Staying warm, it is not a trick.

Living in Iowa, where 20 below zero is not even uncommon and I have seen 80 below with windchill, staying warm is something that I, of course, have always considered. However, my training was based merely on doing what I was told and then copying that behavior from that point on. As I have investigated the outdoors, for hunting, fishing, and sports, I have been re-examining my practices. Here are some of the pieces of knowledge I have now or am just collecting.

Staying warm, even in very cold temperatures, for very short periods of time, is relatively simple. The way I was taught was to bundle up. It works, but much less efficiently than could be accomplished, and with several problems. Mobility often becomes limited, the duration of exposure is rather limited, and the wrong materials in the wrong places can be more harmful than helpful, sometimes they can be extremely dangerous. Bundling up, to some degree, is the way to go. If done correctly, with the right materials, mobility and length of exposure can both be greatly enhanced. Rather than barely being able to walk, open a vehicle door and get in, or hop into a bus, one can move nearly as effortlessly as wearing lined jeans (a poor choice, save for dry fall days by the way). As well, sub-zero, and on down to 40 and 50 degree below zero, or lower, temperatures can be withstood for hours, perhaps days, with the right clothing and behavior.

Currently, I am experimenting with long underwear made from three different materials, silk, wool, and polypropylene. I do not always layer three deep. At this point, I go mainly by my sense of the cold, how long I expect to be out, and what I will be doing. Standing in the cold, say fishing or on certain hunting trips require the triple threat as I call it. When layering thick for long periods and low activity, I first add silk longs, then wool longs, then polypropylene longs and snow pants. If it will be more active and it is a warmer day, I will remove the polypropylene. And that leaves active colder days to silk then polypropylene baselayers.

For socks, I always wear wool (winter or summer). In the summer, of course, I wear thinner versions. Surprisingly, wool is cooler in the summer than cotton or other materials. Needless to say, it is warmer in the winter. As well, foot odor is greatly reduced and my socks do not get soggy. I have tried many brands. Most wool socks wear out quickly, become ill fitting in short order, and some even itch. I prefer Smartwool, though there may be other brands which work well (I have not tried Coolmax, for example). My first purchase of six pair of Smartwool socks have lasted 4 years (and going). I buy a few pair each time they are on sale (real sale), thinking the older socks must be about ready to give out. So far, not a pair has failed or developed holes. I do have silk sock liners which I use depending on the weather.

As well, good boots are the only way to go. Tennis shoes, even non-insulated hiking boots, will not take you far in serious weather. I have a winter pair of boots, water-proof, wind-proof, excellent traction even on ice, and high enough to cover my pants to mid shin. At times, I do wear other types of footwear, when appropriate or just for a change. I have hiking boots I like to wear if I will not be out long. I also have a decent pair of oxfords, for nicer occasions and just for going from the house to car and such. Both are leather, both have been water-proofed, and both are kept polished, water-proofed, and clean.

I have several pair of thicker winter gloves. A pair for dress, a pair for work, a hunting pair, and several odd pairs. I have silk and wool glove liners, which really help on the coldest of days. As I get into outdoor winter sports, I may consider a set of mittens. Mittens are warmer, but do not allow much in the way of manual dexterity. I have seen the tricky open-up-and-shoot mittens, but paint me a doubter. I may end up, in time, trying a pair and comparing it to standard mittens. In any case, mittens should be just fine, and better than gloves by far, for handling ski or snowshoe poles. I also have tried a standard baklava. Though it helped a bit, I just do not like the one I have. It covers the mouth, steams the glasses, but it is camouflage. I am looking at other headgear, to include heat-exchange baklavas, wool watch caps, and some other items.

For outerwear, I stick with Gore-Tex. I am sure there are other water-proofing brands and techniques which are quite adequate. But from my circle of associates, my own testing, and my money, it is what I use. I have several for both insulated winter and non-insulated easy season water-proof pants. At this time, I actually do not use a full parka. I generally layer, add a thick wool sweater, and sometimes add a shirt between the layers and the sweater. On top of that I add a water-proof wind-proof jacket (shell), sometimes adding a water-proof wind-proof down vest. It is mostly experimental at this time, but I do have the right equipment, it is just a matter of learning to know how best to use what I have ahead of an outing.

Wool and silk are both comfortable, able to absorb sweat, do not hold odor as much as other materials, are less bulky, dry quickly, and allow the body to breath, but they are expensive and I would guess they will wear more quickly. Polypropylene is inexpensive, easily maintained, and dries quickly, though it has more odor related problems and it is less indicated if one is prone to rashes, so I prefer it as an outer layer. Down is excellent as an insulator, if you can keep it dry. If your goal is to go outside and come back all in a day, or you are sure you will stay dry, down is an excellent choice. Something to consider with any materials you might select is how to care for them. All of my items are machine washable (save some sweaters). There are special cleaners and treatments for silk, wool, waterproof materials, and down. Look for them, they will keep your materials top, and extend wear and intended use.

This year is my first to put much of this learning together for use, in congregate. I have been out for various short trips, doing the odd chores that winter requires, and experimenting. I hope to find a place to rent skis and take cross country lessons, so that on the days I need to get out for school anyway, I might take some ski lessons (or snow shoe lessons) before-hand, as money allows. I also have a few hunting sessions in the offing, some of which might require just a little target practice (a lot, as I am trying to settle on the right slug or sabot for my shotgun and I need to get some clay practice in as well). So, I should be able to get a better idea of what is needed personally, and when.

I have not been going out enough to begin practicing behavior yet, but I will pass on some of the advice I have received. Frequent warm meals, higher fat and higher calorie foods (chocolate, nuts, meats), carbs, warm drinks (coffee, cocoa, soup), and plenty of water are all helpful and at times vital. Paying attention to one’s perceptions. If it is cold, perhaps moving around or eating or drinking something warm would work. If you are hot, open a vent in your pants if you have that, take off the vest, slow down a bit, or drink some water. All this seems to be common sense, but do not count on common sense in freezing cold temperatures. You might not have that in you, plan ahead and know what you should and can do. Some other things to consider, if you work a great deal and work up a sweat (not advised though sometimes not an option), walk it off. Allow the sweat to evaporate more than a little. Your skin needs to be dry before you risk sitting (and thus cooling off very quickly). In more extreme cases, that can easily be fatal. Make sure someone knows where you are, and when you will be back, like all outdoor events. And think before you act. Building a snow man in the back forties might seem neat, but when one finds themself wet, without a change of clothes, and have a ten mile march in a cooling afternoon or much colder and cooling even faster evening, you might be in trouble.

Now, go out and freeze your butt off! Tell them I sent you.