The Fan Hitch is the official publication of the Inuit Sled Dog International. It is published four times a year. 
 

Editor in Chief : Sue Hamilton
Web Master: Mark Hamilton
Print Version Publisher: Geneviève Montcombroux for Whipporwill Press

The Fan Hitch is available as a print subscription for $10. Cdn ($7.00 US) per year, postage included. Single copy issues and back issues (if not sold out) are available for $3.50 Cdn ($2.25 US) postage included. Send requests, with checks payable to "ISDI", to Whipporwill Press, Geneviève Montcombroux, P.O. Box 206, Inwood, Manitoba, R0C 1P0, Canada.

Contents of The Fan Hitch are protected by international copyright laws. Neither photos, drawings nor text may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Please forward these requests to Sue Hamilton, 55 Town Line Rd., Harwinton, Connecticut  06791, USA or qimmiq@snet.net

Tip for the Trail: Wet Equals Cold

by Mark Hamilton

The title of this article states something we've all come to understand: in the cold, being wet is a disaster. The insulating efficiency of our clothing is compromised by moisture. Wool loses about 70% of it's insulating value when wet, yet it's universally considered a good insulator because it retains much more of its insulating value wet when compared to the performance of most modern, synthetic materials. If you're wet you need to get into dry clothing or a sleeping bag, quickly, and find a way to dry what you were wearing (powder snow is a excellent desiccant). 

Of course it's best to find ways to avoid getting wet in the first place. Try this: spray your feet daily with anti-perspirant for a week to ten days before going out in the cold. Not only will your feet stay dry and warmer during the day, you'll spend less time at night drying your boot liners.

To keep your hands dry, treat them every eight to twelve hours with a product called "Hand Sense". It's a barrier cream; surgeons often use it before putting on their latex gloves. A side benefit is that it prevents perspiration. Take a small bottle with you on the trail and keep it inside your parka so that it doesn't freeze.

If you don't have a source for Hand Sense, call 1-800-589-6536.