There’s an old saying which states that “sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees.” What’s especially amusing is that it can be true in a very literal sense. People immersed in nature often fail to realize it.
Ask the average person in a city how often they get out into nature and there will be a variety of different answers. But it’s a rare person who’ll state that they’re currently immersed in nature while in their city. However, those rare people who can plainly state it are right. Nature isn’t something that looks at lines on a map. The harsh conditions of winter and the wonders of spring enter into the city limits as easily as people do.
In fact, the city can actually have harsher natural conditions than most national parks. You can demonstrate it pretty easily to yourself, too. If you notice the wind picking up, you can take a quick walk outside. While you’re doing so, really notice how often you’re fully protected from the wind.
Nature tends to build up to equilibrium. The trees, hills, rivers, dunes and a variety of other things form up over time in response to natural pressures. Walk in the forest during a rainy windstorm and you’re sure to be uncomfortable. But the treetops will deflect a huge amount of rain. Likewise, much of the wind is caught by tree trunks and natural earth formations.
But humans tend to build in straight lines. Buildings go up, but seldom really block natural conditions. And the lack of coverage is usually intentional. If a building was blocking weather than it would be under greater structural stress. So it’s up to people to find some way of shielding themselves from the elements.
Fashion should keep you feeling good no matter what the weather is like
This is also why the fashion trends of hikers and hunters alike are becoming more popular within the urban jungle. For example, consider what Sitka Gear has to offer. Some of the clothing can block especially harmful solar radiation. Many people in the city use sunblock of one type or another, whether directly applied, through makeup, or other means.
Again, there’s a good reason why people in the city often have more need to consider these natural dangers. Tall buildings provide far less protection from ultraviolet radiation than a forest would. And yet it’s often the hikers and hunters who are best equipped for it thanks to their clothing.
People in the city don’t just benefit from sun protection either. Outdoor gear is usually designed with unpredictability in mind. Manufacturers try to consider scorching sun at the same time they’re devising methods to protect against the cold. They consider the careful precision of people like bowhunters when working with no-slip printed synthetics. And they take the high speed and high impact needs of trail runners in mind when working to reduce weight and increase durability.
Modern technology plays another role as well. The waterproofing which protects a camper’s electronics can also take care of your child’s portable electronics. Whether they’re in the urban jungle or an actual one.
Different types of reliability
And, of course, there’s also the simple fact that different markets can tolerate different things. People in the city and country both experience similar types of weather. But in rural environments, they usually take a more active role in working with it. They have far higher standards for their purchases.
As such, companies who want to make a sale need to ensure high-quality items. Meanwhile, in the city, people tend to assume that clothing just won’t stand up to much wear and tear. They shiver in the winter and lather themselves in sunscreen come summer. They seldom consider if their clothing choices might be to blame for their discomfort.
Protection from the elements and protection from illness
Of course, some people might consider all that and just assume they’ll tough it out for a while. But the importance of dressing for the weather extends far beyond mere comfort. Researchers are discovering more and more evidence that long-term exposure to uncomfortable weather conditions can cause a wide variety of health issues.
People usually assume that winter heart attacks are simply due to the strain of shoveling. But more and more evidence is showing that even high wind speeds can play a factor. It’s something that all the properly dressed and grinning trail runners can attest to, or the calm and collected hunters who comfortably grip their tools even when it’s freezing outside. When you dress for the weather, you can enjoy yourself no matter what direction the temperature goes.