Share a winter fieldwork tip
Ask a Biologist Monday 12/11/23
Answers from Biologists:
Carry extra batteries/battery packs for devices. They drain quickly in the cold.
Wear ice spikes on your boots for better traction while walking.
Better to cancel a day of fieldwork than damage the desert due to desert rains.
Warm soup in an insulated jar/travel mug is a mood booster during lunch.
Soup in a thermos. Simple but really helps on long cold days and is worth the extra weight.
Bring extra socks/sweats to change into for a warm and dry ride home.
Packs or electric handwarmers are amazing.
Hand warmers. They’re small and light. A 4hr field day can turn into 6-8 trekking in the snow.
Handwarmers. I’ve used them to thaw out locks.
Drain your hoses after using them so they don’t freeze.
Find a quality insulated thermos.
Keep extra warm socks in your pack.
Pocket hand warmers for gloves.
Invest in a good thermos.
Baseball cap under toque/beenie. It’s warm and keeps snow/rain off your face.
Wool is worth the extra expense.
Bama sockettes inside rubber boots. Extra insulation and absolute witchcraft levels of wicking.
Stick firm in your boundaries about road conditions and warming up. No work is worth your safety.
Learn how to put your snow chains on vehicles before the snow starts to fall.
Keep hand warmers in your coat pockets.
Sand/roof tiles in the back of your truck to weigh it down (stops sliding) and use to get vehicle unstuck.
Bring extra grips for your shoes.
Hothands are good for you or small animals you might be tracking.
Pocket hand warmers DO NOT heat when wet.
Layer clothes so you can take on and off easily.
Always carry a handkerchief. Good for runny noses or to flag down help if needed, or mark locations.
Hot water bottle if you job consists of long sits for observations or whatever.
Get rechargeable handwarmers.
Layers upon layers upon layers.
You can’t have too many extra pairs of socks with you.
Invest in a high-quality thermos and take warm tea/coffee.
Need to pee? Don’t hold it for too long. Your body heats up your bladder making less warmth flow to hands and feet.
Neoprene boots with felt insoles are great in cold temps.
Stand on a mat when doing observations so it gives more insulation from the ground.
Layers are better than one heavy jacket so you can shed them as you warm up. Sweating is dangerous.
Extra pair of pants and socks. Being wet and cold is not fun or healthy.
Pack in high calorie, sugar and protein foods to keep your body temp up.
Wear a waterproof outerlayer to help keep snow melt and wind out.
Petrol fired handwarmers are a game changer. They last forever, are really safe, and can save your life.
Gaiters to keep snow out of your boots and lower legs dry.
Heated socks. Worth every penny.
Always turn your truck around when you get to/park at your site.
In order to stay warm, you have to stay dry.
Wool baselayers! They wick moisture and stay very warm.
Snack on things during the day and keep snacks and water tucket in your jacket.
Fleece is warm even when wet, unlike many other fabrics including wool.
Bring a jet boil or camp stove and instant noodle soup to warm up.
Bama socks-I’ve never had a blister or trench foot.
