mca80 wrote: ↑Tue Jan 17, 2023 4:34 pm
lowangle al wrote: ↑Tue Jan 17, 2023 4:29 pm
Chicks were really into hairy chests and facial hair back then. Now all you need is a shiny new pair of T4s and they're all over ya.
Guess I am out of the loop. I only want to ski--stylishly--in leathers and suspenders and twisty moustache.
Some notes on
leather for those not used to it.
It's a natural material (skin; requires care) with a higher thermal capacity, though quite durable. Think of it like Nature's Light Metal, in that it can get hot in the sun, freezing in the cold, and if impregnated with H20 (liquid or vapor from perspiration) it will freeze stiff/solid given the chance.
I have some leather-palm mitten shells and they can "wet out" from the inside through my wool liners. Never lay them on the ground/snow, rather tuck them in your coat against your chest when you need to remove them, or put in inner drop pockets (stomach) to stow, not in your pack if not totally dry.
The may break wind, but they do not insulate. SnowSeal, mink oil, ... some treatment is necessary, and the type of thread used to sew them can be a factor -- cotton is cheap and common, nylon and poly' is better IMHO and should be used for any repair. Never dry it by a fire or heat over 100F (37C) -- slow-n-low like BBQ, don't "nuke it in the micro".
It's not an appliance like fabrics where you can put it away and deal with it later. I needs to be stored clean and dry, AND "moisturized" to avoid it breaking down like dry skin. It can be preserved, but not "revived" as once the fibers break they don't re-glue any more than rawhide re-bonds to itself.
If using for a nose guard or sun visor (side of sunglasses), I'd recommend suede instead.
So why use it?
It has great abrasion resistance when thick enough (vs. dress leather for show), will stretch to "learn" the best fit within reason, and has decent grip making it a decent choice for the palms of mitts and gloves. When treated and dry, I've found it remains more pliable than rubber/plastics in the cold. I like wool or wool-nylon liners with it, and recommend a back up "hand-system" in case it gets soaked or frozen when venturing a ways from shelter -- actually I suggest that regardless of materials in case wind blows one a way or something gets wetted out.
I'll let others opine on mustaches... because this site needs
another wax thread.