Onion skin principle (clothing)
The onion skin principle , also known as the onion skin principle or the onion skin system , describes a combination of clothing in which several layers of clothing of different thicknesses and materials are combined. The individual pieces of clothing are put on one above the other , similar to the individual layers of an onion . The onion skin principle is mainly used in outdoor sports, but it can also be used in everyday situations. The advantage of this clothing principle is based u. a. Also on the fact that overall more air is stored as a heat insulator between the layers of clothing than with a few layers of thick clothing. In addition, moisture transport, vapor diffusion and UV and wind protection , for example, can be positively influenced by choosing the right layer or material.
The different layers
The different layers of clothing and their tasks from the inside out:
Base layer also sweat transport layer or next-to-skin
- Thin layer of underwear with the main task of transporting sweat away from the body. Ideally made of polyester or polypropylene , as these, unlike cotton, do not soak up as much water and have a better insulating effect. Especially in recent times, wool such as fine merino sheep's wool has again established itself as the basic material. Wool can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture without feeling wet and then still keeps you warm. From a clothing physiological point of view, it is important that the base layer fits tightly to the skin. This is the only way to ensure good moisture transport.
Insulation layer or thermal layer
- One or more layers that store body heat, such as B. a sweater or jacket made of fleece or wool or wool blend, if the base layer made of synthetic fiber z. B. Polycolon .
Weather protection also top layer or outer layer
- Clothing (e.g. Gore-Tex / Texapore or hardshell jackets) that protects against the weather. The outermost layer should be breathable so that body sweat is transported to the outside and can evaporate. Wind protection is important here - also against the wind, for example when cycling or skiing, but especially also when paragliding - and that water cannot penetrate through fog, rain, melted snow or condensed water . This happens through a layer that is (almost) impermeable to liquid water, either an extremely fine-pored membrane made of water-repellent material (Gore-Tex made of PTFE ) or a gas-tight film through which water can diffuse in dissolved form (e.g. Sympatex ), and in usually additional water-repellent impregnation of the textile outer layer. Seams are entry portals for capillary water, which is why they are waxed or covered with a foil tape.
Each drawing in of an additional (onion) layer brings not only an air layer supported by folds, but also a flat interruption of possible paths for capillary liquid water transport to the body.
In general, with the onion skin principle, several thin layers are better than one thick one. The individual layers should be breathable so that the heat does not build up on the body during physical activity. Softshell garments combine the insulation layer with the weather protection.
Application of the onion skin principle
The main advantage of clothing based on the onion skin principle is that the clothing can be easily adapted to the current temperature and weather conditions by removing or adding individual layers. With a physiologically favorable cut or fit and an ideal choice of material for the individual layers, sweat is also transported away from the body very well, while moisture from the surroundings is kept away from the body.
A disadvantage of this clothing principle is that in the event of very frequent and rapid changes in weather conditions, the individual layers would have to be readjusted again and again in order to keep the clothing working optimally.
For activities with inexperienced participants or uncertain weather conditions, it is advisable to dress at the beginning so that you do not freeze while resting. Once you move and warm is (after about 10-15 minutes), a Rüstpause , as Gutrast called, are inserted that removes the excess garments from the insulating layer and then the heat balance is regulated. Experienced participants can leave out a thermal layer (s) at the beginning.
During longer breaks (e.g. rest on the summit), more warmth layers must be put on again and, if necessary, wet items of clothing exchanged for dry ones.
Individual evidence
- ^ HE Schiecke: Wool as a textile raw material . 2nd Edition. Schiele & Schön, Berlin 1987, ISBN 3-7949-0446-X . P. 133 ff.
- ↑ Alfons Hofer: Fabrics 1 - Textile raw materials yarn effects . 7th edition. DFV, Frankfurt M. 1992, ISBN 3-87150-366-5 . P. 202 f.