COLD climate clothing for Fairbanks in Dec.

[PandaBear]

I am looking at what to wear in Fairbanks in Dec if going dog sledding, and what I cannot buy for cheap I might rent instead. Basically what I understand so far is layering, and don't bunch up too tight.

https://blacksprucedogsledding.com/how-to-dress/cold-weather/

Pants: long johns / leggings, sweat pants, snow pants
Shirts: long sleeve underwear (tight), hooded non zipper sweatshirt, thick / puffy jacket with hood, wind breaking outer cover jacket with hood
Face: neck gator
hat: insulated beanie / hat
glove and mitten: good insulation ones
socks: long socks
boots: good quality boots that's not leather or rubber, something with fleece, may want to add boot covering over it.


I'm planning to get them picked up in Walmart when I landed. Any suggestion on what brand I should get and or avoid? How often do you change your long john (I assume you wear underwear inside), and do you wear tight instead of boxer inside long john?

 

[Quattro Pete]

Interested in this topic myself. We are going to be in northern Finland in December, near arctic circle. So far I bought heated socks and a heated vest.

 

[ripcord]

One important thing to know is "cotton kills," so avoid wearing anything with cotton in it as it has pretty much zero insulation value once it gets wet and will suck the heat out of you. Polyester, wool, synthetic fleece, etc are what you want.

I would suggest pack boots, heavy weight wool or polyester fleece long underwear, wool or polyester mid layer(s) and a heavy ski wear type outer layer. Renting arctic rated outer wear might be a good idea as the things people wear working outside during winter aren't the kind of thing you'll find at a Walmart.

Here's a shop in Fairbanks that rents outdoor gear including winter clothing
https://www.alaskaoutdoorgear.com/winter-clothing

 

[North to Alaska]

Wool socks in boots that have at least 1000 gram thinsulate (or equivalent)

Don’t go to walmart edit: (accept for the cheap long underwear, hats, turtleneck )
Stop at sportsman warehouse
If you get cheap, you’ll get cold.

I have found that the warmest piece of clothing to wear is insulated coveralls(and similarly snow suits). It’s encapsulates your body so heat can’t escape around your waste.

I double layer my hats with thinsulate hat and than a looser hat over it.

Turtle necks should not be underestimated.

Just my 2cents.

 

[wpod]

Go to Hawaii instead and thank me later.

 

[Pablo]

One important thing to know is "cotton kills," so avoid wearing anything with cotton

Exactly why I avoid cold. Polyester, wool, synthetic fleece, etc make me itch and scratch, and screw it. At best I can tolerate a cotton blend, but even then. And no it's not that cold here.

I have two kids living in AK. NtA knows the biz. I even do the two hats here cold mornings!

Is there a Big Rays near? Why yes in Fairbanks! https://www.bigrays.com/

 

[fsdork]

I'm sure there is better stuff for a much higher price (Arc'teryx, Patagonia, etc.), but for base layers I find Under Armour ColdGear works well. I also have a Helly Hansen long-sleeve base layer top that I find myself going to for just above/below freezing conditions.

Personally, I don't wear underwear under my base layer "long johns". I can only imagine how badly they'd bunch, plus my underwear generally aren't wicking/technical fabric, so I'd just be trapping moist, bunching underwear between the baselayer and my body. Sounds like a bad time.

 

[BISCUT]

I've only worn the Mountain Hardware suit and it was very comfortable. Might be too much for your needs but the mountaineering down is a great outer layer. They are breathable and have proprietary treatments to let moisture (sweat) out and keep rain (ice!!) out. I like Mountain Hardware and Marmot a lot.

Something to consider is the massive difference between clothing needs when exerting energy and when static. If you are not cold weather experienced; taking a winter hike in cold weather will help you learn your body's needs. Personally -5F I start off a hike with a poly underwear layer, a midweight moisture wicking polypro layer, shell jacket (pit zips zipped) and as I warm up unzip pits and eventually shell off and as long as I'm moving the midweight layer is a ok. Stop for longer than 30 seconds and it gets cold quick!

Managing moisture is key is the message. A balaclava is the est example. With the attire above, moving you are eerily comfortable in less but when you stop it's amazing how quick a balaclava absorbs moisture and freezes when your warm breath isn't pumping!

Enjoy and post pics for us!

 

[GON]

Lots of great posts.

My two cents- number one item is boots/ socks, followed by gloves-hands and then head. The rest doesn't matter nearly as much.

One of numerous ways to inspect a boot is the top of the inside toe area. If that area does not have full insulation- the boot is made for looks and not for harsh outdoor weather conditions. Reach your hand inside the boot and place your fingers in the top of the toe area. After doing this with a dozen or so boots, you will be fluent on whether a boot is made for eye appeal, or true harsh conditions.

For the hands, also spare no expense. I recommend both gloves and mittens. There will be times both will match your activities.

