How do you prepare for the cold without idling.Genset , electric blanket etc.

I have a gas generator. 800 / 1200 watt heater and a battery charger that runs when the generator is running.

Best thing I ever did was buy a heated blanket last year. I use it under the sheet. What a world of difference it made.
Our company trucks have bunk heaters but the either cooked you out of the truck or just plain not work at all.

this on low dose everything I need in the Midwest


My winter generator can run 10 hours on 1 gallon of gas.
During the summer I use a bigger unit that uses 3 gallons a night with the AC running.

 

without idling? i use the bunk heater down til about 0 degrees, anything under that and im idling. it aint worth the risk of having dead batteries in the morning.

 

Yeesh am I the only one to keep a Atlantic hurricane lantern on hand and some lamp oil?

 

I am not serious posting this but this could keep you warm when stuck in Rawlins, WY in a blizzard...

 

Wool undergear is much warmer, also more expensive but worth it the first night. Can wear for weeks without stinking. Never put in dryer or warm wash. Comes in weights, start with thinest and thickest, look for sales at outdoor suppliers.

Expedition-grade down sleeping bag, keep it in the big bag not the compressed one and it will last for years. I'm still using an older Marmot Never Summer zero degree bag bought cheap a decade ago. I can drop inside it until only my nose sticks out if needed, it weighs in ounces.

Quilted insulated pants, these are usually for mountain climbers, will go under regular pants like long johns and sometimes have windproof Pertex shell. I love standing out in the cold wind feeling warm while the person I'm talking to is shivering and wondering if I'm superman. :^)

You can also wear them to bed, helps warm up that cold sleeping bag.

Always keep your legs warm, that blood also goes through your organs and can cause back aches if it gets too cold. I see people with all kinda jackets up top and just dungarees or Carharts down below and shake my head.

Same with upper body, lightweight insulated layers over wool that you can add or take off to adjust comfort. If you see a good deal buy a slightly larger one to go over the right-size one. REI sells their own branded stuff cheaper, but sometimes the Patagonia or such is on sale, that's what the fishing guides who spend all day outside wear.

Wind/rain shell with pit zips to regulate body temp when outside in wind and rain.

Something warm on your head, beanie or balaclava. I like windproof here.

 

If you're going to use that propane heater in a truck, buy a carbon monoxide detector.