13 replies to this topic

[manders]

I know we have a few canadians on here and some other people may have experience.  Looks like i might be going to Alaska for a few days, currently its -35C or thereabouts, I have no idea what to expect and will be driving around alone (although only 20 km or so) so im just wondering what I should in terms of clothing, the company is being awkward about paying for anything, I don't have any clothing suitable for anything colder than a cold winter UK day and thats pushing it, is it really neccessary to get proper gear at up to several hundred pounds or will normal UK winter clothes be ok.  (i dont intend hanging around outside much).  Any advice appreciated.

[31drew31]

Ive only been to Alaska in the summer, so can't comment on Alaska, but, I have been to Nunavut in April, when the temperature's were -30C plus a windchill. All I can say is I brought my warmest clothing and winter boots and it was not nearly enough, luckily my dad had and extra parka and boots that are made for those temperatures. I was wearing 7 layers on top, and 5 layers on my legs and was just warm enough. If standing around I was cold, but when walking I was fine. Here is a photo of my Dad and I showing how we were dressed. After about 30 minutes riding being the sled we had to get out and walk around to warm up our feet and hands. A couple layers of long johns, thick socks and thick sweaters beneath your thickest parka is definitely needed.

Taken in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut near the end of April.

Edited by 31drew31, 01 February 2012 - 21:16 PM.

[manders]

Thanks Drew, the company has now offered 300$ which by my reckoning is enough to protect my left arm.  Any idea roughly how much it would cost to be reasonably comfortable (and safe), (I will be inside/in the car most of the time).  I think min temps in winter are -50C but more usualy -30C.

[31drew31]

Hard to say what $300 will get you, since I dont know your prices there, or the prices in AK. Riding in a car is great, unless it brakes down and you have no heat, either way you will want to be prepared. Not trying to be pessimistic just realistic haha.

I would definitely get some good warm winter boots. Many have what they're rated for somewhere on the tags. It might be hard to find a proper parka in your area, so that may have to be purchased in AK, or a specialty store where you are (very pricey for a good proper one). Also maybe a good parka can be borrowed from someone in AK if your going for company meeting or something. They may also have places where you can rent proper gear, maybe contact a tourism office where your going to. Again, I brought my warm ski jacket, which Ive used in -20C while skiing, and I was freezing cold with it the first day I tried it and I think the temperatures that day were -32C or so.

Bring lots of long johns, thick socks, thick sweaters and layer yourself. Much easier to take layers off when your too warm, than to try and add layers when your cold.

Alaska is a great place to visit though, so either way I am sure you will have fun. If you can visit Kodiak Island (not sure about winter) you should, its well worth the money.

[manders]

Thanks Drew, the bit about cars not working and no heat was on my mind also.  I wont be doing much sightseeing, just flying in and out again as quick as possible but will be stuck there for a few days in any event.

[mobile]

I was speaking (email) to someone from Alaska last night. She said that the weather had just 'warmed up' to -18°F from -50°F

[nadja77]

Quote

I was speaking (email) to someone from Alaska last night. She said that the weather had just 'warmed up' to -18°F from -50°F

Nothing to worry about now then! Don't forget your speedo and suntan lotion!  
A bit off topic, but according to my Mum, these are the sort of temps they have in Germany during the night at the moment!  Who needs to go to Alaska for a bit of chilly weather!

Edited by nadja77, 03 February 2012 - 16:05 PM.

[Daniel G]

Wow! I really wouldn't want to be in your shoes! (Or snow boots...) All i can say is wrap up warm, and good luck!  

[mantrid]

'Dont forget to put your vest on!' As my mam alwayss used to tell me.

[manders]

mobile, on 03 February 2012 - 12:09 PM, said:

I was speaking (email) to someone from Alaska last night. She said that the weather had just 'warmed up' to -18°F from -50°F

Time to get out the bermuda shorts then  

[numpty]

You should be able to get by with lots of layers of normal UK winter clothing ... thermal undies, a couple pairs of trousers (see if Lidl has any of those cheapie thermal trousers ... mine worked great), two or three pairs of socks, a couple of shirts, a couple of jumpers, a chunky jacket/parka, a couple of woolly hats and a couple of pairs of gloves. I spent the winter in Canada two years ago and got by with pretty much that ... being stingy I didn't want to pay for fancy outdoor gear.

Anyway, the weather can be a bit up and down there, as in the UK, and it would be a shame to buy state-of-the-art gear only to have a week of temperatures hovering around freezing. If you're worrying about the car breaking down, you could pack a good sleeping bag as well. Cars generally have plug-in block heaters attached to keep the engines warm overnight, if you're planning on doing much touring around and staying at motels or the like.

[manders]

Where im going the temps where hovering around -30C last night (about 100miles south of the arctic circle), not sure about multiple layers of uk type clothes, i wear that in the 'bitterly cold' uk winter we are having at the moment (-3C where I live). Lol.

[31drew31]

numpty, on 04 February 2012 - 02:46 AM, said:

You should be able to get by with lots of layers of normal UK winter clothing ... thermal undies, a couple pairs of trousers (see if Lidl has any of those cheapie thermal trousers ... mine worked great), two or three pairs of socks, a couple of shirts, a couple of jumpers, a chunky jacket/parka, a couple of woolly hats and a couple of pairs of gloves. I spent the winter in Canada two years ago and got by with pretty much that ... being stingy I didn't want to pay for fancy outdoor gear.

Anyway, the weather can be a bit up and down there, as in the UK, and it would be a shame to buy state-of-the-art gear only to have a week of temperatures hovering around freezing. If you're worrying about the car breaking down, you could pack a good sleeping bag as well. Cars generally have plug-in block heaters attached to keep the engines warm overnight, if you're planning on doing much touring around and staying at motels or the like.

There is a HUGE difference between -20C and -30C. I am from Canada, and we get -20C quite often, but about 3 weeks ago we had a weeks worth of -30C to -40C and no matter what I wore I was way too cold. Even walking from the car to the buildings (about 40 feet) I was shivering by the time I got in. Unless you went to the Yukon, NWT or Nunavut in Canada, there isnt much use comparing.

[numpty]

31drew31, on 04 February 2012 - 16:45 PM, said:

There is a HUGE difference between -20C and -30C. I am from Canada, and we get -20C quite often, but about 3 weeks ago we had a weeks worth of -30C to -40C and no matter what I wore I was way too cold. Even walking from the car to the buildings (about 40 feet) I was shivering by the time I got in. Unless you went to the Yukon, NWT or Nunavut in Canada, there isnt much use comparing.

Yup, I was in Whitehorse for a big chunk of the time, and various other spots in that general neck of the woods. Some days it got up to just below freezing, then it would plummet again. Mind you, Winnipeg can be brutal too with the windchill.

But your point's well taken; you can get by with ten layers of British clothing, but it's not the comfortable or practical option. But then even with proper Arctic gear, I know my in-laws don't do anything other than just run to the car when it gets into the -30s.