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Vacationing in a super cold climate



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amother
OP


 

Post Wed, Nov 13 2019, 4:35 pm
What do people do? Me and DH want to go to someplace really cold this winter. Our dream is to see the northern lights. We definitely don't have clothes for that weather. Do people buy insanely expensive and wintery clothing for vacations? Is there a place you can rent good quality warm coats and stuff?
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yiddishmom




 
 
    
 

Post Wed, Nov 13 2019, 4:45 pm
I went to Alaska 2 years ago in December. The weather isn't THAT cold as we think it is. The digits may be low, but the air is dry. No humidity. You don't get frost bitten.

I walked around in a thick sweater and my regular coat. Fuzzy socks and boots. Thermal pants. Didn't wear my gloves most of the time.

Layering is key.

I bought warmers for my toes and fingers, didn't use them.
But here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000.....JHWQC

If you go dog sledding or anything like that, they usually provide u with the super thick snowsuit and boots.

Enjoy!!! It's truly beautiful in the white wonderland! And I hope you get to see the Northern Lights. When I was there it ended up being cloudy and I didn't get to see anything.
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doctorima




 
 
    
 

Post Wed, Nov 13 2019, 4:50 pm
The first step is to figure out where you want to go. If you choose a place like Fairbanks, Alaska or Iceland, yes it will be absolutely frigid, and you need proper gear not only to enjoy the experience, but to live to tell about it.

Yes, there are really expensive Canada Goose coats people who live there may wear to survive, but if you're just going for a short visit and don't normally live in such a climate, you can get warm enough gear without breaking the bank. Look at base layers from brands like Coldpruf and 32 Below, and add on some mid layers (no cotton!), and a warm winter coat/parka, topped off by hand and toe warmers (which are cheap), and you should be okay.

There are also hotels in these places that offer indoor viewing rooms set up with floor to ceiling windows, glass ceilings, and fireplaces, but they are likely all booked for the season, and are really expensive (probably more than the fancy gear would cost you).
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West End Tova




 
 
    
 

Post Wed, Nov 13 2019, 5:49 pm
doctorima wrote:
(no cotton!)


Hello doctorima - wondering why no cotton? TIA.
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zaq




 
 
    
 

Post Wed, Nov 13 2019, 6:05 pm
Because when cotton gets wet it just sits there, stays wet and leaches heat from your body. Fabrics like wool stay warm even when wet. Supposedly.
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West End Tova




 
 
    
 

Post Wed, Nov 13 2019, 6:07 pm
zaq wrote:
Fabrics like wool stay warm even when wet.


I love wool - I'm sure it stays warm when wet - look at sheep in a field! Very Happy
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doctorima




 
 
    
 

Post Wed, Nov 13 2019, 6:28 pm
West End Tova wrote:
Hello doctorima - wondering why no cotton? TIA.


It's not my rule, it's rule #1 when you look at clothing tips for any cold climate in the winter. Just for example, see here (which also has a lot of great advice in general for OP, but see rule #1 - Absolute no cotton!):

https://www.alaska.org/advice/.....inter
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63




 
 
    
 

Post Wed, Nov 13 2019, 6:45 pm
I spent most of my life in an insanely cold climate. I wore thermal cotton under my clothes all the time. It never got wet because it was never warm enough for me to sweat even when running...

Wear mittens instead of gloves. Much warmer. I used to wear 2 pairs at a time and sometimes plastic bags inside the inner pair to trap warmth on extra extra cold days.

Get a really warm toque (winter hat) with ear flaps and wear a scarf or neck warmer.

The northern lights are truly gorgeous. Enjoy!
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