Latex gloves for survival.

[Rumble]

This just popped into my head:

Would it be a good idea to wear latex surgical gloves in a cold survival scenario? Would your hand create condensation that would then be cooled down by the environment thus, translating into losing more heat? Would you be better off not wearing them?

Cheers!

Burton

 

[Josh Feltman]

I don't think they would work very well for heat retention. They trap perspiration on your hands. However, they could prove very useful in a survival situation, especially if you have a limited water supply. For example, you could throw a pair of surgical gloves on while cleaning game so that you don't have to wash your hands when you are finished.
--Josh

 

[bsquare]

Rumble,
Latex gloves will hold in the moisture for sure. If one is not active and producing a log of sweat, then they might just work as a vapor barrier just like the ones they use for sleeping bags in cold weather, however this is for vapor and not actually liquid perspiration. I'd say that in a sedintary mode, combined with an insulating layer over them, they would add to the warmth factor. If your hands get wet from sweat, I wouldn't use them for that purpose.
I keep a pair with my first aid stuff which goes with the survival stuff, but envisioned them more for protecting myself from the red squirty stuff.

 

[Geraldo]

Latex won't do a thing for you in cold weather. I've had to wear them in the cold for many years and all they are is cold. Better options would be a pair of light polypro, fleece, or wool gloves or mittens.

 

[Rumble]

Thanks for all the replies.

I was asking the question under the premise that no other glove was available. So far, I gather the sweat from wearing them in cold weather seems to do more harm than good.

Burton