Snugpak Community Blog

Wind Chill & Evaporative Heat Loss & First Aid on the Hills

by Snugpak December 16, 2015 in News 0 comments
Wind Chill or the ‘Feels Like’ Temperature can have a dramatic effect on any venture, this article explains in depth how to interpret the figures and includes a handy print out and keep guide to calculating the feels like temperature from the ambient conditions. Even on low level walks clothing choices, minor injuries and poor weather can quickly escalate into life threatening emergencies, learn what you can do to prepare yourself to reduce the risks of injury, illness and prevent hypothermia. The article includes practical advice on risk assessing your trip, guidance on what type of items to carry in your personal first aid kit and an overview of what to do when confronted with an emergency situation in the field. Download this article as a PDF   Read more!

Understanding Heat Loss, Insulation and Hypothermia

by Snugpak December 07, 2015 in Articles 0 comments tags: heat loss, hypothermia, insulation
This month, our technical article explores Understanding Heat Loss, Insulation and Hypothermia, invaluable reading for anyone spending any time outdoors at any time of year. It covers in detail hypothermia, thermodynamics and all aspects of heat loss and ‘feeling cold’ expanding on this to discuss the benefits of making informed choices regarding insulated clothing systems and emergency preparedness. The article includes pointers for timely accurate diagnosis of the different types of hypothermia and action points for when the worst happens, including the limitations of conventional solutions when aiding a hypothermic casualty. Download this article as a PDF Read more!

Understanding Wet Out – Humidity & Condensation

by Snugpak November 30, 2015 in Articles 0 comments
Regardless of what you wear over your Snugpak® Insulating layers, it may come as no surprise, that all PTFE garments will eventually ‘wet-out’ in sustained and heavy rainfall, or in warmer conditions when there is an increase in humidity. Wetting outis essentially a build up of condensation on the inside of (waterproof) layers that prevents evaporation and transportation of moisture to the atmosphere.      Humidity is the amount of invisible Water Vapour contained within the atmosphere around you. There are two key elements to clothing wetting out; firstly, the ability for the waterproof (PTFE) layer to shed liquid water from the membrane, and this is best achieved with the application of a Durable Waterproof Repellant (DWR) on the outer clothing to prevent build up of water, allowing rain to bead and roll off the fabric. Secondly, the relative humidity and temperature between the inner and outer layers of clothing will affect the ability to transport water vapour (sweat) from clothing layers to the atmosphere. Most 2 and 3 layer PTFE Waterproof Garments have a DWR finish that beads water and prevents saturation of the exterior or face fabric. The PTFE breathable layer is protected by the face and interior […] Read more!

Understanding Hydrostatic Head – How Waterproof is my Tent?

by Snugpak November 30, 2015 in Articles 0 comments
Hydrostatic Head (HH) is a waterproof measurement of a (Tent) material’s coating; most commonly a thin film of polyurethane finish is added to a material to create polyurethane laminate (PUL) referred to as a PU Coating. It is this coating that gives Snugpak® Products their waterproof and windproof properties.             Hydrostatic Head defines the pressure of water required to penetrate a given fabric. HH is measured in mm and indicates the pressure (force) of water needed to penetrate a given fabric or material. Imagine a column of water 2 metres high (2000mm); the weight of that water being forced down onto a material creates a given pressure, generating the hydrostatic head measurement. The greater the column of water, the greater the pressure and the more waterproof a fabric will need to be in order stop the water penetrating the fabric. Putting this into context, a little yellow Jet Wash, used for your car/patio etc, has a pressure of around 980bar, the equivalent to a Hydrostatic Pressure of a column of water that is 1000m (1km) high! Rain falls between 3 to 8 m/s-1in still air, about 3-18mph; the difference in speed is dependant on the rain […] Read more!

Create a ‘Manta’ with the All-weather Shelter…

by Snugpak September 14, 2015 in How To's 2 comments
Using a Tarp, the Snugpak All Weather Shelter, for wild camping and other ventures can provide you with constructed shelter designs to protect you from various elements. One design for use in severe weather, particularly wind and heavy rain, is the low profile ‘Manta’ Design… Follow the 5 Steps below, & you can construct a low-profile sleeping area, protecting you from wind & rain… 1. Layout the whole of the AWS in a diamond shape… Peg one corner of the AWS into the wind – so that the wind and rain is blowing over the direction you are making the shelter. 2. Now Place a Walking Pole 1/3 back from the front, creating a small flap.. Tension this with a guy line, but not too tight just yet, until you have completed the other side. Place the poles next to each other, one third back. 3. Do the same on the other side… You will see the distinctive triangle from between the poles and the peg at the back of the shelter, creating a low-profile design. Tension the guy-lines as tight as possible, in-line with shelter direction. 4. Peg Out the Sides of the AWS… Now you can peg-out the […] Read more!

How to build an enclosed sleeping area with the All Weather Shelter in 10 Easy Steps…

by Snugpak September 08, 2015 in How To's 0 comments
Using a Tarp, the Snugpak All Weather Shelter, for wild camping or just in case of emergencies, is a unique way to enjoy the great outdoors; you are only limited to your imagination and ingenuity when the time comes to create your shelter. Many tarp designs require the use of well-placed trees to construct sturdy designs, however free-standing shelters can be made just as quickly with the addition of a couple of walking poles. One of the most basic designs, the A-Shelter, normally requires the addition of two well placed trees to suspend your AWS from; but this design, more akin to a figure 4, can create an almost enclosed area like a tent. Remember, your shelter protects you from the elements, including Sunshine when making a stop along the trails. With time and practise, you can construct some elaborate designs in only a couple of minutes, protecting you and your friends from inclement weather. Follow the 10 Steps below, and you can construct a enclosed sleeping area for use in less than ideal conditions… 1. Layout the Shelter… Lay the AWS Flat, looking for the tabs along the edges. Peg down one third of the shelter, which will become your […] Read more!

So you want to Wild Camp with the Snugpak® Stratosphere..?

by Snugpak July 16, 2015 in Articles 1 comments
Wild camping in the UK is both incredibly satisfying and an essential skill when moving into remote environments in a variety of difficult and dangerous terrain, regardless of weather or time of year. Lightweight wild-camping is a stalwart skill for alpine mountaineering, adventure racing or any venture where the threat of benightment is a real possibility. Here are Snugpak’s Top Ten Tips for Wild Camping using the lightweight Stratosphere: 1. Always remember the 1,2,3,4 System… 2. Know the Law; 3. Plan Ahead: Pitch at Sunset, Strike at Sunrise; 4. Use the correct Tent Pegs; 5. Carry an Absorbent Towel, or a small Kitchen Sponge; 6. Don’t leave home without… 7. Invest in a Quality Synthetic Sleeping System; 8. Practice, practice, practice! 9. Balance Comfort Vs. Weight; 10. Spend a Weekend on Dartmoor. The 1,2,3,4 System: Developed by Snugpak as an easy reminder for wild campers, the 1-2-3-4 System will help you with a good nights sleep: One Good Nights Sleep requires; Two points of access… Three working areas… Four dimensional safety.   Whether intentional wild-camping, creating a forced bivouac or doing the best you can for an emergency benightment, being prepared and planning ahead ensures that you can achieve a […] Read more!
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