extreme cold weather clothing

[DenyP]

I've worn Carharts for years in mid Minnesota. Can't say enough good things. I second the Soral boots (removable felt booty liners, rubber bottomed, leather uppers). Dress layered, with good long johns. You might want to check out a good outfitter on line such as http://www.cabellas.com


Deny

[jjwaller]

I have been using carhart for years and while sufficiant for low temps and being durable as hell I do not think it would be worth a crap in really cold temps for extended periods of time. I actually think that the warmth factor sucks even here in the Gulf of Mexico with 40 degree temps in winter but then the wind is usually blowing 60mph tool. Thanks for the input.

Yes that's the Arctic Wear line.
You've no doubt never seen it in the south. Only available up north.
Completely different then even the heaviest normal stuff.
I've got some heavy Carhart stuff, but the Arctic is completely different.
It does work. I know some folks who work every now and then in the arctic and
Russia, and it is the real thing.

[bigray03]

seal skin ay?

that's a first for me. gonna have to check that out. I'm gonna have to check into carhart too. I know I have owned carhart coats that sold as artic weight before and was not impressed AT ALL. Maybe there is another artic weight I do not know about. Thanks

[DGXSER]

MY dad was stationed outside of Gnome in the Korean war. He brought home these incredible gloves (he called those Mukluks) and a hat like Ivan described. I believe they were seal skin. They were defintiely amazingly warm!!

Of course it may be illegal to own those anymore like the real ivory criabage board and watch band he brought home as well.

[lakecountrydave]

I also recommend Carhartt's Arctic Quilt line. I use the bib with the jacket over it working outdoors in WI. If you are going to be walking or standing in snow I would get some rubber over boots. Dry feet are happy feet I used to wear the Carhartt ski mask, but was always too warm. I bought a fleece balaclava from Cabela's and it works great. It can be worn several ways so I had more options than on or off. Several pairs of gloves also helps.

[Guy_b_g]

I like the layering suggestion. I think you should get all this stuff and wear it in layers!

[red bandit]

Don't forget to take the felt liners out of your boots so they can dry out over night for tomorrow. They will absorb moisture from your feet. Damp liners = cold feet.

[T99Ford]

some more...

Everyone here has the general idea. It would really depend on the kind of work that you are doing.
In the part of Montana where I live, we deal with temps to -40/50 F. I work in an tractor dealership, and we get called when stuff won't start/ run. Working in those conditions (farm/ ranch/ oil field) this is the standard gear: Some form of thermal underwear at the bottom, wool or other to hold warm air. Followed by a covering layer, pants, shirt. Followed by a sweater/sweatshirt and more layers as necessary. Followed by insulated carhart bibs and a heavy Carhart coat. I have found the coats with some form of inner gaiter/ tie to keep cold air from coming up the bottom work the best. Feet are covered by Schnee's winter packs. They have a wool liner that is removable, are made in Bozeman MT and have great snow traction. The Chinese made Sorels don't hold up as well and are not as warm. Schnees also has a boot made for riding horses, which is thicker yet to account for inactivity. Wool socks are a must and I agree on some kind of wicking liner. Gloves and hats are personal preferance. Carhart gear can only be destroyed by fire (it is very flammable) but other wise will hold up to anything. It can be treated for water repellancy but is not water proof.
If you will be more active, or working in wet conditions, Carhart is a poor choice, since it does not wick water and soaks up water like a sponge. Don't use rain gear to block wind/ water as sweat and warm air will condense and make you wet. Wet equals cold.
When I am snowmobiling (-5 deg and colder, windchills of 90-100 mph, and 4 feet of fresh powder), I layer the same as for work (more layers the colder it is), but wear a breathable vented shell (Klim brand name) that allows water to escape but does not let water in. The heart and soul of Klim is the full Gore Tex liner. It is impervious to wind as well. The shell is not insulated at all but serves only to keep me dry and out of the wind. All of the insulation comes from the multiple layers underneath. Avoid cotton layers if possible. Cotton has minimal insulating qualities.

I hope this helps even though it is long. It also comes from a guy who rides his XS to work at 18F in jeans and a bike jacket. I live for winter and am out in it constantly. The main thing is that you will be in for a rough adjustment period no matter what until you get acclimated. Good luck!

Schnees boots and shoes:
http://www.schnees.com/

Klim usa:
http://www.klimusa.com/

[Fddlefoot]

LOVE COLD weather

Having said that being dressed right is definetly key Sorrel boot great place to start just make sure get extra set of felt inserts for if moving lot will make them wet and then stop and will get cold did this often enough making snow for would move alot for a while then sit still otherwise layering is everything and if conditions will be extreme DON"T start with cotton tshirt, everything especially the base should be made of wicking material and while wool is great*(must for socks) I prefer fleece or polypro for base materials good luck and enjoy if you are prepared it will be nice. Don't forget possible face mask if you are not sure how you will be in cold air or it is VERY cold can be another key thing.

[Shappers]

I live in Finland where people continue to work outside when the temperatures fall to -30° Centigrade..

I do know that most of them wear Snickers workwear clothing. I use the working trousers in my job and I've never found better. I'm sure you can find them in the States. Check them out here: http://www.snickersworkwear.com/Snickers/

And definitely layering is the way to go.

[Erik the Red]

IMO, the most important part of keeping warm is temperature regulation. (i.e. layers that you can strip off as you work and warm up) You don't want to get sweaty, b/c as soon as you do, the law of evaporative cooling says you get real cold, real fast. Moisture wicking garments (like underarmour) should be next to your skin. Silk sock liners under the wool socks are a must, and take enough out in the field with you to be able to change them if they start to get damp in the middle of the day.

To stay warm, you MUST stay dry!

And remember, once you get frostbitten, you're far more susceptible to it later on. Study up on frostbite, and you'll find it's well worth the investment in gear, as well as awareness out in the field, to avoid it. I learned that one the hard way. Now, every deer season it's a struggle to be able to feel my fingers.