Al Deveron wrote:
Walt wrote:

IOW, keep looking. Nylon, polyester, polypro, even wool are all a
better choice than cotton.

OK - I will try a few different fabrics such as the above three.

I've always been a staunch cotton man in the past, since cotton seems
to reduce perspiration - or allow it to evaporate. It seems to keep
one fairly cool in hot weather, yet warm in cold weather. I can't
remember having been soaked to the bone in cold weather while wearing
cotton though...

I have always avoided polyester like the plague because I was under
the impression that it inhibits the proper evaporation of
perspiration, thereby making one sticky and smelly.

I understand where you are coming from. Ten years ago, before I started
skiing, sailing, and paddling my wardrobe was entirely cotton. Cotton
is fine until it gets wet, at which point it stays wet and doesn't
insulate at all. Ok for warm weather, but uncomfortable and potentially
life threatening in the cold.

There are many different grades of polyester - some feel like wearing a
plastic bag and others are almost indistinguishable from cotton. Some
will make you smelly, others have some treatments to inhibit bacterial
growth. Shop around.

And keep in mind that you don't necessarily want *one* pair of pants for
all conditions. A good wardrobe of pants would be something like:

neoprene wetsuit - for cold weather paddling
polyester fleece - for moderate weather
nylon with zip-off legs - for hot weather

//Walt