Winter Weather Gear

I'm a gas hauler, not a skateboarder, but I have to stand outside while the truck unloads…

I prefer Carhartt over anything else. I have tried many brands over the years, and it is about the only company that gets my money. I have numerous Carhartt jackets/coats for the varying temperatures/months. Some with hoods, some without. I wear Carhartt long underwear during the winter months, along with heavy wool socks, and either steel toe red wings, or I just bought a pair of insulated non steel toe red wings as well. One bit of advice, steel toed boots will suck the life out of your toes in extreme cold (as I'm sure you know). I don't need steel toed boots for my job/company, so will start wearing non steel toed for more warmth.

With gas hauling, I need a chemical/gas resistant glove, so I wear insulated pvc gloves. I'm not sure if they would stand up to chaining/strapping. When I did a bit of flatbedding, I would wear a gore tex leather glove that seemed to work ok. I would suggest trying an insulated pvc glove though to see if they work.

I also carry a mad bomber hat with a balaclava, ski goggles, a carhartt hat that has a face mask sewn in, and a regular winter hat.

IMO you can't carry enough clothing, especially during the winter months. There will be days when you will need a few different pairs of gloves, different hats, etc for varying weather conditions. You might want to get a pair of Sorel type boots incase you get stranded on the road without heat. I like to dress in layers myself, and just make sure cotton is not your first layer. Cotton does not wick moisture, and once wet, will only make you colder! So with that, don't wear cotton socks! All of my socks that I wear during the winter months are wool. I like to buy the best clothing I can afford, as I HATE to buy the same thing twice! Best of luck to you for your adventure into the world of flatbedding.

 

I run a pneumatic can and I too get to stand outside while unloading. I wouldn't leave the yard without my Carhart Artic bibs. Jeans with just long underwear won't cut it when the temps drop below freezing, you get mighty cold mighty fast without the bibs. I had a Walls insulated sweatshirt over my T-shirt and long sleeve T-shirt, with my Carhart hooded winter coat over top. A word of advice, once you're bundled up to be outside..... Stay outside, do not get back in the truck until you're ready to take off all your layers. My training driver would always get back in the truck after getting things running then wonder why he'd shiver his arse off when he had to get back out. Even with the heat on very low in the truck, you'll get too warm if you stay in for any length of time making it FAR worse to get back outside. I spent about 4 hours outside today, my moustache was frozen but I wasn't cold, it was a balmy 12 degrees in Elkhart, IN this morning without the wind chill and 14 degrees in Fostoria, Ohio when I got there this afternoon. I've found that my Timberland insulated composite toe boots paired with nice thick wool socks over my regular socks keeps my feet nice and warm. Always have more warm gloves than you think you need. If you only have a couple pair and one pair gets wet and you rip the other pair you'll be SOL. Don't forget a good cold weather sleeping bag even if you have regular bedding in your bunk, regular bedding isn't going to keep you warm if the truck doesn't have heat.

 

I keep a set of ice cleats in the truck. They slip on my boots and are great for extra traction on ice and packed snow.

 

I wouldn't worry about the sneaker type shoes Steel toe work boots X2 at least
I carry 2 pair of carhart bibs and 2 jackets as well as a rain jacket
Gloves you can never have enough of those in the wet/snow weather they don't dry out real quick
Ice cleats yes they come in handy when you have to get on a frozen load or trailer
I carry a flat shovel to work snow
Just remember layers, layers and layers , will keep you warm

 

Great post.

Most important part is the no cotton on your skin especially your socks. I only wear polypropylene socks in the summer and merino wool socks when its cold.

I have a big problem with sweaty feet and the socks that me and Dieselgeek mentioned take care of most of the problem.

 

I kept a couple of big trash bags in my wrecker.
if you get into cold sleet, freezing rain type stuff
It really helped shed the water off so it doesnt soak through
the carhartt.

Once that happens it takes along time to dry out

 

One product I can recommend for that is CAMP DRY, I treat all my carharts and hunting gear with it, its not total water proof but dam near it!
That and MINK OIL for your boots will help keep the water out

 

I agree on the Kiwi Camp Dry.