11 Tips for being out in extreme cold
Recently we had a major cold snap here in Lappland. For two days temperatures dropped to -35 Celsius (-31 Fahrenheit). I was out on a three day tour during that time, and when we made it to our riverside cabin, the thermometer read -42! My six guests were absolutely amazing, but it was tough. Because they communicated how they were feeling along the way I was able to help them stay warm and safe. So, whether you’re on a dog sled, snowmobile, or on foot, here are some tips on how to stay warm in super cold temperatures.
1. Take bathroom breaks!
On tour sometimes it's hard to convince people (particularly ladies) that they will feel warmer if they go pee, but it's true. When you’re in the cold, you may find that you need to go to the bathroom more often. This is because you body is working hard to minimize heat loss. This creates a rise in blood pressure causing the kidneys to take excess fluid away to reduce that blood pressure. It’s a lot of science stuff that I don’t completely understand, but I do know that when I’m out and I’m feeling extra chilly a bathroom break helps. Three minutes of an exposed butt is worth it for extra warmth. If you don't want to pull down your pants, try female urination devices such as SheWee or Pstyle.
2. Layer up.
This may seem obvious, but it is always worth mentioning. Base, mid, and outer layers are very important. In extreme conditions it is important to consider multiple insulated layers. It is also important to think about the activity that you are doing. If you are going to be very active, don’t over layer! If you start to sweat you will become very cold very fast!
3. Don't Shower.
It may sound gross, but being a bit smelly can help protect your skin. Your skin has natural fats that protect it from harsh temperatures, and showering strips your skin of those fats. If you need a shower take it the evening before so that your body has the time to reproduce that oil. Makeup is also a big 'no no'. Most makeup is water based, and water will freeze creating a very high risk for frostbite. So, take a break from moisturizers and makeup when you're out in the extreme cold.
4. Cover up that bare skin.
During extreme conditions frost nip and frostbite are high risk. When you cover exposed skin you reduce that risk. If you are on your journey and feel a cold spot, stop immediately to fix it! Trust me it’s worth it. Common cold spots are on the nose and cheeks. Other areas might not be a big risk for frostbite, but can get cold easily, a common area is on the chest behind a zipper. Making sure that all zippers are up all the way can help, or using a neck warmer with an extra long bib in the front is very useful.
5. Keep moving.
If you are moving your body is doing a much better job of pumping warm blood around than if you’re curled into a ball. When I’m on the dog sled, I will take breaks for myself to walk in the deep snow. The trail is hard and compact, therefore easy to walk on, but as soon as you step off into the deep snow it becomes much more difficult. In just a short amount of time you will start to warm up, it’s like a mini workout.
6. When you are cold, do something about it!
If you are feeling cold it is easy to become lethargic, but that is one of the first signs of hypothermia! It may be tough, but sometimes you have to force yourself to stop, and take a walk in the deep snow or take a hot drink, even if you’re just ten minutes away from your destination. On my most recent trip, I knew we were moments away from the cabin, but one of my guests was cramping up form the cold. We stopped, put our anchors in and walked together in the deep snow, that extra 3-4 minutes helped her make it to the cabin in one piece.
7. Eat and drink.
Fat! Eat a lot of fat! Fat is very dense in calories, and will be a great energy boost in cold temperatures. It’s not so nice eat a frozen block of cheese, but keeping it in your jacket will keep it at an edible temperature. Another high fat food that is tasty in the cold….cookie dough! All that butter sure is tasty! It is also important that you stay hydrated. It's harder to notice your thirst in the cold, so you may need to force yourself to drink. Bringing a thermos of hot juice is perfect, you get the hydration you need, and a little sugar boost.
8. Assess yourself regularly.
It is important to be able to read your body’s signals. Do some research on the human body in cold weather, and talk to friends who have experience going out in extreme conditions. Sometimes it is difficult to know what you need if you have never experienced something before. For example, when I’m out and my toes start to get cold, then they get really cold, and then they get so cold that they ache I know what I need to do. The pain is sometimes almost unbearable, but I know that it is my body rewarming my toes, so even though I want to scream from the pain, I know that the best thing to do is to try and walk around to keep them moving, and soon my toes are nice and toasty again.
9. Keep important electronics as close to your body as possible.
I’m sure you’ve experienced poor battery life in cold weather before, but when you’re in the wilderness your phone could save your life. I am lucky that I travel in areas where I have good reception, but it does mean that I rely on my phone. I need to have my hone readily accessible, so I made myself a small fleece pouch that hangs around my neck, and sits on top of my base layer. It works like a charm. The same goes for any electronic device maybe your GPS or emergency beacon. If your not so crafty, the pocket of your second layer is also a good spot. If your phone crashes in the cold after being at 80% for example don’t panic, you’re not screwed. Put your phone in your armpit (maybe on top of your base layer) and let it warm up. You’ll find that it will come back to life.
10. Use hand and foot warmers preemptively.
If you know it’s going to be a cold out, start the day with hand and foot warmers already in. Important tip! Air activated warmers, need warm oxygen to activate. If you want to start the day with them in open the package inside of a warm building for 15-20 minutes before shoving them into your boot or glove, otherwise they won’t ever really get warm. If you’re out on the trail and decide you need them open them and put them in your jacket close to your body for 15-20 minutes before putting them where they are needed.
11. Travel with a buddy.
If possible travel with a friend. You will be able to help each other in tough situations. Maybe you start to feel lethargic from the cold, and don’t want to do anything. If your friend is there they can give you a kick in the ass to get you moving around, or feed you some juice and cookie dough.
Stay Warm. Stay Safe. Have Fun!
