(P)PPE - Polar Personal Protective Equipment

A lot of us think of PPE as a part of our jobs, a requirement of being at work, and the jobs we do. As colder months approach, it's sometimes a good idea to consider where we can use PPE in our personal lives, as well.

As you're enjoying your favorite outdoor winter activity, even if that’s just making it from the door to the car, the right PPE for the job can make just as much of a difference out in the world as it does at work.

Be Seen in Hi-Vis Clothing

Outdoor activities may require you to wear designated high-visibility clothing to prevent accidental injuries.

Hunters must keep up with current PA legislation regarding hi-vis gear. As of the 2022 season, there are legal requirements to wear Blaze Orange in certain hunts (including deer).

But be mindful - some reflective tapes used on high-visibility clothing can reflect as much as 82% of the source light, causing retinal damage. It’s important to choose the appropriate clothing for an activity and environment.

Fend off Frostbite with…

Hand Warmers/HotHands

Disposable hand warmers are small instant warmth devices. Most contain chemicals. Once exposed to air, the iron oxidizes and releases heat in the process.

Winter Gloves

This graphic depicts the four main internal components of a good winter glove – moisture wicking, insulating, waterproof, & cushioning.

Typical materials for glove/mitten insulation are wool (which will keep you warm even when wet), fleece, and synthetics. Synthetic Primaloft is one of the best man-made materials for glove linings because it's water-resistant as well as soft and comfortable and will keep your hands warm at very low temperatures.

Earmuffs

Similar to the nose, ears are comprised of mainly cartilage and do not have a lot of insulating fat, causing them to get cold faster than other body parts.

If your ears are constantly exposed to low temperatures, you may develop bony growths in the ear canals. This bone growth, also known as exostosis, or “surfer's ear”, can damage your ear health and hearing.

Keep Your Footing

Wearing winter shoes with tread is the best step you can take towards staying upright in icy conditions.

Typically, the smaller the tread pattern, the more powerful slip resistance. If there isn't a tread pattern, the shoes don't offer much traction and will not grip. If there is a pattern on the outsole, it's likely made of rubber or other materials that grip.

If you already have a favorite pair, you can always add traction with slip-on treads during the season.