All Weather Gear
From Reach
All weather gear is an effective solution to travel in hostile environments. It provides protection against extraordinary heat and cold, toxic gases, and moderate chemical precipitation. Usually, the term describes a 3-part system, but can be applied to similar systems.
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Thermal Suit
The most sophisticated component of all weather gear is a tight fitting jumpsuit made of Earth Tech materials, that regulates the wearer's body temperature. The suit uses the motion of a human body to circulate thermally insulating fluid through an internal system of tubes. Depending on whether the weather is hot or cold, the fluid is cycled through a Thermal purifier to dump excess heat, or kept in a closed system to contain heat, helping the wearer endure extreme temperatures.
Mask
Generally an advanced gas mask, the mask protects the users sensitive sensory organs from harm. An All Weather Gear Mask must contain at least an air filter, and protection for the eyes and ears. Usually this is one integrated piece, but can be as simple as a gas mask and some goggles. Optional equipment includes a built-in radio, a fully-enclosed oxygen supply, and night vision or thermal scopes built into the eyepiece.
Outerwear
Reach's highly corrosive environment calls for special outerwear. This takes the form of a cloak, boots, and gloves, made from Reach Rubber, or more durable but less chemically resistant Earth Tech materials. This affords considerable protection against fire, corrosive rain, and chemical attacks made by Natives.
Habits
Effective all weather gear is an essential element to surviving outdoors on most of Reach. A pea-sized hole in your Reach Rubber cloak can lead to painful burns during the next rain. Maintaining the gear is a matter of personal pride among travelers, and those who live long generally run through a 5 minute suit inspection every morning.
Numerous clasps and connections have to be made for a thermal suit to function properly, taking an inexperienced wearer as long as an hour to fit properly. Experienced users can get into their suits in less than 20 minutes.
Since most travelers sleep in their gear, many enterprising craftsmen have developed a cloak that can quickly convert into a sleeping bag, providing a significant degree of chemical protection during the night.
Though the cloak and mask can provide personal anonymity, most paramilitary organizations on Reach have specific patterns of all weather gear as part of their uniform, making their members readily identifiable.
