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gerbiju420 t1_j1zcexs wrote

For the purposes of dealing with the cold the number one piece of advice I can give is layers. You will be warmer with two sweaters and a thermal shirt than just a T-shirt and a winter coat. Wear a hat I suggest just a wool knit cap as I find large winter hats too warm. If you work or recreate outside I suggest some long John’s (thermal tights) or at least lined pants. Most importantly get a pair of good boots. Personally I’d stay away from “snow” boots or other traditional winter boots. Invest in a pair of “muck” style boots. Doesn’t have to be that brand, but something similar. Check out your local tractor supply and you should be able to get all the winter gear you need. As far as living and supporting your well being in the winter the first thing I can suggest is doing stuff outside. Personally my gf and I do a lot of snowshoeing and ice fishing and we both work outside all year. Learn to enjoy being out in the winter weather. If you dress right you won’t be cold. Plus if you’re active you’ll sweat through at T-shirt in 20 degree weather. The other thing I suggest is using the increased inside time to catch up on things you don’t have as much time for during the warmer months. Practice an instrument, take up embroidery, play board games with friends. Also this may not be applicable to all but depending on what you do for a living try maybe designing your work lifestyle to reflect the seasons. Because I work outside a lot and have some flexibility in my job I work more hours during the warmer months and less during the coldest four (dec-mar) I’ve found that having more time for me in the winter keeps me happier. I even sleep more in the winter than in the summer. It sounds corny but one of my favorite parts of living somewhere with a climate that ranges so greatly is that I allow my mind, body, and thus lifestyle to fluctuate with the seasons.

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lama_drama99 t1_j1zma6r wrote

I think the boot suggestion really depends on the person. I have traditional snow boots that are good quality that keep my feet warm and dry, muck style boots, and my feet would freeze to death because they don't have the same insulation. Muck boots to me are more for wet conditions. Maybe if you have to go shovel real quick but not for long-term outside activities. Again, it really depends on the person. I have a really hard time keeping my feet warm in the winter, so super insulated boots are all I can do.

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gerbiju420 t1_j1zul0c wrote

We own a farm up north and I wear much boots with good socks when it’s in the negatives. The winter ones are warm

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lama_drama99 t1_j1zvas4 wrote

That's why I said it really depends on the person. Multiple sicks, 1 sock, good socks, or not, my feet personally just can't stay warm in them. Mine barely stays warm in highly rated insulated winter boots. I just wanted it to be known that what works for one doesn't always work for everyone. It also depends on what you're doing in the shoes, when your up working and walking around your feet will stay warmer no matter what shoe vs. Just going grocery shopping for 20 minutes

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gerbiju420 t1_j1zw4kl wrote

Fair enough. I agree whatever works/ is in budget will do fine.

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eggplantsforall t1_j20h0ft wrote

I love my muck boots. But the one downside for me is that they aren't great for longer hikes / rougher terrain. If I'm gonna take my dog on a 5 mile hike, the mucks just don't have the support in the arches and ankles. Love em for just about everything else though.

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Chimpbot t1_j2528l6 wrote

Both Muck and Bog (the brand names) make insulated boots intended for winter weather. My Bogs are rated for something stupid like -50°. I bought some heavy socks to wear with them going into the first winter I had them, but only wore them once because the boots themselves were more than enough.

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