Any recommendations on cold weather gear for surveying work in the winter? I would guess temps normally from around 10 - 30 degrees and being outside all day in it. The older I get the less it seems I am able to tolerate the cold.
A good base layer makes all the difference to me. I use coldpruf http://www.coldpruf.com/products for work and hunting. They are reasonably priced on amazon.
I have a pair of their bibs that are 25 years old. Worn for work and for sitting on a bucket on a frozen lake all day. They're the best
Don't wear anything cotton. Polypro base layer, merino wool mid layer, waterproof outerwear, merino wool socks, insulated waterproof boots, insulated waterproof gloves. Cotton soaks up moisture and keeps you cold longer. The polypro and merino wool wick moisture away from your skin, allowing you to stay dry and warm.
Recent thread on the subject. Lot of good info.
[msg=282952]Cold weather gear[/msg]
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
One point I'd like to make is this a survival situation? In the previous thread there were a lot of good recommendations but if you can go get in the truck to warm up its a lot less important to spend big money on cold weather gear.
For me its only a problem staying warm if I'm not moving, then its usually my fingers since I'm probably running the gun.
> One point I'd like to make is this a survival situation? In the previous thread there were a lot of good recommendations but if you can go get in the truck to warm up its a lot less important to spend big money on cold weather gear.
>
> For me its only a problem staying warm if I'm not moving, then its usually my fingers since I'm probably running the gun.
I get so cold it feels like a survival situation but I guess if it got that bad I could go back to the truck.
The type of surveying I do is different than most. I am usually on an ATV and only see the pickup three times a day. In the morning when I leave it, maybe for lunch, and at the end of the day. I want something that will keep me warm being outside all day.
I'm just like you. Being of a small stature I get cold easy. Wet and cold is downright brutal for me. I was always running the gun so I did more standing around than everyone else.
I had Carhartt coveralls with a hood. My boots were LL Bean's waterproof gortex lined. Always kept me warm even to go to sleep in a mild snow storm while baby-sitting static GPS unit up on high mountain ridge.
My only problem was if I was hiking all the "stuff" around for long up a mountain, I would sweat really bad. Then after some standing around after getting all sweaty that just made it worse. Probably because I also wore long-johns. My last boss had some sort of linen, maybe silk, long johns and he swore by them.
Some of the winter work I do involves snowmachining in miles from the truck. Always take two machines. There is always the possibility of having to spend the night in subzero temperatures with no shelter so a guy had better be prepared. Properly rated down sleeping bag, axe, snowshoes, snow shovel. Once we start working we don't stop moving. The most critical thing in my opinion is just staying dry, not working up a sweat and getting damp. The rest is just a romp in the park. 🙂
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
I bought a new balaclava last night. When it's cold and blowing, that's one of my favorite articles outside of a good coat and a pair of gloves.
I have Milwaukee (as in Milwaukee tools) M12 heated jacket which I have been very impressed with. Its the glo-yellow one with all the reflectve stuff on it. Its pretty much just a windproof, fleece lined shell. All winter I only wear a short sleeve T-shirt under it and don't really need the heater. The heater has a couple settings and if I do need that, low is plenty. I see the new ones have a USB port for charging things like your phone!! I highly recommend it!
I picked up a pair of heated insoles last winter... Must have especially if you running the inst. in the cold. My set has a wireless remote with off, and 2 levels of heat. As soon as your feet started to get that really bad chill I'd just kick them on high for a few and try not to forget to shut them off, but it you do it wont take long to notice. These babies get hot.
http://www.labonville.com/Labonville-Heavy-Duty-Nylon-Insulated-Jacket--NJ625_p_215.html
http://www.labonville.com/Insulated-Black-Nylon-Pants-W-Snaps-WN600P_p_73.html
Best winter gear I have ever owned. Light weight and very durable.