What piece of winter field gear do you recommend?
Ask a Biologist Monday 11/22/21
I really love a good vest for the winter. It keeps your core warm and overall makes such a difference.
Answers from Biologists:
Heat packs for inside gloves and socks. I can’t be outside in the field without them.
A versatile neck covering to keep the wind off. Something thin-ish that traps heat and has good coverage.
Good, warm boots.
Gaiters
Warm socks. Bonus if they keep moisture off your feet. Cold feet can totally ruin a day.
Balaclavas. Northern Alberta gets to be -45C and the wind stings your face.
Good boots.
A beanie.
Merino wool socks. A good pair of socks can save the day.
Artix snow pant. Lightweight and well insulated. A must have if you dislike cold.
In MN, I lived in my Carhartt insulated coveralls with sleeves.
Wind River thermal leggings.
Tall waterproof boots and a long coat.
Snowsuits make me hate winter less and get outdoors more. Even in -50C it’s okay for a bit.
Base layers. I prefer wool and it really makes a difference.
Wool socks and wool base layers. Merino wool is my favorite.
I live in base layers and wool socks from November to March.
A merino wool headband. I pair it with a hat to warm up or cool down as needed.
A gator. It keeps my face and neck warm.
Mittens. Having my fingers all in the same compartment keeps them warmer than gloves.
Toque (beanie) over a wool/fleece baseball hat.
Long johns and thick socks.
Bib overalls with lots of pockets. I like insulated duck canvas. Durable and water repellent.
A beanie with a brim. Sun protection and warm ears in one.
Mittens. Life changing if your hands get cold easily.
Merino wool long sleeves and hand warmers.
I never leave for the field in cold weather without my wool base layer under field pant.
A beanie with a brim. Sun protection and keeps your ears warm.
A merino wool headband. I pair it with a hat to warm up or cool down as needed.
Insulated bibs.
Wool gloves that pop over to mittens. Best way to keep your hands warm when it’s damp.
Heated socks, used sparingly, can be a game changer.
A buff/neck tube. When I am in Alaska it’s super windy so it can hurt to breathe without one.
Layers, layers, layers. But also a nice warm vest for your core.
Rain pants are a must for rainy winters. Anything to keep socks dry.
Merino wool long sleeves and hand warmers.
Extra socks and gloves.
A moisture wicking base layer like underarmor.
Quilted Carhartt bibs for hours in one place.
As a broke grad student I invested in Underarmor gear and I’m still wearing it 10 years later.
A buff to cover your nose and mouth.
