Sub Zero Winter wear & gear

I have two pair of these. One with liners one without. Usually only need the liners around -15. Then I throw them on the dryer at night so they are dry in the morning. Steel toe/plate and Kevlar. Never used them for trucking yet, but they are my go to for being out in the snow.

Like everyone else said layers are key. All synthetic. A good hat is critical.

 

You have to layer, and have the top half ready to throw on.
I like fleece.

Cause I've yet to be in serious winter conditions where I didn't have the cab at like 100 degrees to try and keep something of a clear windshield, so its 10 degrees outside plus your travel speed outside, and your sitting in a t shirt sweating your nads off.

 

girls can drive too, and the winter gear weighs less.

 

Thanks for the tag.

Honestly, if you want proper protection from the cold, you are going to be spending money. Heavily insulated clothing options cost a lot of money to make, so it's going to cost a lot to buy.

If you don't want to spend the money, you have to be smart. Layers layers layers. That's the key.

Feet: Two pairs of good quality, thick socks in your boots*.
Legs: Long underwear, fleece-lined jeans and snow pants (preferably the overalls).
Torso: Undershirt, long-sleeved t-shirt, hoodie, down-lined jacket*.
Hands: "Smokers" gloves (thin little things), wool liners and genuine leather mitts* (real cow hide, not imitation).
Face/Head: Balaclava/scarf/beard, thick toque* (knit cap), and raise both hoodie and jacket hoods.

* = spend some decent money on these so they not only last longer, but provide better protection

This is how I dress for temperatures between -30°C and -40°C (-22°F to -40°F) and usually end up staying warm for whatever I need to do outside within an hour or so. Any more time outside and you are risking frostbite, which in severe cases, will end your career.

Most cold weather resistance comes from body tolerance. When it first starts dropping to freezing, I find myself getting really cold really quickly, now, I can step outside the truck with barely anything on (shoes, pants, t-shirt and hoodie), do a full walk around, get back in and continue on my merry way without much issue (unless it's colder than -20°C).

If I gear up too much, I start to sweat and that can be just as bad. Sweating is the leading cause of frostbite in most cases not involving exposed skin. If you spend too much time warming up and soak your socks or mitts, they will freeze much quicker when you go back outside and you can lose digits in a matter of 20-30 minutes.

We don't normally experience temperatures much lower than -45°C in the winter. If we do, things tend to shut down.

 

I don't live north of the border but it does get cold here.

I just remember what my grandma always said growing up, put a vest on and keep your back warm.

Now I probably do not get cold like most boy for me jeans, wool socks, T-shirt, sweatshirt and Carhartt vest. Three times this year I have had to add a jacket. Only because I stayed out a little longer.

I do have a pair of Walls coveralls, baclava, sorrels. But have only used each one time in three years. Now that time I had to spend a couple hours fixing brakes I was glad to have them.

I always wear a ball cap to keep heat in and to keep from signaling alien space craft. No sense letting them know where I am at with the glare.

The main thing is, just be smart. My biggest thing is a breakdown with no alternative heat source. Even if you have a bunk heater, I would still carry something like a Mr Buddy heater. Company has you running on quarter tanks and you are shut down or off the road in the middle of nowhere, what are you going to do when you run out of fuel?

 

yes, as above. even in the -24* I was able to walk from rig to restroom without incurring body damage (other than previously mentioned nose-hairs). shortshleeve (cotton) shirt, wind-resistant fleece vest, and other performance upper layers as needed

 

My outer layer is an uninsulated Carrhart canvas jacket. If it gets below zero I add a down vest under it. It gives me a lot of mobility with my arms. I always have a turtleneck on and balaclava to protect my neck, especially the back of my neck.

 

I have been using those neoprene gloves (decoy or fisherman gloves) this winter for chaining up, and they worked great, but wore out pretty quickly... Lol
I switched to the gray insulated rubber coated grip gloves, and they are pretty good for short term outside, but it occurs to me to try using the neoprene gloves with a thin leather glove, or maybe a blue rubber coated glove, or maybe a Mechanic glove, over it to protect it from wear. I don't know how much it would decrease dexterity...

If it were really cold, maybe a neoprene glove with a gray insulated rubber coated glove over it?

 

My issue is wide hands. I have o buy a XL glove or they are too tight. I can't think of wearing two pair... Lol

 

I'd rather turn my bunk heater up, light a scented candle, get my snuggy blanket, nice book and some hot chocolate. ....of course if ya gotta brave it outside then do as you have said, only in pink for me, and thinner layers that arent do weighty.