Effects of an Arctic Ocean Ski Traverse on the Protective Capabilities of Expedition Footwear

• Main Authors: Endrusick, Thomas, Frykman, Peter, O'Brien, Catherine, Giblo, Joseph
• Other Authors: ARMY RESEARCH INST OF ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE NATICK MA BIOPHYSICS AND BIOMEDICAL MODELING DIV
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2005
• Subjects: Protective Equipment; *PROTECTIVE CLOTHING; *BOOTS; *FOOTWEAR; SYMPOSIA; SKIING; VAPOR BARRIERS; ARCTIC OCEAN; THERMAL RESISTANCE; TRENCHES; *PROTECTIVE FOOTWEAR; FS(FOOTWEAR SYSTEM); THERMAL FOOT MODEL; TRENCH FOOT; ARCTIC ENVIRONMENT; Arctic; Arctic Ocean
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA474467; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=ADA474467

A traverse of the Arctic Ocean during a 2000-km unsupported ski expedition provided an opportunity to assess the impact of an extreme cold environment on the protective capabilities of a specialized footwear system (FS). A thermal foot model (TFM) measured thermal resistance (R, m2KW-1) of an FS in new and used conditions. FS consisted of a two-layer sock, a vapor barrier sock, a removable woolen innerboot, a NNN-configured leather/synthetic ski boot, and a waterproof gaiter. When comparing initial total R when dry, the used FS showed an actual increase of 10%. Exposure of the used FS to moisture caused significant reductions in R. Immersing the entire welt of the boot in 8 cm of water for 18 hrs reduced the initial R by a full 34%. Although the used FS had extensive physical wear to the outsole, insole, upper and gaiter, it did not show a reduction in R as a result of the expedition when compared to a new FS. This FS appears to be well chosen as it provided adequate thermal protection to the feet despite exposure to one of the world's most inhospitable climates. Presented at the International Conference on Environmental Ergonomics (11th), held in Ystad, Sweden, on 22-26 May 2005. Published in the proceedings of the conference, p570-573, 2005. Prepared in cooperation with U.S. Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility, Natick, MA.