Optimization of a backcountry clothing ensemble

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Nature of the work: This project will assess a novel Mountain Equipment Co-OP (MEC) winter clothing ensemble in a cold environment. Anticipated Outcomes: An optimization of the design for male and female versions of the same winter clothing ensemble is the anticipated outcome of the project. Relevance: The direct relevance of the project for active Canadians is to provide garments to improve their health, safety and comfort during winter outdoor activities. The relevance to MEC is to help improve and build their Canadian-based research and development (R&D) of their garments. Presently thermal protection testing of their garments is conducted outside of Canada and this project is a first step to initiate the movement of this R&D into Canada. MEC directly employs over 1900 people across Canada and this project will help start training new experts and to develop research methods, together with experts at SFU, to help their design team to provide the best possible garments for active Canadians. Benefits to Canada: Economic benefits to Canada include contributions to building of expertise in highly qualified personnel in the rapidly expanding technical apparel industry sector. Environmental benefits for Canada include that garments developed by MEC are for human powered pursuits including bicycle commuting, walking, hiking and skiing that help reduce green-house gas emissions and global warming. Social benefits include providing improved garments to allow Canadians to stay active in aerobic activities in cold climates. Aerobic activities have numerous health benefits including reduced risk of heart disease, Type II diabetes and stroke which are among the three leading causes of mortality in Canada.