Cold Weather Gear, Here and in Alaska

At minus fifteen this morning and chatting with all going to Iditarod about warm gear, it's timely to review our favorite winter gear items. I will be wearing this hat as I go out to feed dogs this cold a.m. In 2000 I took a dog sled class/ camping trip with Aliy and Kaz Zirkle out of Two Rivers, AK. Temps reached minus thirty out there, but Aliy/Kaz had provided a great gear list for us and we were well dressed for our adventure. I am repeating some of this here, with credits to Aliy/Kaz, !

Natural Extremes. Take a trip with them! www.aliyzirkle.com, www.spkenneldoglog.blogspot.com

In the photo are three items I take to winter Alaska each time I go. The beaver hat has ear flaps that fold down and keep your cheeks warmer in bitter cold. This one I bought at the craft fair in Nome at Iditarod 03... that is a not to miss event, reasonable prices. Layer under it with a balaclava AND a neck gaiter (which you can turn as it frosts up).

The Outdoor Research overboots have a warm foam foot base and are surpisingly stable for walking. I wore them all day at the Finger Lake checkpoint and was very glad to have them. I purchased these on sale in a small gear store off Spenard Ave in Anchorage. Mushers sometimes carry these in their sleds, they are lightweight. Mine are size Large to fit over my mukluks or Sorels. (I wear a size 7.5 in boots).

The large mitts are useful for many outdoor outings. I have them strung together with leather shoestrings and put them through the sleeves of any jacket I'm wearing. They are large enough to not have to fumble when your fingers need a QUICK warmup. I put handwarmers in the thumb and hand parts. I also use them on the dog sled or on the snowmachine when going for long runs with the dogs. I will also be wearing this a.m., as a base layer, my expedition weight poly t-neck underwear tops and bottoms. My favorite outer pants are detachable bibs from Cabela's. They are out of them now or I would have a second pair. (I threw away the bib straps as I find bib straps a nuisance).

Hands: Gordini lava wool gloves with windproofing and leather/vinyl palms, REAL Ragg wool gloves or mittens (some Ragg mittens have leather palms), REI windproof fleece tightfitting gloves. I find I need all of the above for warmth, photo shooting, standing around AND the big mitts in the photo. You can layer the Ragg gloves with small tight fleece ones underneath as wool is not windproof. Nothing is perfect for hands but these are my favorites. Fingertips do still get cold in Gordini's but I put ToastiToes in the palms. (And I have tried expensive and inexpensive multiple types of mittens/gloves... lots of $$ in experimenting, these are my best, but not perfect, for hands.

Avoid COTTON in anything (sweatshirts, tee shirts, socks, etc.)

Socks: My new favorites (and I'm out every day in all weather, no matter what), are LLBean men's boot socks. I buy a Medium, wash and dry them and they shrink to a nice warm cushioned fit. (don't go by this suggestion, shrinking just works for me). I hardly, if ever, wear two pairs of socks (too tight, feet cold). I never wear sock liners and I never wear fleece socks or silk. But , we're all different so whatever works, it takes experimenting.

Not to be forgotten are the ThermaCare warmers sold in WalMart, etc. They are stick ons for neck, back, knees , wrist, etc. I carry a couple of them for checkpoints to add extra warmth , if needed (or if you have to sleep on a floor somewhere out there). Also , of course, handwarmers and ToastiToes for gloves, mittens and feet. They cool off quickly in below zero temps so a good supply is essential.

Another favorite item is the survival sheet that you can buy in camping sections. They are pocket sized folded up reflector sheets that give immediate protection from the wind. We have used them wrapped around us waiting for a plane on bitter cold lakes or airstrips. Also nice to have, easy to carry in an emergency ( or to sleep on a floor if stranded at a checkpoint).