Which type of clothing robs the body of heat by breaking down the thermal protection of insulated clothing?

Which type of clothing robs the body of heat by breaking down the thermal protection of insulated clothing?

• A. Wet
• B. Dry
• C. Insulated
• D. Fleece

Answer: (A)

Moisture in and on insulating clothing destroys the protective loft that keeps you warm. Insulation works by trapping air in tiny pockets; air is a poor conductor of heat, so it slows heat loss from the body. When the fabric becomes wet, water fills those air gaps and conducts heat much more efficiently than air, so heat leaves your body more quickly. Plus, moisture can cause insulation to lose its loft, especially in down or synthetic-filled garments, further reducing warmth. Evaporation of the moisture also pulls heat from the body, making you feel even colder. Dry clothing would maintain its insulating value, the clothing itself is designed to provide insulation, and fleece (while warm) can lose some of its insulating ability when wet, but the main factor described is the presence of moisture.

Moisture in and on insulating clothing destroys the protective loft that keeps you warm. Insulation works by trapping air in tiny pockets; air is a poor conductor of heat, so it slows heat loss from the body. When the fabric becomes wet, water fills those air gaps and conducts heat much more efficiently than air, so heat leaves your body more quickly. Plus, moisture can cause insulation to lose its loft, especially in down or synthetic-filled garments, further reducing warmth. Evaporation of the moisture also pulls heat from the body, making you feel even colder.

Dry clothing would maintain its insulating value, the clothing itself is designed to provide insulation, and fleece (while warm) can lose some of its insulating ability when wet, but the main factor described is the presence of moisture.