You can control the amount of evaporation by wearing clothing that can be ventilated or taken off and wearing clothing that will not absorb water. Sitting on the ground, snow, touching cold equipment, or being rained upon are all examples of how heat can be lost through conduction. If you become wet a large amount of body heat is lost rapidly. Perspiration or rain should never be allowed to saturate your clothing that can reduce their insulating values. Sit or sleep on a closed-cell insulating pad.
Radiation causes the largest heat loss from uncovered skin, particularly the head, neck, and hands.
It is important to cover these areas in keeping warm and preventing further heat loss. The cooling effect of wind chill is equal to that of much lower temperatures due to the increased evaporation and convection. Exposure to wind, cold or wet create an opportunity for hypothermia. Hypothermia is the number one killer of outdoor recreationalists. Chances for recovery depend on how long a person was exposed to the cold and his or her general health.