Bitter cold means dressing properly for outdoors ventures
With the bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills expected to last several more days, experts are warning local residents to take precautions when venturing outdoors.
Wearing the wrong kind of clothing in this kind of weather can have serious consequences. A little planning can make all the difference.
The popular online site outdoors.com provides this list of suggested clothing options. We recommend readers consider them:
Down jacket or parka: Jackets with deep pockets are nice; you’ll want to be able to easily slide your hands in and out for warmth, even when you’re wearing gloves (fleece-lined pockets are even nicer). Lastly, consider getting a down jacket that is large enough to easily fit over multiple layers, a nice feature when you’re fully bundled up.
Neck gaiter: Few things add as much warmth as a simple tube of soft, fleecy fabric around your neck. It prevents warm air inside layers from escaping around the neck, insulates the heat-pulsing jugular veins and carotid arteries and can easily be pulled up over the face to protect it from the chill.
Long underwear: Flannel-lined underwear can provide much warmth.
Face mask: Try a neoprene face mask to protect yourself from the biting winds you generate by moving.
Winter boots and socks: You will definitely need some insulated footwear and extra-warm socks.
Mittens, not gloves: For extended play or work in the deep freeze, mittens provide significantly more warmth than gloves.
Brain toaster: An extra-thick hat is a must for deep cold. A windproof version is nice. Fleece-lined wool hats are exceptionally warm or you could even consider a two-hat layering system.
— The Mining Journal, Marquette