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KYazut t1_iy1vj6c wrote

  1. Don’t wear cotton. You’ll freeze (potentially to death and I mean that literally) when you sweat.

  2. Layer. You’ll be in wildly different temps as the day progreses, and depending on where you’ll be going, sometimes with no access to additional heating sources . You can always take clothes off if you need to.

Baselayer: Wool, silk or wicking synthetic blend fit snug to skin. Again, no cotton.

From here on out, if I say “Wool”, assume any synthetic fabric designed for cold weather can be substituted (if you’re allergic to wool, for example). Just make sure it’s a wicking fabric with good insulation properties.

Midlayer: Down-based jacket. Ridiculous how much more cold down protects you from.

Outerlayer: Waterproof exterior shell or shell+more insulation, depending on activity level. You don’t want to get wet.

  1. Good gloves. You like having fingers. Keep an eye on what temp the gloves are rated to and use accordingly. Don’t wear gloves rated for 15 degrees in zero degree weather. You might want a cold set and a DEAR GOD THIS CAN’T BE A REAL TEMPERATURE set.

  2. Good wool socks. You like having toes.

  3. Thickly knit wool hat (or a thinsulate-esque hate), preferably one that can cover your ears in a pinch.

  4. Good Boots for normal walking around (preferable waterproof) days and then frozen wasteland boots (insulated down to at least -15, waterproof, and at least calf length). If you’re going to be working outside or playing outside for long periods, get boots rated to lower degrees. When you see the price tag for these remember, you really like having toes.

  5. Balaclava/ski mask for if you have to go out in weather (usually windy and/or sub zero weather) where the windchill can give you frost bite. Your heat loses heat SUPER fast, and ears and face can go frostbite fast.

  6. Do not rely on “heat tech”. You want it for a cozification boost, fine. But if it comes down to needing a battery to survive, that battery will fail you at the most inopportune time, guaranteed. Better to learn to survive without it, imho.

All of the above said, it’s really not been that bad the last couple years. I’m from the south and mostly the above advice has gotten me through.

Remember, no cotton.

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