that jute or burlap socks worn outside the wool socks help to 

 evaporate moisture from the feet. Take care that socks are large 

 enough, so that when two or three pairs are worn, the outer socks 

 are not unduly stretched. It is a good idea to have two sizes and 

 wear the larger pair on the outside. Some men prefer cotton or 

 rayon socks next to the flesh. 



HANDWEAR 



The best all-round type of handwear consists of a woolen insert 

 mitten worn inside an outer shell mitten made of leather or wind- 

 proof cloth. The shell mitten should be large enough to hold two 

 insert mittens, although two may be needed only in very extreme 

 temperatures. For troops, both shell and insert mittens have 

 separate trigger fingers. Both mittens should be large enough 

 so that the first finger can be withdrawn from the trigger finger 

 and kept next to the others for warmth. Mittens of fur are good 

 at extremely low temperatures. 



Figure 5-8. — Mittens. 



For prolonged exposure without activity at very low tempera- 

 tures, gauntlets made of caribou or other fur can be worn outside 

 the woolen inserts. The chief objection to gauntlets is that snow 

 easily collects in the gauntlet cuff. 



Wristlets are recommended by some for sealing the gaps between 

 sleeves and gloves and for work that requires the use of bare 

 hands. In the latter case, the wristlet should cover the hand 

 to the fingers. 



Ordinarily, gloves are not suitable in temperatures below 0° F., 



169 



