When I first started thinking about writing this blog I only had suggestions for how to stay warm in mind. Then I realized surviving a harsh winter in Minnesota was much, much more than that. There’s a huge psychological component to contend with. Weeks, and sometimes months, of subzero temperatures and gloominess can take its toll quickly and mercilessly. I'll get into the psychological aspects of surviving winter in another post. For now, it's all about the insulation.
Gear
I was born in central Ohio and lived my first twenty-five years there. In that part of the country the winters are short and mild enough that mother nature routinely cuts the ill prepared a little slack. This far north of the equator we aren’t so lucky. Winter in Minnesota can be unpredictable, brutal, and unforgiving.
"There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes." - Scandinavian Quote
There’s an old Scandinavian quote, "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes." It’s mostly true. In the upper Midwest you must use your wits to outsmart the elements. Without the advantage of being raised here, it took me a couple of years to learn how to properly dress for the cold.
After a few decades of living in the frozen tundra here’s my list of essentials:
Schott Navy Peacoat
I’m in my twelfth season of owning this coat and feels like an old friend. I can say this jacket is as versatile as it is bombproof.
It’s expensive, yes, but has been worth every single penny because it will last a lifetime with proper care. Think of it as an investment in your comfort. This peacoat is also a classic that can be worn with almost anything then handed down to the next generation. I have it dry cleaned every spring and have only had to have the exterior pockets replaced last year after more than a decade of wear.
Choppers.
No, I’m not talking about teeth here.
Choppers are mittens and they are essential for keeping your all important fingers from getting frostbitten. There are no gloves on Earth (that I’ve found anyway) that work when the temps plunge below -20 (F). It’s important to buy the mittens with removable rag wool liners so you can wash them and replace them when needed. I first bought mine in 1998 and am still wearing them and have replaced the liners three times.
If your feet are cold your entire body is. In inclement weather wool is your friend. Why? It keeps you incredibly warm, even when wet. These are the best socks I’ve ever worn. They’re true to their name and are very expensive but, just as with the Schott peacoat, think of it as an investment. Darn Tough socks come with a lifetime warranty. If they ever wear out the company will replace them, no questions asked.
This brand has been popular in Europe for years but just came to America last year. I've become a fan. I’m on my second season with these amazing boots and they’ve kept my feet warm down to -40 (F).
If you find yourself in a drafty place or need a little extra insulation under your coat you can find a good quality wool sweater here. I bought my cardigan years ago. Although I feel like I’m channeling Mr. Rogers when I wear it, my teeth are never chattering. Trust me, invest in one really good wool sweater and if you take care of it, it will take care of you. Be sure to only wash 100% wool in the gentle cycle with this amazing wool shampoo. It’ll keep your clothes looking new for years.
Hats
It’s imperative to cover your head as the temperature dips below 20 degrees but don’t waste your money on anything too expensive. Any old knit hat will do when it’s really cold or a wool flat cap will suffice if the cold is a little more tolerable.
Scarves
A scarf is like the Swiss Army knife of winter gear and there are lots of different ways to wear them. A proper scarf covers your neck but can also cover your entire face if you need it to. You need only one and it needn't be expensive as long as it’s thick and long enough to cover your all your bodily real estate. Life doesn’t stop because it’s cold. I’ve had to walk more than a few times in wind chills approaching -50 (F), just breathing air that cold can cause your nasal passages to freeze and tears to freeze in your eye ducts.
Here are some shots from around the neighborhood during last year’s snowpacalpyse.
I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas!
(Gifs sourced from Giphy.com)
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