but they are sometimes used when a fine sense of touch is neces- 

 sary. Silk or rayon gloves are particularly good. Like the 

 Eskimo, one can become accustomed, even in cold weather, to the 

 use of bare hands provided they are warmed from time to time. 

 In selecting gloves, go by the feel and fit rather than size. 



HEADWEAR 



A knitted wool helmet similar in design to a flying helmet is 

 the best covering for the head. It should come well down over 

 the forehead. Likewise, it should fit about the face and extend 

 from the chin to the shirt collar. It must have a covering of 

 windproof cloth, unless it is intended to be worn inside a parka 

 hood. Whatever other headgear is devised, be sure it covers the 

 ears since they are very easily frozen. It should not cover the 

 mouth. It should be designed so that it does not press too heavily 

 on the top of the head. 



BODY CLOTHING 



Ordinary heavy woolen trousers and shirt are very convenient 

 for use in the Arctic, especially where troops are living in heated 

 barracks much of the time. Many men with polar experience do 

 not like sweaters because they are tight and are hard to put on 

 and take off. A woolen vest worn over the shirt and buttoned up 

 to the neck is very warm. The parka shape is best for the heavy 

 outdoor garment. It is made of wool, woolpile, or fur, with 

 windproof outer cover, slips on over the head, and has a perma- 

 nently attached hood. It ought to be loose around the body, neck 

 and shoulders, and should have drawstrings at the front of the 

 hood and around the bottom or at the waist to permit adjustment 

 for ventilation. Fur ruff on the hood is essential for protection 

 of the face. 



Windproofs are worth their weight in gold. They are made of 

 smooth, tightly woven cotton cloth. They are water-repellent but 

 are never waterproof because they must allow moisture from the 

 skin to pass off into the atmosphere in the form of vapor. They 

 must be large enough to fit over the maximum amount of clothing 

 that will be worn. The trousers should have drawstrings at waist 

 and ankles. Avoid a fly of the usual type. One about 2 inches 

 long with a flap behind it is enough. The upper garment is of 

 the parka type with drawstrings at the hood and at the bottom. 

 It should extend below the hips. 



170 



