Clothing tip for Kiters

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Tom L
Posts: 1144
Joined: Wed Nov 27, 2002 4:38 pm
Location: 44.9286, -93.60828

Clothing tip for Kiters

Post by Tom L »

If you've been kiteing for a while you know what a sweat you can work up wearing cold weather gear. I've been using long underwear from Brynje of Norway for about 3 years now. This stuff is great. It looks like a fishnet stocking, made out of some stuff called Meraklon. The stuff wicks moisture better than any Capilene. I usually wear a thin layer of Capilene over the Brynje (no capilene layer if it's above 30') and then over that a very breathable shell meant for Xcountry/hiking/backcountry skiing. After 2 - 3 hours of kiting the shell will be wet but I will still be warm & dry underneath. Plus it is actually warmer than a solid knit. I usually carry a heavy duty ski jacket type shell to wear over everything while setting up otherwise you're too cold until you get moving.

I've also found that a Xcountry/hiking/backcountry shell is really better suited for kiteing. Mine is made by "Cloudveil".http://www.cloudveil.com/product.php?sk ... 1&cat=2621 The wind will pull a lot of moisutre away from your body when you wear a breathable shell rather than a wind breaking type of shell. The type of shell or jacket worn for downhill skiing just isn't meant for the constant workout of kiting. Try this Brynje stuff it really does makes a big difference. Available here: http://www.reliableracing.com/Winterspo ... egory=0400

Or try locally at Midwest Mountaineering, they have it on thier website
John
Posts: 21
Joined: Mon Dec 02, 2002 1:59 pm

Post by John »

Thanks for the tips Tom,

The synthetics keep me warm while I'm out there but as soon I stop, I start to get cold on the inside. I'm going to try an Angora/Merona wool blend for the first layer like the polar explorers. Rabbitts and sheep!
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