# Polar vortex sufferers, what's your extreme cold weather garb? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 31, 2019, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701 "2019-01-31T00:47:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2019, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/1 "2019-01-31T00:47:13Z")
I work in a heated warehouse so I need to be comfortable indoors with a quick gear up for extreme cold outdoor weather. Today, -15F when I left for work, this was my setup. Normal underwear and socks. Jeans, long sleeve cotton tee shirt. Over the tee shirt, a thin vest that is nylon on the outside and fleece on the inside. Over the vest a heavy cotton “shirt-jac”. Over all that, insulated bibs, nylon on the outside and fleece on the inside. Insulated boots (L.L. Bean Maine hunting shoes). I keep a pair of shoes at work to wear once I’m in where it’s warm. Then a Carhartt “arctic level” hooded jacket. I’m not a big guy but my Carhartt jacket is XL big-tall so it hangs low on my back and has plenty of room for layering underneath. Final touches are a pair of leather work gloves that are insulated with “Thinsulate”, and a knit hat that covers my ears. If I’m not driving I put the hood up over the hat. I have a double layer ski mask type head covering but it is so warm it’s used only when I’m outside in extreme weather. I was comfortable pumping gas on the way home tonight at about -12. ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2019, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/2 "2019-01-31T16:53:36Z")
When walking the dogs in cold weather I wear: Regular underwear Fleece long underwear pants and shirt Heavy duty socks (Spyder or wool) Insulted snow pants Heavy insulted jacket with an extra zip-in liner LL Bean insulated boots Chopper mittens If it’s “regular” cold temps: Winter headband under the jacket hood Fleece gaiter around my neck on the outside of my hood If it’s REALLY cold: Instead of headband I wear a balaclava under my hood I’ve rarely felt cold when dressed like this. I usually start overheating! Anything colder than -10, I don’t take the dogs out. Their paws can’t handle it. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2019, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/3 "2019-01-31T17:20:14Z")
If I’m outside all day like Tues, it consists of (inside to outerwear): Heavy poly pro top and bottom (usually Helly Hanson), heavy wool socks, Helly Hanson Polypro zip up top, Poly pro balaclava/neck gaiter, Sorel composite toe mukluks (rated to -100C), Carhartt cold weather bibs and jacket, wool toque, lined work gloves and Ski-Doo mitts, and Uvex tinted safety glasses. The mitts will normally have [Little Hotties](https://www.littlehottieswarmers.com/) in them and if I have a lighter boot on for mobility then they will, too. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2019, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/4 "2019-01-31T18:27:55Z")
I’m not in the worst part of the vortex, it got down to 7 last night and up to 24 today. But my normal winter wear is a leather bomber jacket with my hands in the pockets if I’m outside long. Yesterday I added a stocking cap that covers my ears. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2019, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/5 "2019-01-31T19:48:02Z")
Two sets of long underwear, pants and tops. Three pairs of socks. My heavy walking boots. T-shirt. An insulated shirt my dad gave me. Stocking cap. Hooded parka. Insulated gloves. Currently -10. By Sunday, it is supposed to get to 40 degrees F. Time to head to the beach! Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Wesley\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wesley_clark/32/20581_2.png) [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2019, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/6 "2019-01-31T20:07:24Z")
That’s a good question. My problem is that Temps only get so low that anything beyond a winter jacket is necessary only happens for a few days once every few years. Because of that I have a ghetto setup. Normally in cold weather I wear jeans, a t shirt and a winter jacket. That’s about it, maybe gloves. In polar vortex weather I wear moisture wicking gym pants under my jeans (I need to buy some long John’s). I also wear a sweatshirt over my t-shirt and under my winter coat. I wear a fur hat or knit hat under my coat hood. I wear winter gloves. I wrap my feet in plastic grocery bags. Over the socks, inside the shoes. I don’t like boots even though I own a pair. I ordered a ski mask online after this last vortex weather. I wish I had some item I could use other than grocery bags for my feet though. ---
**Author:** ![elbows](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b3f665/32.png) [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2019, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/7 "2019-01-31T20:23:53Z")
I weigh a little over 100 lbs, staying warm is serious business to me! Singlet Turtleneck Wool sweater Yoga pants Insulated (lined) pants Heavy socks Down (med weight) short jacket Knee length down coat with hood Fake fur hat, to hold my hair! Wool scarf wrapped around my face and throat Heavy lined leather gloves Sorrel ankle high boots. (It’s so cold I STILL have to put my gloved hands in my pockets! But mitts are unworkable when walking my dog!) Every step of our 40 min walk was CRUNCH, CRUNCH, CRUNCH! ---
**Author:** ![MoonMoon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moonmoon/32/2959_2.png) [@MoonMoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MoonMoon)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2019, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/8 "2019-01-31T21:14:16Z")
I’ve been inside all week, only opening the door to let the dog out (in his boots) to do his business. Thank goodness I can work from home and thank goodness this #%&\*@ vortex is moving on today. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2019, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/9 "2019-02-01T05:29:54Z")
My preferred cold-weather gear is a heated building or vehicle. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Lamoral](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lamoral/32/16078_2.png) [@Lamoral](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamoral)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2019, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/10 "2019-02-01T07:16:57Z")
