Study of the Loss of Thermal Properties of Mountain Boots in an Expedition to Mount Everest

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the research carried out during the expedition of the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) in the south face of the Mount Everest. The objective of the study was to evaluate the modification of the thermal properties of two mountain boots worn during the expedition. Both boots were tested before and after the expedition using the laboratory Textile Transmission Test (TTT). This test provides information about the global thermal isolation of the footwear, the global water vapour resistance of the footwear, and the water absorption capability. A breathable/waterproof sock is used to study the transport of water. Two different models of boot were worn by the subjects (One of them developed with a high thermal isolation and the other commercial). The hours of use were 175 (60 estimated kilometers) and the mean environmental conditions were, temperature 5°C and humidity 36% RH. The results of the study showed statistically significant differences in the dry thermal insulation and the wet heat exchange, but not in the global water transfer and absorption of the boots. The results of this study show that actually there is a relevant degradation of the thermal properties with use of sport equipment for high altitudes, which can increase injury risk for sportsmen. This highlights the need to advance in the control of performance during the whole life cycle of the equipments for extreme conditions in order to reduce injury risk of on high altitude climbers.