I live in Montana but am not native to the northwest, from the south originally. I don’t own a car (walkable cities ftw) so I’m exposed to the elements almost daily. I’ve been making it work in the winters with layering and clutch thrift store finds but I still don’t fundamentally understand what determines good vs bad fabrics/coats/socks for this climate. Please help!
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Layers are essential. A water repellent outer layer is typically recommended, ideally with a breathable fabric which allows the moisture of perspiration to escape. Such a layer should also help repel the wind. In conditions that don’t require full arctic kit, but are still well below freezing, I typically go with silk or nylon/polyester or polycotton blend underlayer, to include sock liners. I will then follow with a fuzzy fleece out layer and thick wool socks. Atop all of this I will have a water/weather proof outer layer. I make every effort to focus on areas where heat loss is most rapid, such as my head, eyes, mouth and areas where the blood runs close to the body, such as wrists and digits. If possible, layers and pit zips help me regulate perspiration and overheating risks during periods of activity.
Echoing what others have already said, it’s the tiny pockets of air in sherpa and fleece lined things that keep you warm. Some synthetics and wool do a better job of retaining heat when wet. When cotton or denim get wet, they do a terrible job of retaining warmth. Stopping wind and water are important to retaining heat. I’ve slept in arctic conditions without tents with the right gear. Regardless of the circumstances staying warm in sub freezing temps has a diminishing return on your caloric energy investment, regardless of the efficiency of your gear. Gear to limit heat loss for hours is plentiful. Keeping your water, ammo, food, and other essential goods from freezing is another matter entirely. Most batteries will lose their efficiency as well. Moving from extreme cold to warm temps, or vice versa, rapidly can cause skin problems and damage to certain materials and electronics. When in extreme cold, I keep my water close to my body so it doesn’t freeze and anything with a screen that condensation could develop in as well.
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