Cold Weather Survival tips

a reply to: argentus

Never did own any silk, but it sounds like it would serve well.

Silk is the most amazing winter layer. It is very expensive, but worth it and will last a VERY long time.

a reply to: JAGStorm

As a kid, I was encouraged to put wool next to my skin. Never could tolerate that, no matter how cold it got. Did love my wool pants though, even though they made me look like a circus clown. Even wet wool won't make you cold.

originally posted by: argentus
a reply to: JAGStorm

As a kid, I was encouraged to put wool next to my skin. Never could tolerate that, no matter how cold it got. Did love my wool pants though, even though they made me look like a circus clown. Even wet wool won't make you cold.

I can't stand wool too scratchy, itchy, some of it smells!! ugg
I can only tolerate Merino wool with a layer under it.

a reply to: JAGStorm

I love polar fleece! Even on the coldest days here in the Land of Enchantment, all you need is a silk undershirt, Polar fleece top and a polar fleece hoodie. No parka unless you are on the slopes. We had a little cold snap and some snow, fresh powder at Taos and Red River....

Shawls, Scarves (the larger the better) and knitwear head covers are also excellent to keep you warm. Keeping your neck and head warm affects the entire body, specially indoors.
Good luck Texans!

a reply to: JAGStorm

I worry for those who are elderly, ill or have babies who are bottle fed. Not sure how you heat formula with no power if you live where you have not prepped for that.

originally posted by: SeaWorthy
I worry for those who are elderly, ill or have babies who are bottle fed. Not sure how you heat formula with no power if you live where you have not prepped for that.

Elderly or ill should be in the hospital, warming centers.

Liquids can be warmed with a candle, or put a pot on a grill outdoors, or place water in the bottle close to the body to warm it up.

originally posted by: argentus
a reply to: JAGStorm

As a kid, I was encouraged to put wool next to my skin. Never could tolerate that, no matter how cold it got. Did love my wool pants though, even though they made me look like a circus clown. Even wet wool won't make you cold.

That (wearing wool next to skin) indeed works like a charm. I remember doing cave exploration during rainy season, in damp and moist caves somewhere in the Belgian Ardeche, where we had to crawl on our backs through narrow slits and actually felt the water streaming through your clothes. One of the guides suggester we’d wear our t-shirts over our wool sweaters, in stead of under, which works both physical and mentally.

Most people know to wear a thick insulated jacket, and gloves, but they forget to wear a nice fleece head cap, covering ears. People don’t realize you loose a lot of body heat from your noggin.

Bunny boots, Gortex insulated bottoms and tops with a layer of insulated underwear with a thick beanie, you can literally sleep in the snow.

a reply to: 2Faced

Yes. If getting wet it dire cold is a possibility, then wool next to the skin. Comfort is less important than survival.

I live in the Caribbean. I still have a wool Pea Coat, wool pants, wool glove liners and wool socks stored in a giant ziplock up in the attic. You just never know. Plus, after my Darlin' and me are gone, it will be entertaining for those who come behind us to wonder what the HELL we were doing with all these down vests, jackets, oilskin coats and wool stuff.

originally posted by: Nivhk
Not to derail, but the thing that bugs me the most is...

This should be blasted on the air waves, leaders *cough* should be working on guidelines on how to prepare and survive these events.

Or taught to kids in school ... along with Civics.

ETA: I saw wool, then I saw Merino ... don't forget cashmere. It's not that expensive ... and as a base layer it's extremely comfortable and more effective against cold than one would give it credit. I got ragged on so hard bringing what amounted to long johns with me out to the desert. At night the desert cold is frikkin' unforgiving. A couple days into our deployment, my team leader asks if I'd spare him a set 'for testing'. A week later, everyone on the team got ten sets gratis. Became standard issue.

a reply to: NorthOfStuff

Kelly Kettle. It’s like a soup thermos with a chimney up the middle. Water can be boiled in no time with very little fuel usage. You can burn nearly anything in them

That is super COOL, totally getting one.

a reply to: argentus

Silk, like wool, holds its insulating value when wet. Cotton kills as it loses when wet and takes too long to dry when worn due to evaporation stealing your heat.

And for general knowledge...

You can make an alcohol burner with an empty tuna can, corrugated cardboard and denatured alcohol (HEET) or rubbing alcohol. Cut your cardboard into strips wide enough to fit the can and coil them inside tightly. Saturate and light. Be sure that it is the alcohol burning and not the cardboard, otherwise extinguish by snuffing with a larger can and add more alcohol.

Important Safety Tip: use in kitchen or other fire safe place near a window for ventilation.

originally posted by: 2Faced

originally posted by: argentus
a reply to: JAGStorm

As a kid, I was encouraged to put wool next to my skin. Never could tolerate that, no matter how cold it got. Did love my wool pants though, even though they made me look like a circus clown. Even wet wool won't make you cold.

That (wearing wool next to skin) indeed works like a charm. I remember doing cave exploration during rainy season, in damp and moist caves somewhere in the Belgian Ardeche, where we had to crawl on our backs through narrow slits and actually felt the water streaming through your clothes. One of the guides suggester we’d wear our t-shirts over our wool sweaters, in stead of under, which works both physical and mentally.

I lived in Belgium for a while. There sure are some creepy places there. Is Ardeche the same as the Ardennes?

originally posted by: Flyingclaydisk
Some hints:

- Clay flower pots are your friend.
- Gloves, are like American Express, never leave home without them!
- Layers are good, any kind; and the more the better. (both under and on top).
- Never depend on a battery (no matter how cool, or what kind it is).
- Nothing electric works in an emergency situation...ever.
- Fire is important, but not nearly as important as shelter from the elements
- Drinkable water is invaluable...always! (i.e. don't let it freeze)
- Don't worry about food...worry about water. Always!

And there's more...

- Always know water is the heaviest thing you will ever deal with in a survival situation. Plan for it. Save the most of your energy to get, and keep, drinkable water as part of your survival situation. 99.5% of all people in survival situations die due to lack of hydration. Water is KEY! Water will keep you warm, it will keep your muscles from seizing up...water is LIFE!

Don't worry about food???

Horrible advice.

Your body needs fat and calories!

When I use to go on week long hikes in cold weather, we would easily go through 8000 to 10000 calories a day per person, also making a hypothermia drink made of hot chocolate and a tablespoon or two of butter is perfect, chocolate for fast burning fats and the butter for slow burning fats.

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Yes. I believe the Ardeche is a French arrondisement officially, but stretches in to Belgium (ardennes).

a reply to: JAGStorm

Wool and fleece are good. But in my experience a nice down insulated coat, windproof/waterproof is the best...keeps you dry and warm. Combine with some fleece/wool layers, wool socks, gloves (mittens are better for warmth but less dexterity) hat, put your hood up get a mask or scarf. Add in some nice boots and youre good to go.

With that stuff you wouldn't have to huddle in a room you can move around outside just fine. Just no exposed skin and stay dry.

a reply to: Muninn

Yeah I'd say food is as important or potentially more important than fluids when cold. It's essential to generate bodyheat and hypothermia can kill in minutes. If you go 24 hours without food in cold weather your core temperature takes a nosedive.

As you say it's a case of getting the most calories possible into the body, especially fats. When I'm in the Alps I pretty much live off cheese soup.

Cold Weather Survival tips

Or you can take a vacation to Cancun like Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz.

www.mysanantonio.com...