Wigwam wool socks, Rocky 800g insulated hunting boots [(these)](https://www.rockyboots.com/sale/rocky-retraction-waterproof-800g-insulated-outdoor-boot/RKS0203.html), white waffle weave long johns, a standard pair of Levi’s jeans, a cotton T-shirt and one of numerous wool sweaters or a Woolrich woolen shirt ([this](https://www.woolrich.com/mens-made-in-usa-buffalo-wool-shirt-6446/) is the one I’m wearing right now - the black and white checked pattern) and either an L.L. Bean or Patagonia lightweight insulated jacket. If I’m going to be outside for a while, I may wear a simple hunting cap like [this.](https://fishingandhuntingheaven.com/hunting/products/blaze-orange-apparel/touques/backwoods-reversible-touque) This outfit is suitable for the vast majority of winter weather, and in fact, even in the single digit degrees, chances are the jacket will come off if I’m doing anything physical outside for a prolonged period of time. The boots, socks, and long underwear are more important than the “top” clothes, as long as I have those, I’m OK. If I need to just run out briefly and run back in, I have insulated hunting overalls and parka which are very quick to put on and take off. I don’t typically wear gloves. If it’s really cold I will wear fingerless gloves which have a mitten portion that can fold over the fingers. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2019, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/11 "2019-02-01T12:15:47Z")
You gotta get proper arctic-weather-rated boots, guys. Then you won’t need three pairs of socks. In my winter boots, I could wear thin business socks if I wanted. The toes would remain toasty. Boots are where it’s at. A removable lining made of felt or some similar material is ideal. My time in the Canadian army made me a convert; prior to being issued those boots I didn’t know it was possible for footwear to be that warm and cozy. I got my own pair after I got out, and I have never regretted it. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2019, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/12 "2019-02-01T12:22:06Z")
In addition the the heavy, warm sweatshirt I wear most of the time, I’ve been wearing a hat as well. That’s pretty much all I’ve changed. I haven’t worn a jacket in years, but a hat and gloves when it’s this cold. All I really do is go from my house to my car (parked in my attached garage) and then from my car to the back door at work, about 30 feet from wear I park. I’m rarely outdoors for more than 30 seconds at a time. ---
**Author:** ![Annie-Xmas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ecc23a/32.png) [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2019, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/13 "2019-02-01T14:28:34Z")
Inside gear: Regular bra and panties Long sleeve fleece shirt and fleece leggings. Heavy sweater and sweatpants. Thermal socks Outside gear: Fleece hoodie Long sleeve knee-length sweater Heavy winter coat with hood Thermal hat, scarf and mittens Shoes ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2019, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/14 "2019-02-01T14:35:34Z")
My gf gets upset with me about this. I wear a hoodie and footwear that keeps my feet dry. I then try to limit my time outdoors. My car is in the garage, and once I’m at work the walk to the door is ten steps. At the grocery store I run from my car to the building and back. Under my hoodie I wear a t shirt and jeans like I do throughout the year. ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2019, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/15 "2019-02-01T14:57:58Z")
I am very good at cold temps and not so much at hot ones. I think I would be able to adjust to such cold temps. This morning I had to walk 2.5 miles, at -4F at had my gloves off for about half of that. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2019, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/16 "2019-02-01T15:19:44Z")
My regular clothes A sweater L.L. Bean parka Wool [mitten-gloves](https://www.refrigiwear.com/product/convertible-mitt-0304rbrnlar?color=BRN&size=LAR&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-c_iBRChARIsAGCOpB3ZsGgU9pcJ3dMYo4tUZTG73-yN_QLjS_rwD4fjGXLcuCNObxORPmcaAtB9EALw_wcB). Hat (various) Boots. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2019, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/17 "2019-02-01T15:42:25Z")
> [@kanicbird](#): > > I am very good at cold temps and not so much at hot ones. I think I would be able to adjust to such cold temps. This morning I had to walk 2.5 miles, at -4F at had my gloves off for about half of that. I can do cold, I can do hot, but it’s the 30-40° temp swings during the _day_ in Spring/Fall that I @#$%& hate! How the 'ell are you supposed to dress for that??? Not the Midwest cold here; but high was only in 10-15° range yesterday; which was much warmer than Wed due to lack of wind. Didn’t run as that’s below my range (it’s too cold to breathe that much air into your lungs) but I did walk about 5 miles yesterday. [ul] [li][Oboz](https://obozfootwear.com/products/mens-bridger-10-insulated-waterproof) boots & wool socks.[/li][li]Fleece lined pants[/li][li]s/s tech (wicking) shirt[/li][li]l/s mock turtleneck tech shirt[/li][li]Jacket[/li][li]mittens & hat[/li][/ul] I had a balaclava & ski goggles but they were in my pocket. I also have: [ul] [li]cotton long johns[/li][li]Helly-Hansen Polypropylene long johns[/li][li]Carhartt insulated bibs[/li][li]Ski-bibs[/li][li]chemical warmers[/li][li]more tops[/li][/ul] some of which I’ll be taking with me as I’ll be _standing_ in about 10° degrees for a couple of hours in the morning. ---
**Author:** ![Slash1972](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slash1972/32/6461_2.png) [@Slash1972](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slash1972)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2019, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/18 "2019-02-01T15:55:46Z")
I wear the same thing I wear during regular winter temps, except I am wearing a stocking cap instead of ear muffs. I don’t need a lot of layers to go from my house to my car, and my car to the Metro, and the Metro to my work. ---
**Author:** ![Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malleus_incus_stapes/32/3293_2.png) [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2019, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/polar-vortex-sufferers-whats-your-extreme-cold-weather-garb/828701/19 "2019-02-01T17:29:32Z")
Last year my mother gave me an old coat she wasn’t using anymore. It’s big and bulky and goes down to my ankles. I love it.