I got a job!, I said that I was getting out of the industry but once again the call of the $ wins (I am such a whore!). Even better/worse I am going to the north slope of Alaska in February to work! and I have no cold weather experience (unless Tulsa counts, I used to go there for x-mas).
So I am looking for advice on living/working in a sub-zero enviroment, pass on your wisdom please!.
unclviny
Some of the following would be extreme for Chicago, Detroit, or Cleveland, but Point Barrow is not on the Great Lakes:
The usual “layers” comment probably still applies. You want some sweaters and sweatshirts that you can put on or remove easily as conditions change that will each serve to trap warm air near your body.
However, in extreme conditions, one of your worst enemies is actually sweat (which, if you get caught away from shelter can begin to freeze, exposing you to more rapid hypothermia). Therefore, look for some polypropylene socks and underwear. (It wicks moisture away from the skin without the itchyness of wool.)
Get a cap that pulls over the face to protect you from frostbite.
I don’t use one in Cleveland, but you’ll need a good parka and lined boots on the North Slope.
You don’t need to buy from these guys, but you ought to look over the selections at Alaska’s Army-Navy Outfitters for an idea of what to buy.
Actually, I would think that whoever you are working for would have information on what you need (given the number of Texans, Oklahomans, and Louisianans that proabably find themselves up there).
I almost took a job with these guys - Antarctic Support Associates. They may have some good info for you.
And as tomndebb said. Check with the company you are working for.
I live in the rockies and deal with cold a lot. In fact, the door on my car is frozen as I write. Frozen open, it won’t latch.
Some musts, in my mind.
Mittens, good two layer jobs. I like the outdoor reasearch products. Look for mittens with a lanyard that attaches to your wrist. Won’t loose them when you have to take them off to use your fingers on something.
Bunny boots are great. You inflate them with a layer of air between the outer layer and inner layer. Though I admit, I don’t where mine too much. I think they would be great for just standing around in the cold. Hard, if not impossible to drive a car with them on. http://www.armygear.net/ag/store/0134.html
-Neck gator. Basically a tube of fleace to act as a scarf. Much better than a scarf. Find them in ski stores.
-Goggles. Good ski googles also help keep you warm.
Re- the inflatable bunny boots.
If you ship them, or take them on a plane. Make sure you have the valve open so the bladers don’t burst.
I live in the Canadian praire. Until last year (I smartened up), I worked outside through all seasons. Winter’s not so bad if you dress for it and use common sense.
Layers of clothes is the way to go. Cotton as a base works well to wick sweat away. As your activity level increases, remove layers as neccesary.
Areas to concentrate on:
Hands - Mittens are the warmest. Gloves are more functional. Whichever you use, also use a thin pair of cotton gloves as the first layer on your hands.
Feet - Again, layer. A pair of cotton socks, then 1 or 2 pairs of heavy construction grade wool socks. Get the best boots you can afford. I prefer Sorrel brand. Winter boots are rated to specific temperatures. -20 degree boots will not cut it when the temperature is -40.
Head - The most important part to keep warm. 40% of your body’s heat loss is through an uncovered head. We call our headgear a toque. Wear either by itself or in combination with a full face covering mask.
Jacket and leg coverings. Any combination of clothing leading up to an outer shell that has wind proofing capabilities.
Your car is another potential victim of cold weather. Look at your owners manual and use the thinest grade oil that you can. When possible, park the grill facing away from the wind. You will want to invest in a block heater. You will plug in your car when parking overnight. This electrical element is in direct contact with the coolant. It will keep and the engine block and engine oil warm enough for the engine to start.
If you are to drive through a remote area, plan for your car to break down. A winter survival kit is imperative. Extra clothes, blankets, food, water and candles (for heat) to last for a few days.
If you find it harsh for the first few days, it will get easier as you acclimatize. People in winter climates pull together and watch out for each other. You’ll feel invigorated and full of accomplishment by the time spring arrives. Enjoy!
Canvas Shoes used to work in Alaska for the environmental department of one of the large oil firms, and I believe mentioned going to the North Slope in winter in one post. I strongly urge e-mailing her; she can provide you with personal-experience hints that probably nobody else here can.
Another prairie boy here, with a couple of additions to the good advice above.
Wind is a BIG problem! Out in the wind, you lose heat a lot faster than in shelter. Exposed skin can start to freeze in minutes. Look up ‘wind chill’ tables to get an idea.
Other gadgets you might want for your vehicle are an inside car warmer to reduce the frost you’ll have to scrape, and a remote starter.
Last but not least, if you’re going out there away from regular traffic, make sure somebody reliable knows where you are and when to expect you back.
As qwest says, cold climate gets easier as you get used to it, and people who live there are glad to help out. Have fun with it!