Army/Navy Surplus

[mgmills]

In a wet, cold cave, I use my kayak gear which still gives me good range of motion and also seals out the water fairly well. NRS gear is great, although a little pricey.

I interchange my kayaking and caving clothing also. If I'm using a "pricey" shirt or pants I throw something cheap on as a top layer to protect it a little from snags. The NRS catalog usually has some good prices on sale stuff (if they have the items in your size)

[Lava]

Of course, if you gotta have polypro, you gotta have it.. but isnt that stuff kind of pricey, or do any of you know a budget place to find polypro clothing?

Bass Pro, REI.... WOO they're high.

I refuse to wear anything but synthetics underground. Even in dry caves cotton gear gets soaked with sweat and makes me cold. I don't understand how people can cave in cotton.

[rchrds]

It's tough stuff and doesn't retain water. vtarmynavy calls there ecws polyro underwear(army term), military polypro and medium weight polypro.

ECWCS -Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System- consists of the Goretex outer, bear suit furry inside piece, the heavy weight polypro mentioned above and a thin polypro wicking layer.

The heavy weight browns are tough, but they shrink like crazy and get stiff after a while- It's gotta be cold to warrant wearing it- I havent worn it since I moved to the south.

J

[NZcaver]

I refuse to wear anything but synthetics underground. Even in dry caves cotton gear gets soaked with sweat and makes me cold. I don't understand how people can cave in cotton.

Although synthetics are considered by many as being "better", it's really a matter of personal preference.

I've caved in synthetics for years, but prior to that I caved in cotton for years - and it never killed me. I chose to "progress" from cotton to synthetics, however plenty of people cave quite happily in a variety of climates wearing cotton.

(After my initial post, I was reminded there are plenty of cotton-clad experienced cavers around. Just thought I should mention this "other side" of the story.)

[Lava]

I refuse to wear anything but synthetics underground. Even in dry caves cotton gear gets soaked with sweat and makes me cold. I don't understand how people can cave in cotton.

Although synthetics are considered by many as being "better", it's really a matter of personal preference.

I've caved in synthetics for years, but prior to that I caved in cotton for years - and it never killed me. I chose to "progress" from cotton to synthetics, however plenty of people cave quite happily in a variety of climates wearing cotton.

(After my initial post, I was reminded there are plenty of cotton-clad experienced cavers around. Just thought I should mention this "other side" of the story.)

Yeah, I caved in cotton for awhile too... I think we all did (apologies to those who still do).

[hunter]

I don't understand how people can cave in cotton.

Hey Lava, if it helps your understanding any I cave in Cotton because I get to frigging hot in a good number of caves but still want to protect my hide. Cheap and extra pockets (although mud does a number on these) are also nice. I own and sometimes use nylon, PVC and a wetsuit but in a lot of the caving I do staying cool is often my concern. In a couple of areas I've stopped wearing coveralls all together because I couldn't stop sweating (Belize comes to mind).

James

P.S. I'm not trying to be negative, just saying why I find cotton nice.

[JoeyS]

I caved in TAG for a long time using winter weight BDU's which are part cotton, part polyester and never had a problem. Some of my friends still use them. I never had a horrible experience with them; they are very tough and cheap. Usually around 20 bucks for a decent used pair at the army/navy stores. I know I got over 20 trips from one pair and they still look decent. They will eventually fail where the crotch reinforcement is sewn to the pant legs, but that takes a while.
Now I use the Chiliheads leggings (30 bucks) with a long or short sleeve Underarmor-knock-off top, depending on what I'll be doing in the cave. I do miss my pockets though...

[Lava]

I don't understand how people can cave in cotton.

Hey Lava, if it helps your understanding any I cave in Cotton because I get to frigging hot in a good number of caves but still want to protect my hide. .

Yeah, I could understand caving in cotton if you live in NM. I should amend my previous statements to say that the synthetic outfit I endorse is appropriate for 50-60 degree F semi-wet to wet caving.