For the face/ head, layers work well.

Stay dry and then warm my friend. Staying dry includes not sweating, especially in the feet.

 

[Passport1]

Went to cold Wx training with the marines long time ago at Bridgeport, Ca. in January. They issued us Vapor Barrier Boots (Bunny Boots). Excellent thermal protection and completely water proof.

Like these;

 

[edyvw]

Don't forget most important rule: cold enters through feet, heat exits through head. So, socks and hat are two most important items, then gloves.
I have skied in temperatures as low as -42c, and I cannot emphasize enough the importance of socks, hats, and gloves. I ski with Hestra gloves, and they proved good. You also don't want to be tight. So, as @North to Alaska said, cheap will get you cold. If you want to spend money, spend on socks, gloves and hats.
The turtleneck is IMO an absolute must. I ski in a turtleneck wool sweater. Balaclava is IMO a must, and good googles.
As for pants and jacket, again, cheap will make you cold, and overthere, might get you in hospital.

 

[Pew]

Went to cold Wx training with the marines long time ago at Bridgeport, Ca. in January. They issued us Vapor Barrier Boots (Bunny Boots). Excellent thermal protection and completely water proof.

Like these;

View attachment 247469

I don't think they issue those boots out anymore lol but I really loved Bridgeport. I was the only one in my platoon that got a ride up there from Hawthorne in a Chinook with the STA team, everyone else had to do a 3-4 hour drive up there with the humvees.

 

[vavavroom]

The underlayer is very important because even if the outer layers keep you warm, a soggy underlayer will cause you to feel uncomfortable and cold very quickly. If I expect any physical activity that may cause me to sweat just a little I would wear nothing other than a mesh underlayer by either Svala or Brynje. I wore Svala mesh for weeks on Svalbard and I wear it when I go skiing. I tried Brynje but Svala fit me better and was more comfortable. Forget about the cheap knockoff products on Amazon, Ali, and Temu. They only sell mesh underwear for cheap strippers not for outdoor activities. I wear one or two insulating layers over the mesh and a shell over the insulating layer(s).

 

[andrew_j]

Go to an outdoor store find someone grungy who works there and ask for best inexpensive stuff they sell.

 

[vavavroom]

Go to an outdoor store find someone grungy who works there and ask for best inexpensive stuff they sell.

That's bizarre.

 

[spackard]

Barbour wax cotton jacket. <- click here
Not in the Walmart league, but keeps the rain out. Works in the British countryside. Get the optional snap-in hood.
You’ll own it for the rest of your life.

 

[ripcord]

Barbour wax cotton jacket. <- click here
Not in the Walmart league, but keeps the rain out. Works in the British countryside. Get the optional snap-in hood.
You’ll own it for the rest of your life.

The original Alaskan gold rush guys outfitted themselves with Seattle's Filson tin cloth coats.

https://www.filson.com/

 

[Sumboodie]

Baffins, 2 socks each side, long johns, pants, carhart bibs. 2 hoodies, coat if it's under around -20*. Trapper hat. Gloves.

Gets -50* here most winters. Plus the wind.

 

[JimPghPA]

Went to cold Wx training with the marines long time ago at Bridgeport, Ca. in January. They issued us Vapor Barrier Boots (Bunny Boots). Excellent thermal protection and completely water proof.

Like these;

View attachment 247469

Those are winter paratrooper boots. Army surplus stores use to carry them. I don't know if they stil do. There great in extreme cold, but they do trap all the moisture your skin puts off. Your thick winter socks will be soooo warm and full of moisture (almost wet) that when you take them off they will throw off soooo much moisture it looks like steam. There great boots, but you have to have several pair of socks to let the recently used socks dry. You have to change socks to avoid trench- foot. That much moisture will accumulate. You need to air out the boots when you can. Preferably every night. You can walk through a stream higher than those boots and even filled with water they still keep you warm in pretty cold temperatures, though the maximum cold they protect you from is not as much when wet inside.

There amazing boots.

We called them Mickey Mouse Boots.

 

[Sumboodie]

Those are winter paratrooper boots. Army surplus stores use to carry them. I don't know if they stil do. There great in extreme cold, but they do trap all the moisture your skin puts off. Your thick winter socks will be soooo warm and full of moisture (almost wet) that when you take them off they will throw off soooo much moisture it looks like steam. There great boots, but you have to have several pair of socks to let the recently used socks dry. You have to change socks to avoid trench- foot. That much moisture will accumulate. You need to air out the boots when you can. Preferably every night. You can walk through a stream higher than those boots and even filled with water they still keep you warm in pretty cold temperatures, though the maximum cold they protect you from is not as much when wet inside.

There amazing boots.

We called them Mickey Mouse Boots.

Far better and lighter boots now. Bunny boots are 60+ year old tech.