Clothing Layers

[Anonymous]

Hallo aus Deutschland!
Hi from Germany!

I’ve just joined this forum. My name is Marion, I’m 40 years of age and female. I’ve read most postings, but would like to put a few questions here that the postings couldn’t answer. In case my questions sound, well, stupid, let me apologize in advance. I have never been in a very cold climate. I haven’t even been in deep snow yet! Still, or because of that, I’d like to know what life in such a remote and cold part of the world, like Antarctica, might be like.

In March, I will be travelling to the polar circle in Finland. To get a taste of the cold 😉 I haven’t even got a clue what kind of clothes to wear. In the North of Germany, where I live, we don’t get less than – 5° C. I would be grateful for any useful hints on suitable clothing.

If, perhaps, anyone would like to become penpals, he/she is highly welcome! You can find more information on me in my profile.

Marion

[Anonymous]

I can’t help you with Antarctica, but I am amazed to hear that North Germany is that warm! I live in Arizona, USA, and it gets much colder here in Flagstaff, in the winter. Crazy world, eh?

[Sciencetech]

Guten tag Marion,

Wie gehts? Welcome. If you’re interested in Antarctica, have you considered working for the German Antarctic program? I don’t know much about their program, other than they have at least one or two stations (Neumeyer is the one I know of), but maybe you could work there.

Regarding proper clothing, it’s usually best to take a variety of layers rather than rely on just one thick, warm parka. That way, if you get too warm you can take a layer off, or put another layer on if you get cold. Having lots of socks is important: they tend to get sweaty in boots, which can make your feet cold — so change them often. Stay dry. Other than that it’s mostly personal preference.

Cheers,

Glenn

[Anonymous]

I would add just one thing to what Glenn suggested. I found that the best foot protection was two pairs of knee-high thick wool socks under knee-high Eskimo mucklucks. At minus 85 degrees Fahrenheit I could stay outside all day without getting cold feet. Mucklucks are not waterproof, however, so they should not be used if the temperature rises above freezing and there is snow melt.

Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your replies! To dress in layers is a good idea, I will do so! Thanks also for the hint about the socks, I wouldn’t have thought about it.

[Author]

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