That's a really good point. Same also for stuff like dehydration, sun burn, heat stroke, fatigue, sleep deprivation, etc. I remember when I did alot of competitive sailing and just got hammered on this light air day at the Midwinters in Florida, meaning I didn't finish all that well, and then I was sick enough the next day that I couldn't race. Sun burn. Dehydration. etc. I didn't have enough water and I didn't protect myself from the sun. Way before I got sick I just wasn't performing as I should have. I know, excuses, excuses. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Anyhow really learned alot from that experience. No sense trying to save a few pounds if it means losing your wits, even if it doesn't lead to further consequences. Stuff like that happens in other sports also. Cross country skiing. Cycling. You lose your wits and your lucky if all you lose is the race.

Regarding clothing. You have to dress not just to stay warm when active or well rested, but also to get warmed back up and restore your energy reserves, and your mental composure. You can't always crawl into a sleeping bag to do that. Sometimes you need to slow down and rest up while semi-active and that can take twice as much clothing as otherwise for the same conditions. Mitts are like that also sometimes. They need to be warm enough to warm your hands back up quickly after doing something with them, not just stay warm.