercises. Jumping jacks and arm circles can help increase your body temperature and get your blood flowing. Drinking warm fluids is also beneficial, but avoid caffeine as it has been shown to increase cold sensitivity. Keep moving around and don’t stand still for too long as this will help you stay warm until it’s time to board the plane.
Post – Jump Recovery
After landing, if you have sweated during the jump, it is important to change into dry clothes as soon as possible. This helps prevent a rapid drop in body temperature. Warm up slowly; don’t rush into a hot shower as this can cause shock to your system. Also, carefully check for any signs of frostbite on your fingers, toes, and ears.
Additional Considerations for Equipment Compatibility
When choosing your cold – weather skydiving clothing, it’s crucial to ensure compatibility with your skydiving equipment. The harness, for example, needs to fit properly over your layers without causing any discomfort or restriction. If your mid – layer or outer layer is too thick or bulky in certain areas, it can interfere with the way the harness sits on your body. This not only affects your comfort during the jump but can also compromise the safety of the harness system. For instance, if the harness doesn’t distribute the forces evenly due to ill – fitting clothing, it could lead to excessive pressure points, which may cause bruising or even more serious injuries during the landing.
Moreover, your helmet should fit snugly and securely, even with your chosen headgear underneath. A balaclava or thermal beanie that is too thick might push the helmet in an awkward position, reducing its effectiveness in protecting your head. Additionally, make sure that any zippers or fastenings on your clothing don’t interfere with the operation of your parachute equipment. A zipper that gets caught on a part of the parachute deployment mechanism could be disastrous. It’s advisable to do a thorough pre – jump check, not only of your clothing but also of how it interacts with all your equipment.
The Impact of Humidity on Cold – Weather Skydiving Clothing
Humidity levels play a significant role in how cold you feel during a skydiving jump in cold weather. High humidity can make the cold air feel even more biting, as moisture in the air conducts heat away from your body more efficiently. In such conditions, the water – resistant property of your outer layer becomes even more critical. A truly water – resistant outer layer will not only protect you from rain or snow but also from the dampness in the air. However, it’s important to note that some water – resistant materials may become less effective over time, especially if they haven’t been properly maintained.
For the base and mid – layers, high humidity can also pose a problem. Even if you’re not sweating due to physical exertion, the moisture in the air can still penetrate your clothing. A base layer that is not highly efficient at wicking away this external moisture can leave you feeling clammy and cold. Merino wool, which is a great choice for the base layer, has the advantage of being able to absorb a significant amount of moisture without feeling wet against the skin. In areas with high humidity, it might be beneficial to consider using a dehumidifying spray on your clothing before the jump. This can help reduce the amount of moisture that is absorbed by your layers, keeping you warmer throughout the experience.
Adapting Clothing Choices Based on Altitude and Location
The altitude at which you plan to skydive and the geographical location of the drop zone can greatly influence your clothing choices. As you ascend to higher altitudes, the temperature drop is more significant. For jumps from extremely high altitudes, such as those above 15,000 feet, you may need to add an extra insulating layer. This could be a thicker fleece or a more heavy – duty down vest. The wind speeds also tend to be higher at greater altitudes, so ensuring that your outer layer is not only windproof but also has a secure fit is essential.
Location also matters. If you’re skydiving in a coastal area, the combination of cold sea breezes and high humidity can create a particularly chilly environment. In contrast, jumps in mountainous regions may have drier air but much colder temperatures due to the altitude. In mountainous areas, the risk of sudden weather changes is also higher. You might start your jump in clear, cold weather but encounter a snow squall on the way down. In such cases, having a fully waterproof outer layer and additional emergency insulation, like a small space blanket in your gear, can be a lifesaver. Researching the typical weather patterns and conditions of the specific drop zone and altitude you’ll be jumping from is an important part of preparing your cold – weather skydiving clothing.
Conclusion
Skydiving in cold weather offers a unique and thrilling experience, but it is essential to dress appropriately. Layering is the most effective strategy. Start with a moisture – wicking base layer, add an insulating mid layer, and finish with a windproof outer layer. Don’t forget to accessorize with gloves, proper headgear, and warm footwear. Avoid materials like cotton and items that are too bulky and restrict your movement. By dressing correctly, you can ensure that you stay warm, safe, and comfortable throughout your jump. Always check with your drop zone for any specific recommendations they may have. Now that you are well – informed, you are ready to embrace the excitement of cold – weather skydiving without the fear of freezing.
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